Reign: 1x20 “Higher Ground”

John: “Are you sure you know what you're doing? Those men are rumored to have carried out the massacre of your countrymen. They're monsters.”

Mary: “Indeed they are... but they're my monsters now.”

The “Higher Ground” will always stand out by being an episode where Mary lost her innocence, quite literally. Not only she ordered to kill Hortensa, she also employed the very monsters that killed her countrymen. Mary crossed that line and went ahead past it full speed. It was delightfully ruthless and kind of scary. Mary Queen of Scots, ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived.  

In her defense, she did try other options. She asked Catherine for help, appealed for her friendship with Marie de Guise, it didn’t work. So she went ahead with plan B – kidnap Catherine for ransom and blame someone else. Agent Ballard, a.k.a John, who shows up and disappears like Ninja and could not easily be turned, was exactly the mercenary Mary needed to execute her plan without drawing much suspicion. This time, her plan worked.

Catherine was right in her suspicions but she couldn’t bring herself to believe that Mary has grown enough to be capable of something like that. Much like Francis couple of episodes back, when he genuinely thought Mary was bluffing and didn’t think she was capable of putting France at risk. With Mary changing at that rate Francis might not recognize her upon return. Not surprising at all that Bash remains the only one who seems to understand her better than anyone and always offers her his advice without judging her or telling her what to do. 

The situation in Scotland is getting worse. There is no more sense to fight off and the only option for Marie de Guise to survive is to escape. It’s too soon for Maries de Guise to die, but she also can't run away, so I’m curious of what they come up next.  

We also had another visit from, yet another couple of Medici family members, who we have never heard of before. The introduction of Hortensa and the reveal that her men participated in the massacre of Mary’s countrymen felt a bit far-fetched. Introducing a new character only to have her or him fall by the end of an episode is a lazy tactic. Had they introduced or at least mentioned her in the previous episodes the impact would have been different.

Let’s move on to less stressful parts of the episode, shall we?

Surprise, surprise, Leith is back, I honestly thought we were done with him. The second he saved Francis’ life I knew he’d be back at court with some title and some land. Please tell me they didn’t come up with plan to retake Calais just to bring Leith back? As this episode progressed Lord Castleroy’s chances were diminishing by the second. What would Greer do, assuming Leith comes back to court before her wedding? For dramatic purposes I bet it will be right after. Poor Lord Castleroy, he doesn’t stand a chance or maybe Greer will surprise us all. We'll see.

I was really hoping for a happy ending for Lola, not that this is the end, the child she’s about to give birth to will be too important to France considering Mary’s situation. But for now, I was happy that Julien didn’t leave and found it in himself to confess about his financial troubles. Like Greer said those two both entered marriage for selfish reasons, but now that they fell in love they have a chance at happiness, especially since there is no more secrets [well, except for the baby’s father].

Historical bits

The castle of Montmorency did exist and it was on the way to Calais [sort of], but it was destroyed by the English during the Hundred Years’ War and was not rebuilt. So technically in couldn’t exist in 1558.

Some observations  

I’m not a fan of Tahmoh Penikett or his acting and he certainly can’t pull of a British accent.

How reckless of Francis to lead those men into the battle a la King Arthur style. Very brave, however when your army is less than a dozen soldiers and you are a future king of France, ultimately not very smart.  

No Henry in this episode, I must say I was relieved; all this craziness is getting tiring.

I laughed out loud during Catherine’s confession and priest’s face expression was priceless.

Blindfolded Catherine profiling her kidnapper was pure art.

Francis’ pep talk on a battle field could honestly make a dead person stand up.

Memorable Quotes:

Mary: “Catherine, I beg of you!”

Catherine: “You're a queen! Don't beg. It invites sympathy, then pity, then disdain. Give the impression that you're weak, and you'll soon need a secret fund.”

Catherine: “Forgive me, Father. Since my last confession, I have taken the Lord's name in vain many times. And ordered the assassination of a dozen Scottish visitors. I struck my servant. A slap, which I regret, as it was a loss of self-control. And she's been sulky ever since. Also, my cousin Hortensa is here. Expect worse of me. I loathe her. I'm prepared for my penance.”

Bash: “You don't want to pick this marriage apart. It came together very quickly. Let them find their way.”

Words of wisdom.

Sol’s rating:  3 out of 5