Mary loses an ally… and a friend.
AsReigninches closer and closer to The End (say it aint so!
), its lifting its foot off the brake and going for it, people.
Credit: Ben Mark Holzberg/The CW
There are somebigmoments in Coup de Grace.
but Scotland, you guys!
Instead, well just kick off this recap there.
Mainly by way of money, of course.
Mary knows she must win back the privy council.
Dont worry, the misogyny only gets worse throughout this episode.
Marys plan is simple, but devastatingly effective.
She finally announces to the world that shes expecting.
Those old rich dudes go gaga for the news of an impending babe.
She knew he wouldnt deny paternity because the guy just wants to be loved.
And thus, she wins back any leverage Darnley had over her.
Only… not quite.
Mary and Rizzio are sipping on some tea and celebrating the win.
Most of the privy council has flipped, with the exception of one: the Lord Treasurer.
Mary asks David to check the books and see if their treasurer has been up to no good.
Anything that will get them leverage over him.
Of course Rizzio will do it; hed do anything for Mary.
Mary gushes over how she is so grateful for David.
She treasures him, she says.
And thats when you know Rizzio is a goner.
No one gets a speech like that out of the blue and survives!
If both men have to burn, so be it.
Looks like the threat of outing him is enough to sway the treasurer.
He needs to kill Mary ASAP.
Darnley swings by with a different suggestion: Why dont they just accuse Mary of adultery with Bothwell?
Darnley can take over as king, and Mary lives.
Its a win-win for the guy.
An evil win-win, but still one nonetheless.
Heres where it all goes very, very downhill.
(Recap continues on page 2.)
That night, Bothwell comes storming into Marys room.
Theres a coup afoot.
Theyre in the castle led by Darnley and they are coming to overthrow the queen.
As the conspirators descend, they find Mary and Rizzio alone, playing cards.
They arenotpleased, and Darnley demands to see Bothwell.
Mary accuses them all of treason, but no one backs down.
And thats when they start stabbing Marys BFF.
Like, a lot.
For a long time.
Its excruciating to watch, especially as Mary sobs, helpless to save her friend.
Im sorry to report Rizzio has gone to that big hair salon in the sky.
Mary doesnt let her grief take over.
Instead, she does what she does best: plots.
How quickly will they turn on an English Catholic?
If he stays with them, hes a dead man.
So, they ride off to meet Bothwell.
Darnley isnt totally as dumb as he looks.
Partway into their journey, he realizes hes also a dead man if he gets anywhere near Bothwell.
He rides off into hiding.
Good riddance, ya jerk!
When Mary finally reaches Bothwell and the men hes gathered to take back the castle, she israging.
There are men in her home who think they can take her crown.
Shes going to kill them all.
Exciting stuff, right?
but there is one moment that makes it all worth it.
YOU KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT.
Henris commandeered an English ship in French port to show English ex-pats whos boss.
That ship happens to be carrying one of the main ingredients in gunpowder.
Theyll be keeping that, thank you very much.
Henri has plans to send it over to Spain, his greatest supporter.
Narcisse uses the information Henris passed along to his own advantage, naturally.
Gideons the one in town looking to find a diplomatic solution to the current tensions between France and England.
Gideon will get none of those things.
He does get something else.
Gideon tells Narcisse that his bitterness will destroy him.
He needs to let love back into his life.
Isnt Gideon so sensitive?
So Gideon does just that, and it works.
Charles sends the ships back to England just to spite his brother.
(Recap continues on page 3.)
Narcisse also takes Gideons advice.
The entire scene is dripping with sexual tension.
And finally, they give into it.
Get the ticker tape ready, people, CATHERINE AND NARCISSE HOOK UP AGAIN.
Dreams do come true!
There is one small caveat.
Henris been trying to seduce Nicole away from Narcisse.
They watch much more than they bargained for.
Charles may have no idea, but thats one more point for Prince Henri.
Well see what consequences this secret romance has for Charles, Narcisse, and all of France, really.
I told you there were important hook-ups!
Meanwhile, in England:Liz has really gotten herself into a pickle.
Her lusty love notes for Gideon get her into trouble almost immediately.
Elizabeth claims they are all about her desire for him, based on things shes read about.
(The Queen of England reads erotica?)
In that case, her betrothed is pretty happy because he feels the same way about her.
Post-coital, the Archduke reveals that he knows those letters were about Gideon.
Its all a little too creepy, but Elizabeth never denies that she liked it.
The Archduke wants a chance at a real marriage with Elizabeth.
He also knows they both have a lot to gain from this working out.
So he has one condition: Gideon must be banished from court.
He doesnt want his competition walking around in front of him.
Elizabeth tearfully agrees, believing she doesnt have much choice.
Also, that engagement ring is hella nice.
Since history tells us that Elizabeth never marries, we know this wont work out.
But how will it go down?
Will Elizabeth outright choose love?
Or will the whole thing blow up in her face, leaving her without a husband or a lover?
Since no one onReigngets a happy ending, my money is on the latter.
The girl is working hard and looking fabulous while doing it.
