Reign

 Reign Review and Things To Look Forward To

*Contains spoilers*

I had to share my thoughts on Reign since this season has been so great and my thoughts on the next half of season 1.

I have to say, if historical inaccuracy is not your thing and you're very particular about it, then this may not be the show for you. There are characters and plot points that, sure, they don't follow history exactly but it's all good fun. I think the writers will stay close to the story of Mary and Francis because they play big roles in history but the details along the way are filled in with embellishments and new theories on what exactly happened behind closed doors.
 

First of all, Reign, from the first episode, quickly became one of my favorite shows on TV. The modern-renaissance atmosphere is beautiful and reminds me of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette in its cross between old and new.

The gowns on this show remind me of (if they aren't actually) Alexander McQueen's exquisite designs and the flower crowns/headbands leave me drooling. I love the way they've done the costumes and character development, the sets and the schemes. All in all, it's been a deliciously drama-filled season. I believe it returns January 23rd as a second part of season 1.

Promo for episode 1x09:

I will be back on my couch with a bowl popcorn to watch the Francis-Mary-Bash love triangle unfold even deeper after the holiday hiatus. Watching Mary ride away with Bash while Francis yelled after her was heartbreaking and exciting and left me biting my nails in anticipation. The CW gave us a tantalizing peek at the next episode(s) and I will be back to review every second.

I have a lot of theories as to what will happen to the characters when we see them next and my list of hopes for the next half of the season are extensive:

Francis Stepping Up His Game

I want Francis to fight for Mary and show her he won't look at anyone else ever again (especially after that terrible Olivia streak). He needs to play the game to win her heart in the end and not stand on the sidelines waiting for her to come back to him. I do agree that he put up an okay fight for her hand but I felt at times it wasn't whole-heartedly or enough.
The promo above gives me high hopes for him BUT I hope he doesn't become a darker character. Sure, his heart was ripped out because the love of his life ran away with his brother but I don't want him to go to the dark side. He can be passionate and loving and brave but I can kind of see how he could turn out a lot like his father. And his mother, for that matter.
All I'm asking for is a passionate, not cruel, Francis.


Bash & Mary Scenes

I really really wish for some Bash and Mary bonding time. In fact, I'm pretty sure I put this on my Christmas list. Their relationship is very different from Francis and Mary's and I think it's more of a friendship feeling because they trust and lean on each other. But the passion there is undeniable. I want these two to explore their feelings for each and learn more about one another.
 Because all the characters are so good, I don't know who I like Mary with at this point! I like that this pair is more easy-going and trustworthy. It seems like a breath of fresh air compared to Francis' high demands and the threats of assassination from every other country. Anyways, really looking forward to their, on-the-run-alone-time together!


Ladies In Waiting

Now that the shocking and brutal death of Aylee has passed (but will be inevitably debated), the three handmaidens of Mary's are left to defend themselves. I'm curious to see how Lola, Kenna and Greer fair in French court life after their (kind of) protector and sovereign has left them. I don't know if Francis will grill them for details as to where Mary went or kick them out entirely, as he has that power. I don't see the latter happening as these are main characters. But, then again, that's what we thought about Aylee.
I love Lola's character and her strong, wise voice against the more juvenile girls.I'm hoping her plot will be bigger in the coming season.
 Kenna's position as Slut #2 to the king is precarious, as Catherine was very willing to have her offed by Diane de Poitiers (Slut #1 to the king). Although it was Clarissa who actually killed Aylee-supposed-to-be-Kenna, Diane did not ultimately try to poison her. Kenna may have a friend in her yet but it's still not clear where Diane's allegiances lie - other than Bash. I think Kenna is in the most danger of all the girls.
Greer and Leith's love story is possibly the cutest thing ever. I like the class-separated element to their plot and the character development between the two. It was a very quick start to the romance but it seems to be genuine and sweet. I want more, please.

Clarissa Explains It All

How creeptastic is she?! Despite the under-the-bed-creeping and poisoning, this character is interesting and I want more of her back story. There are theories floating around that she is Nostradamus' daughter - which would be crazy and intriguing. She seems to have a lot of inside information about the important people at Court and her knowledge could be a key roll in Mary's protection. I'm curious to know what dirt she has on who and if they'll reveal that.
Her loyalty to Mary is something I still don't fully understand and I want more interaction between the two. I could see her turning on Mary and plotting against her which would be so scary! But hopefully she stays cordial.
I was glad from the beginning, when the brief stroke of lightening lit her potato sack face from behind Mary, that she wasn't an enemy.
It's still not clear what her intentions are but Nostradamus made it seem like she simply likes Mary and considers her a friend and/or her equal. So yeah, a few more spooky Clarissa scenes and I'll be a happy camper.







 This season has been great, I can't believe it's only been 8 episodes, it feels like more! I had my doubts about this show but I'm not disappointed at all, now that I can sit back and see it as a whole. There are definitely times when the characters annoy me or a cheesy line is spewed but I think it adds to its charm, not to mention the fact that this show is new and finding its voice.

I encourage everybody to go watch and catch up and then join in seeing the new episodes in January and have a Merry Christmas!