‘Dangerous Liaisons’ Recap: ‘Here Is My Soul’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that the STARZ series, Dangerous Liaisons, has done a phenomenal job of teaching us about the power and the nature of revenge. For Camille’s quest to harm Jacqueline and to a lesser extent Valmont, has informed us of the origins of revenge and how a deep-rooted pain can fuel it and take it to incredible levels. Not to mention, it’s shown us how intoxicating it is and how it can drive us to become vastly different people, courtesy of the power and rush it provides us with. All of which has given us a comprehensive understanding of the vendetta. Perhaps enough to hammer home why we should steer clear of it at all costs, regardless of the powerful temptation it sends our way.
​
But alas, the writers’ room of this fascinating series, didn’t feel as though that was enough to really give the audience the perspective and caution, they need to exercise regarding revenge. Because there are other dangers that come into play by indulging it, and it just so happens that the penultimate episode of the series, opted to dig into such matters. For when we caught up with Valmont and Camille in ‘Here Is My Soul’, they were atop cloud nine and once again consummating their intense and oft toxic love. For it seemed as though, at long last, they would achieve agency and power over those they wished to punish. Thanks to the fact, that Camille had a wonderful plan in mind to utterly embarrass and destroy Jacqueline and her slimy husband. 

In that, she would have Valmont get his declaration of love from Jacqueline, in writing of course. Which in turn would be presented to the queen at the upcoming opera. For Camille now knew what her majesty looked like and that would make it easy to get close to her and distribute such a surprise. But therein lie the first lesson in the other dangers that come with revenge. In that, in order for it to fully work… it requires cooperation from the mark. And that isn’t always possible. For people have different things that they want out of life, and that can conflict with delicate revenge plans, as evidenced by how poorly Valmont’s portion of the plan went. Since Jacqueline rebuffed him and even hit him for suggesting they give into their desire for one another… and that prompted him to of course… try harder to win over her lust.

---

Which in turn… led to another lesson. Specifically, that sometimes revenge reveals other truths we never thought we would learn. The kind that could change lives and can force us to alter the plan and that came about… courtesy of Valmont’s pivot. For it seemed he finally motivated Jacqueline’s desires and could finally bring this plan for revenge to fruition. But alas, Jacqueline felt she needed to confess a dark and dirty secret and truth to Valmont before their desire was consummated. Wherein Valmont came to learn, that Camille’s little one didn’t die as she was told. She lived and was under Jacqueline’s care, and that was why she was so religious, to try and atone for kidnapping a child in essence, and that of course… prompted a bold plan on Valmont’s part to make things right for his love. 
​
Wherein he would quickly kidnap the child and return her to her mother and that plan, and Camille’s doings in the world, led to the final lesson of the night… that indulging in revenge can and will immerse a person amongst real trouble and dark individuals and dark deeds. For it is a dark act to begin with and that lesson came to life when Valmont was beaten badly by Henri and his men so this secret and Henri’s stature could be held to the highest standard. Plus, we also came to learn that Camille was making enemies because of her request to Chevalier, and that she might be married to an actual monster. Since Jean has some violent secrets in his closest, and some proclivities that were implied to be quite terrifying, and she and Victoire might be in real danger now. 

Not to mention, the letters are out in the world because Rose is just… the worst, and well, all of these elements set the stage for what should be… a powerful series finale. But before we get to the end of the story, we can in fact… celebrate another brilliant chapter in this journey. One that truly hammered home the external and uncontrollable aspects of revenge we don’t think about all that often, and the external dangers that come with embracing a dark life where anger rules the day and truly… it will be interesting to see how all of this comes together in next week’s finale. For there is a lot of darkness hanging over this story now, the kind that can quickly change lives for the worse, and hopefully Valmont and Camille can expertly navigate the darkness as they have all year, to enjoy a sliver of agency and peace perhaps, before this saga comes to a close. Until next time.

---

Powered by JustWatch