Reign: 2x02 “Drawn and Quartered”

“Same thing happens every plague. Justice suffers and dies with the rest of us.” 

The plague has come and has already gone, the pandemic didn’t last as long as it might have been expected. Things have pretty much come back to normal. The loved ones were buried and  people were dancing and drinking and celebrating the safe return of their King. 

The only reminder of a plague we saw was Bash and guards moving dead bodies. I’m no expert, but shouldn’t they be more careful? They were afraid to dig the graves up and release the plague, but they were going back and forth to catacombs and chambers full of dead infected bodies, with no protection other than gloves.

And since Bash and guards were moving bodies around they could have moved one more, how careless was it to leave Eduard’s body in catacombs with the servants?! Even if there weren’t any survivors, Lord Narcisse would still find that suspicious.

As it turned out Lord Eduard was doing his father’s bidding. So Lord Narcisse and Lord Valent were using plague to kill land owners and take their land, they also stole money from Vatican and even killed the Cardinal. Like father, like son, so even though Eduard was following orders, he still deserves what he got. The only thing is, like Bash said in the previous episode, people will be hold responsible for their actions or, in case if people is Queen, the others will be punished instead. Mary was to quick to execute revenge, whereas the smart move would have been to just arrest Lord Eduard. Francis on the other hand found a compromise and managed to keep a foot in both worlds, this time at least. I wonder if Catherine and Henry gave way too much power to nobles to begin with, and it will be almost impossible for Francis and Mary to take it back.

Whereas Mary’s actions almost cost Nostradamus his life, Francis’s decision only cost Leith his land with access to river. I’m sure Francis will compensate Leith perhaps with some fancy title or a position at court, where he will have to see Greer every day. 

Speaking of Greer, the right move for her was to follow Lord Castleroy and prove him she is loyal to him, plus it would put some distance between her and Leith. Instead she didn’t even think to offer to accompany her future husband, who by the way couldn’t get out fast enough. Lord Castleroy has shown some character and maybe for the first time asked himself a question whether or not he should settle with a woman who is so obviously in love with someone else.

Everyone kept asking Francis what kind of king and what kind of father did he want to be? He is still struggling with both. He saw what being a bastard did to Bash, yet he was hesitant to claim child his. Only after Catherine and then Mary assured him that it’s the right thing to do, he decided to do it. Much like with personal affairs, he was hesitant and unsure with state affairs; stuck between Conde and Narcisse, he didn’t know who to trust. Maybe he isn't that ready to be King. 

Mary took the situation with Lola and a child very well all things considered. As hard as it was she did good as a queen, as a wife and as a woman. There was no point of pushing the child away, that would only make Francis resent her sooner or later. Plus, it doesn't look like she considers Lola a threat to her marriage.

As it turned out the little girl from Bash's hallucination meant exactly what she said. The door between two worlds is open and the dead have decided to stick on this side until they are done avenging for their unnatural death. Those are not only people who have been murdered one way or another, but also those who have died during the plague and were deprived of a proper burial.

Made sense that the spirit of Henry (or whatever) was the first to show up, and to none other than Francis, who is the most skeptical of all things magic. I bet next episode Mary will meet with Lord Eduard.

I’m not sure how I feel about all this supernatural side of the story. So far it was on the background in the form of visions and pagan rituals that were easy to believe considering the time period, but dead people possessing whoever they want, it is not the Reign I love, because at its core it is not a supernatural tale.

My favorite part of the episode was Francis giving Bash a real job, a real title and making him his deputy. It was beautifully done.

Historical bits

Sorry, there was no historical reference I could come up with while watching this one.

Some observations  

Catherine now knows that Clarissa is alive.

Nostradamus is gone, I hope not for good.

I thought Mary and Francis will come up with a plan to save Nostradamus faster, I could live without ever hearing the description of the torture and actually seeing it.

Memorable Quotes:

Lord Narcisse: “No, you command nothing! I don't fear you, I don't fear your husband! Because without me, without the other nobles, your power disappears. We are the outside world, and we surround you.”

Mary: “I know I told you to go to Lola, but then the plague came and you knowingly abandoned me to a nightmare.You are the king who deserted his castle, and I am the queen who was left behind, alone. Alone because of your mistakes.”

Damn right. Not cool Francis, blaming Mary, not cool.

Greer: “I pray the day will come when I no longer regret that I loved you.”

Jeez, Greer! As if breaking his heart wasn't enough! 

Bash: “Well, this job is different. Enforcing the laws, keeping the peace beyond the castle walls. My wife tells me that in Scotland they call this the king's deputy. The realm is growing unstable.You need someone out there you can actually trust.”

Mary: “... do right by him, with my blessing, and claim him as your own. And our marriage will be stronger for it.”

Sol’s rating: Not as strong as season opener, but still quite good. What did you think?