Reign – Intruders

By: Stacy Miller

On “Reign,” there was a lot of activity happening in three different countries as all three queens Mary (Adelaide Kane), Catherine (Megan Follows) and Elizabeth (Rachel Skarsten) each were occupied with their own pressing matters.

Let’s start with Mary. She’s home in Scotland, but it hasn’t been a happy homecoming. After touching down on land last week via a severe storm, she found herself hiding from marauders who murdered her crew. Now, Mary has discovered that the man responsible for Francis’ murder, Munro (John Barrowman) is the leader of Clan McPhee so she intends to avenge her husband’s death. “Francis would have never wanted you to risk your life avenging him,” Bash (Torrance Coombs) tells Mary. But she is undaunted. But Duncan, (Adam Kenneth Wilson) Munro’s right-hand man, thinkis that Pierre (Bash) is willing to use his own sister Pauline (Mary) to get money from an alleged rich fiancé gives them a way into Camp McPhee. Let’s hope they’re not walking into a trap!

Once they have arrived at the dwelling of Clan McPhee, Mary and Bash are introduced to Munro, who for a murderer seems extremely charming. After they get cleaned up, Mary and Bash will attend a large celebratory party. But Munro warns Pierre that his claim of a rich fiancé for his sister Pauline better be true or he’ll regret it. Was that an invitation to a party and a threat? Yeah, Munro’s a great guy!

Meanwhile, across the Scottish lands, John Knox (Jonathan Goad) learns that Queen Mary is not dead and immediately thanks God and jumps for joy. Ah, no. Actually, the deceitful man goes to Mary’s brother James (Dan Jeannotte) and after giving his “regrets,” tries to convince the acting regent of Scotland that the best thing to do is to dissolve the monarchy by reminding James, “You were born a bastard you could never be king.” That’s because the next person in line is Lord Darnley, a Catholic (Oh horrors!). Knox explains it would be better to have a Protestant government than a royal Catholic rule.

In France, a kidnapped Charles (Spencer MacPherson) is in the back of a cart on his way to Red Knights headquarters. Charles has a small chance of freedom when a tax collector (Mark Burgess) demands to inspect the cart. But alas, Charles’ kidnappers slash the man’s throat!

Meanwhile, Catherine tells the nobles about Charles’ abduction. She explains that she didn’t alert them to The Red Knights situation earlier because she viewed it as a personal vendetta and one she intended to handle herself. The nobles want to help in locating their king. One of those nobles, Martel de Guise (Lewis Kirk) had a dalliance with Claude, (Rose Williams) which he’s more interested in resuming than finding Charles. But the only response Martel de Guise gets from Claude is a slap in the face.

Later, Catherine is with Claude when she receives the ransom note. The Red Knights want Catherine in exchange for Charles. If she comes to a designated clearing so she can answer (be killed) for her past crimes, they’ll let Charles go. Catherine tells Claude that The Red Knights have no intention of releasing Charles because she knows that once they have her, they will kill them both. But Catherine will still report to the clearing to save her son. She tells her daughter if something happens to her to flee France with her brothers. “At least you’ll finally be rid of me,” says Catherine. What viewers get next is an emotional mother and daughter scene that pulls at the viewers’ heartstrings. Bravo Megan Follows and Rose Williams!

Over in England, Elizabeth asks for Lola’s (Anna Popplewell) help in claiming the Scottish throne now that Mary is dead. Elizabeth explains that since Lola’s father is one of the top nobles that with his support the Catholic Scottish nobles will be more accepting of her as ruler. She reminds if not her, it’ll be Lord Darnley or, perish the thought, John Knox could find a way to become in charge. Lola considers it.

But Lola will have to change her mind. Narcisse (Craig Parker), disguised as a priest, tells her that Mary is alive. Lola’s pleased her friend survived and the misguided girl assumes that Elizabeth will change her mind once she learns about Mary. Lola is so cute in thinking Elizabeth isn’t about pursuing the additional power that comes with ruling Scotland. Narcisse tells Lola that the news that Mary survived needs to come to Elizabeth from someone else other than Lola. Narcisse also delivers a passionate declaration of love and pleads for a reconciliation with his wife.

When Elizabeth learns that Mary is alive she tries to convince Lola that it could be a lie. For her safety, Lola has decided to leave England with Narcisse while Elizabeth is in Scotland. But before she departs, Lola receives a letter from Mary telling her to kill Elizabeth! It’s definitely not from Mary, but from who? Smart money is on John Knox.

In France, Catherine enlists Leith’s (Jonathan Keltz) in her plan to rescue Charles. So, she arrives at the clearing surrounded by The Red Knights. But suddenly, instead of turning on her, they turn on each other. Some of The Red Knight are members of the King’s Guard in disguise (including Leith). The Red Knights are killed, except one. “Where’s my son?! Tell me or I’ll peel the flesh off your bones!” Catherine orders the man. I love Catherine in protective mama lioness mode!

Meanwhile, back in Scotland, Munro invites Pauline to his chambers. He tells her that she can pick anything she likes from the jewels in his possession (plundered from her shipwreck!). Munro then starts talking about the murder of his father who was named a traitor at the hands of the regent at the time Queen Mary of Scots’ mother. Munro gives Pauline a huge necklace and then Mary sees Francis’ sword.

While all this is happening, Bash pretends to be drunk to trick Duncan then drowns the man in a trough and stabs him for good measure. That means now he and Mary won’t have anyone standing in their way as they make their escape.

Munro continues talking about Queen Mary and the Scottish royals murder of his father before saying, “I can see you clearly now Mary Queen of Scots and I am not bewitched.” Mary stabs Munro with Francis’ sword and then flees.

As Mary and Bash are rushing off to reclaim her throne, John Knox has called for a vote to dissolve the monarchy. The final vote lies with James. Suddenly, Mary bursts through the door, her dressed covered with Munro’s blood saying, “I am Mary, Queen of Scots and I have come for my throne!”

Next Week: The season finale!