Reign: 4x05 “Highland Games”

I won't deny you your happiness. I release you from this marriage.

I am not quite clear on what exactly this episode was about. For an hour called ‘Highland Games’ there were none that we saw, yet there were all other sorts of entertainment. Let’s recap.

Shall we start with France? So Charles is not eating people, just the raw squirrels in a desperate attempt to feel alive by relieving his journey of survival. Complicated and a tad bit unconvincing, but okey. I might be wrong, but I do seem to remember that he was found quite quickly... when did they do all that stuff with his soon to be skinned alive friend-turned-traitor-turned back-friend? Anyhow he is not insane, not yet, just very damaged and haunted. Understandable, but it is getting a bit old. However, that bloody face of Charles will haunt me for a while; and mainly because that was kind of the true face of Charles IX. Only much much younger, but the actor portrayed all of the emotions perfectly.

Let’s spend few minutes with the love birds of the French court that is now a very uncomfortable triangle. I didn’t think Claude and Leith story could get any more tragic. I was wrong. It is an impossible situation since no one is at fault here, except for Narcisse. Luc is willing to help as long as he keeps the title and couple of heirs, but Leith is not willing to share the woman he loves. I didn’t expect anything less from him. So where does that leave them? Unless Catherine comes true on her promise to get rid of Luc (which would be undeservingly cruel) I don’t see any happy ending for those too, well three.

Another couple whose relationships seem to have come to an end was Castleroy and Greer. It was clear that things weren’t good for a long while now, but it wasn’t Castleroy’s imprisonment that was the issue as I initially thought – it was his love; for another. I guess they have brought the actor back just so we could say goodbye and for Greer to gain her freedom so to speak. Of course she let him go, I didn’t doubt for a second. Now she is free (sort of) to find happiness of her own, and she deserves it. She is a smart woman and she has grown tremendously as a character, yet she was always somewhat unlucky in love. She was always loved, but she didn’t quite loved back, with a possible exception of Leith. 

Watching Mary and Darnley made my head spin. Their back and forth repartees and accusations surprisingly taught them a lot about each other; and with some concessions and admissions they kissed and made up. Darnley has shown some character which was unexpected and pleasant surprise.

No England.

Historical bits

Darnley’s father, Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox did indeed change sides and supported Henri VIII of England’s military efforts in the war between Scotland and England also known as the War of Rough Wooing.

Since we were deprived of the pleasure, let me entertain you. In their original form many centuries ago, Highland Games revolved around athletic and sports competitions, followed by other entertainments, such as dance and music; but fist fights or boxing matches were never part of it. 

Some observations   

No Leesa. Thank God.

So the poor bear died for nothing.

Emily Knox came to James’ chambers, and very poetically at that – I did not see that coming.

Oh, dear Claude, if you want a favor from a man, do not ask him to publicly declare his impotence. Didn’t Catherine teach you anything?

Luc told Claude he will agree to an annulment, so out of decency she could’ve waited a bit before jumping into Leith’s bed.

I guess I was wrong to think it was James who sent Mary a warning note. Nor was it Know. Are we to believe it was Lord Taylor since he was the only one openly protesting? Or is someone else is 'The Watchman'?

Darnley still doesn’t know about his mother’s involvement in Keira’s marriage. Will he ever find out?

Wardrobe department

The “Best Dress of the week” Award goes to Claude. 
I actually quite liked this 'morning after' cheerful dress.

 

The “Worst Dress of the week” Award goes to Emily Knox. 
It was as fake and devastating as was her guilt.

 

Memorable Quotes:

Catherine: “I'm not saying you're a beast that devours children, but the villagers do need convincing.”

James: “You knew that when you chose him.”

Darnley: “Chose me, like a prize pony.”

Narcisse: “I will not be alive forever, and that power... the kind afforded to very few in this very cold world... will protect you and your descendants once I am gone.”

Sol’s rating: all in all, the weakest episode so far, 2 out of 5.