Reign, S2 E8-Terror of the Faithful

On the last episode of Reign, Francis signed the law to force everyone to declare their religion, against Mary’s wishes (because of Narcisse’s horrible blackmail). How’s that working out for you, Francis? I’ll answer for him. Not good. As a result, all accused Protestants are being tortured horribly by a man that weirdly reminds me of Frollo from Hunchback of Notre Dame. His real name is Cardinal Vasari, but I’m gonna stick with Frollo for the sake of this recap. It’s funny.

Now because of the edict, it’s like Mary, Francis, and company have to walk on eggshells. Mary is still confused why Francis even thought it was a good idea to approve the law. Francis is trying to make everything more peaceful by contacting a priest, but is that really enough? In Mary’s eyes, you’re an idiot. And she is not moving back to Scotland.

I actually really like this storyline. It creates tension between Mary and Francis, but the audience knows that Francis is doing everything he can to save his family and country. But, I could do without the Lola/Narcisse scenes. I’ve said this before, but the man confuses me. I can’t “ship” a terrible man with the sweetest woman in court. Lola, you can do better.

Speaking of a “sweet woman” (more like a Sour Patch Kid), Catherine tries to wake up Claude, who has decided to sleep Pippi-Longstocking style. She’s also rocking some serious bedhead; “It’s un-salvageable,” Catherine says.  Catherine has set up a meeting with a potential suitor, whom Claude is not the least bit interested in seeing. In fact, she doesn’t see the point in marrying anyone, nor does she want to. Okay, I officially love Claude. She’s headstrong, doesn’t capitulate to norms, and has the cutest wardrobe ever! I hope Catherine doesn’t send her away soon, because I’m quite fond of her. I can see her and Kenna as great friends, once Claude gets over Bash. (He’s your half-brother!)

Meanwhile, there Condé is being all, “I think I’ll go for a walk outside now-” when oh my goodness! He gets kidnapped! Don’t worry it’s fellow Protestants that need his help. They need a meeting with the King and Condé is their “in”.

Also flouncing around in the woods, Lola is seen carrying a basket and donning a Red Riding Hood-esque coat. That makes Lord Narcisse “the wolf,” because he suddenly appears out of nowhere and offers her a ride back to the castle. While riding, he says just about everything that personally would make me uncomfortable. “You don’t have to be nervous. I’ve seen you in the bath.” He even calls himself the wolf! Even the writers are nodding to the classic tale. I know people are “Team Narcisse,” and I’m curious why you guys like him and/or why you like Lola/Narcisse. Let me know in the comments. Anna and Craig have loads of chemistry, but I still can’t get over Narcisse’s horrible behavior to Francis.LUnresponsive right now, Narcisse hopes she’ll have an answer for him soon for she “inspires impatience” in him. Ugh, I want to like them together- I really do (it’s lovely seeing Lola with someone that isn’t say…Francis). But I can’t get over Narcisse’s political actions. If his character changes by the end of the season (Craig Parker is a series regular now, so Narcisse isn’t going anywhere anytime soon), then maybe we can talk.

I am King, hear me roar!

At the castle, Condé (along with the leader of the secret Protestant group) speaks to Mary and Francis professionally (ie. the royals are on the throne). All they want is to reconstruct the barn so they can worship in a safe place. Francis agrees to this and only this (Francis, your King Henry is showing). But the Protestant ruler informs them that there’s more to the deal, unbeknownst to Condé. Francis has one day to fix the edict/current Protestant situation or explosives will go off, injuring a whole bunch of Catholics. Well, that’s a little harsh.

After Lola and Narcisse make it safely back to the castle, he offers Lola a proposition. She becomes his “dirty little secret” and basically they’re a “friends with benefits” package. I mean they do have great sexual chemistry, I’ll give them that much. Lola’s unresponsive right now. Narcisse hopes she’ll have an answer for him soon, for she “inspires impatience” in him. Ugh, I want to like them together- I really do (it’s lovely seeing Lola with someone that isn’t say…Francis). But I can’t get over Narcisse’s political actions. If his character changes by the end of the season (Craig Parker is a series regular now, so Narcisse isn’t going anywhere anytime soon), then maybe we can talk.

While Claude is “working on her scriptures” (making sure she looks like a decent human being), Catherine goes ahead and meets with her potential suitor and father. The man is very attractive, I must admit. But speaking in private, his father is more concerned about Claude’s virtue. If Catherine can guarantee that there will be no more hookups with priests or unacceptable behavior, perhaps he’ll let her marry his son. While I understand the era and how women are meant to be virgins and respect their husband, etc., I really hope that Claude doesn’t give into all that and only marries if she truly loves the person.

The Royal Scooby Doo gang (sans Leith. Where has he been lately?), Condé and Bash, go door to door asking Protestants if they know accomplices of the Protestant minister. Just when they’re about to get some answers, Frollo’s head guard (we’ll call him Phoebus) takes them and all other suspected Protestants away. As the King’s Deputy, Bash tries to reason with Phoebus, but Frollo won’t listen to him or the king! Ew, this Cardinal Frollo guy is bad news!

Lola confronts Francis in his office, explaining she just had a conversation with a very distraught Mary (Is this a deleted scene? I would  like to see this!). Also she knows everything about the Narcisse/Francis blackmail, and she can’t believe Francis’ actions. Francis, after pushing Lola (you don’t do that to a lady!), asks if she knows that Narcisse even threatened their child. The look on her face shows that she doesn’t. The next thing Lola does is outstanding. She informs Francis that she did in fact leave the blackmail letter in Narcisse’s house. Francis is so giddy with joy (he just doesn’t show it) by this that he immediately tries to put his “kill Narcisse” plan into action. Oh boy. I do really love that Lola sets aside her lusty feelings for Narcisse after hearing the threatened harm on her son. Your priorities are on point!