Reign: 4x14 “A bride. A box. A body.”

Narcisse: “Everyone will pay… in their own way.”

Well, that was a good enough episode if we were somewhere in the middle of the road… but it was most certainly unacceptably weak now, when the end is nigh…

Let’s start with the end, shall we? Because the end almost made up for this whole episode. Narcisse’s revenge was so powerful, so effective and to some extent sudden and equally horrific. It was also beautiful in the very sad sense of the word.

Everyone did pay in their own way….

Elizabeth lost the love of her life, the man she loved was dying in her arms and there was nothing she could do… much like Narcisse felt when Lola was executed….

Knox lost his man parts (not like he ever used them) in the castration without any anesthetic. Boy, that must have hurt….

Who else was Narcisse blaming? Mary? To some extent, perhaps…

Though it was not confirmed, I think it is safe to assume, Jane was working with Narcisse… and she was the one who poisoned Gideon. Poor man, paid the highest price for his love….I was sad to see him go, but the impact of his death on Elizabeth was minimal too me, since to the very end I couldn’t buy that great love story, because I didn’t see a single shred of chemistry between the two actors… Their little ‘wedding ceremony’ at the chapel, albeit sweet and all, didn’t do a thing, unfortunately. Now, if that was Dudley, then yeah. It would’ve been against the historical facts but at least more believable.

I was puzzled by Darnley’s sudden desire to lay down arms and forget his ambitions for the crown… all for the possibility to be in his child’s life… until it was explained… He’s gone mad and having conversations with his dead lover. As if one mad king wasn’t enough… Seriously? 

Although Charles is driven by love, he is too ridiculous at this point and an embarrassment. I really wish they would wrap up this story and focus on Mary for the remaining two episodes. 

Historical bits

Henry's sexual orientation was brought up in this one, and it was a known fact that the prince did engage in same sex relations with his court favourites.

I did not find any information on Darnleys’ insanity.

Lord Ruthven was not hanged; he fled to England and died there.

Some observations  

I kinda liked the title.

I wish they didn’t film the last scene with Narcisse bring the gift to Mary. It felt like an unnecessary explanation, in case viewers were too dumb to put two and two together…

Darnley did burn those counsel members alive. For a moment there I though it was Narcisse.

Luc decided to annul his marriage to Claude. Good for him; he is too decent to stay in the loveless marriage and at French court for that matter. Such pure soul just doesn’t survive there.

Charles going through brides reminded me of Elizabeth’s reaction to the parade of grooms.

Wardrobe department

The “Best Dress of the week” Award goes to Queens.

Loved Mary’s purple dress...

Red is always a good color for a Medici...

And Elizabeth’s hunting attire was stunning...

 

The “Worst Dress of the week” Award goes to Claude.

They keep dressing her in the unflattering dresses. This one was awful.

Memorable Quotes:

Charles: “Too skinny. Too equine. Is that King Philip in a wig?

Spanish ambassador: “Your Grace, that's Lady Alina, second cousin to the king of Spain.”

Charles: “Adam's apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, now, does it?”

Catherine: “You do realize what is at stake here, do you not?

Charles: “Yes, yes, I'm well aware, Mother.”

Catherine: “Then select one of these marginally acceptable creatures, or risk losing the backing of Spain, and your throne along with it!”

Narcisse: “Mary, revenge is not meant to ease pain. It is meant to balance the scales.”

Sol’s rating: barely a 3… barely.