Reign: 2x11 “Getaway”

Mary: “None of us are responsible for our hearts, only our actions.”

This episode aired weeks ago, and I couldn’t bring myself to write about it. I tried, really tried and failed every time. It took all the will power and then some to finally look through my notes and try to understand why was I so disappointed in this one despite some great moments.

After a couple of strong episodes it’s only natural to dial it down a bit, but I failed to stay focused during this one. So many things happened, so many different things happened to different people, it was difficult to keep tabs. Overall, the episode felt disjointed.

What was it about? Bash’s struggle because he has to do bad things for the greater good? Francis betting on love while pushing Bash to do bad things for the greater good? Or was it about poor Conde who has not only been branded again, but also is caught between his perv of a cousin and his love for Mary? Like I said many things happened.

When I heard the words “mark of the dark riders” I said out loud: “Not again”. It wasn’t, thankfully. The bodies of Protestants were branded afterwards, so yet another Cardinal visiting castle would assume it’s some sort of secret seal, a pledge amongst Protestants. Therefore anyone bearing the mark is automatically deemed a traitor.

Conde escaping in Mary’s carriage, them attending the bizarre party worthy of Caligula, them running back to castle wasn’t as entertaining as Francis and Bash playing with fire. Did you notice how different their approach was? Bash was hoping Cardinal loves his cleric enough to call off the hunt, but Francis, he did his homework. He questioned servants first so when he was playing with the life of an innocent person he was betting on a sure thing. The plan worked. The only thing I wonder is would it still have worked if Cardinal didn’t learn about the set up. It seemed to me that he wasn’t going to cave in, and did so only after finding out the King himself has set this up. So Francis’ plan might have gone either way. I still loved it.

I like Francis, more now, when he is so haunted and Toby is conveying it so well, it’s mesmerizing.

Keeping in fire in Mary’s room is certainly not in the King’s job description. It made watching him grasping at straws and trying to get close to Mary that much harder. Mary definitely exaggerated a bit in her decision to live separately, and I think she is realizing it now. Especially after finding Francis sound asleep with his child and Lola. You could actually physically feel the distance of thousands of miles between them.

My dear, Claude you are a spoiled brat and one of a kind. Hurting the woman who just saved you from a certain and, I assume, painful death is not how gratitude works. Part of me wanted Catherine to finish her off.

Catherine and her ghosts situation seemed to have come to an end. I’m still not sure how and why it works, but I have a theory. It’s Catherine’s guilt that made her see the ghosts of her daughters, and all that was needed for them to go away was for her to forgive Claude. The second she did it, they vanished. Could it be that simple?

Catherine never confronted Claude about the murder. Well, she probably should have long ago. As it turned out Claude didn’t even know, or rather remember killing the twins. Is it possible that Catherine was wrong all along?

Historical bits

They are painting the portrait of Antoine, King of Navarre, pretty close to original.

Some observations  

Mary didn't like much to hear that Conde slept with another woman. How could he? He is in love with Mary! Her reaction was almost jealous. Are they pushing us to Conde-Mary romance? Not sure how I feel about this.

When King Antoine was playing cupid I was wondering if Greer and Leith will be called to the sea bed. I guess there wasn’t the time or the place. We can wait.

Wardrobe department

The “Best Dress of the week” Award goes to Mary

 

The “Worst Dress of the week” Award goes to Kenna

 

Memorable Quotes:

Greer: “Many things can be forced out of duty. But not the heart.”

Bash: “I know that he and Randall are lovers; it's the worst kept secret in France.”

Cardinal Perazzo: “Congratulations. You've used your knowledge of the heart's noblest emotion to manipulate and destroy someone.”

 

Sol’s rating: Loved some parts. Didn't like others. Overall 2 out of 5.

If you haven't heard yet the good news, here it is: the CW renewed Reign for a third season!