Reign - Tempting Fate - Review

Reign, “Tempting Fate,” was written by Lisa Randolph and directed by Sudz Sutherland. Randolph’s other credits include Being Human, The Shield, and Gilmore Girls. With such a long hiatus – almost a month! – I thought it would be helpful to post this somewhat re-cappy review close to the next episode to help jog our memories. The episode sees virtually every couple either in trouble or on the precipice of trouble in their relationships.

Mary (Adelaide Kane) and Conde (Sean Teale) are on the verge of running off to Scotland until Mary’s messenger is waylaid and her letters go missing. Mary becomes disillusioned with Conde when she learns that he’s been in secret negotiations regarding a possible marriage to Queen Elizabeth. There’s a terrific scene with Lola (Anna Popplewell) in the snowy gardens with Mary. She proves herself a true friend by supporting Mary regardless of her decision, reminding Mary of how fearless she used to be. But Lola also tells Mary that she is now wiser and stronger than that girl who first arrived. I like the way the show uses the outdoor scenes – and given the winter in Toronto, they are as cold as they look! However, Mary and Conde’s “cooling off” scene also takes place, appropriately outside.

Mary and Conde are able to use his contact, Lord Burgess (Rob Stewart) to find out which ports are safe for them to land in. Mary has him arrested and accuses him of trying to start a Protestant revolt. She threatens to have his head cut off. Conde “rescues” him and in the process learns that Buckhaven is still a Catholic stronghold. Mary insists that Conde must make a clear choice, and at great risk to himself with no promises from her, Conde commits himself to Mary. That was all Mary needed to hear, and they end the episode in each other’s arms, ready to leave for Scotland.

However, throughout the episode, Francis (Toby Regbo) has been cautioning Mary to be more discreet even as he defends her against Catherine (Megan Follows) and tells Catherine to back off. However, he seems distracted and lethargic. It’s easy to put this off as being depressed over Mary and Regbo does a good job in not over playing it, so when Francis collapses at the end of the episode during Catherine’s tirade, it comes as something of a surprise. Naturally, with Francis so sick – but hopefully NOT DYING! (yet) – Mary and Conde will be forced to put off their plans yet again.

Leith (Jonathan Keltz) is determined to marry Greer (Celina Sinden), but she refuses to get a divorce, telling him all she can offer him is herself. Leith goes to Francis who advises him to move on regardless of being in love with Greer. Francis tells him the price for an annulment would be very high. Leith then takes matters into his own hands and goes to Cardinal Dujardin who seems only to want information on Francis – who is clearly going to pay the price after all. Leith’s love life seems destined to become even more complicated when Catherine appoints him as Claude’s (Rose Williams) new bodyguard/nanny after Narcisse (Craig Parker) tells Catherine he found her in his bed.

Narcisse is clearly maneuvering to get close to Catherine to regain his influence. He tells her about Claude, and then brings her Mary’s letters when it’s his man (Vince Nappo) who kills Ridley (Jonathan Watton) and recovers them. He is also there to quiet Catherine when she becomes hysterical after Francis collapses. He makes short work of her weakness, assuring her she’s not alone and that he will be there for her. It seems unlikely that Catherine will be fooled for long by Narcisse, however. Surely they are both too cold-blooded to give themselves so completely to a romantic tryst? Regardless, it would seem that Lola’s romantic interests where Narcisse is concerned are definitely over now.

Bash (Torrance Coombs) and Kenna (Caitlin Stasey) seem to have come to an end. He leaves on business, planning to move completely into the Commander’s quarters on his return. He asks Kenna not to annul the marriage and to keep his name at least until she finds someone else better suited to marry her. Bash knows how difficult life is for a woman on her own. Francis comes to the stable to say goodbye to Bash. He tells Bash to be careful as he fears he is being reckless and is just looking for a fight. Bash commiserates that it’s difficult losing a wife. Seems neither brother is lucky in love. As it turns out, Francis was right to worry. He finds the corrupt deputy (Michael Rubenfeld) and he’s surly and unrepentant. To cap it off, however, it’s clear that he beats his wife (Helen King). Bash gives her a letter of introduction to the castle to get her away from her husband and to give her a job. He strips the deputy of his office.

The deputy follows Bash, sneaks up on him, and stabs him in the back, leaving him for dead in the forest. Sister Delphine (Alexandra Ordolis) finds him and takes him to shelter. She admits that she’s not a nun – and is likely a witch. She tells Bash that he’s dying. She can save him but it will come at a terrible price. Like everyone else, Bash chooses to live and she lays her hands on him. Is this the reason for Francis’ illness? Is it as Nostradamus predicted? No doubt Bash will be convinced that he has caused Francis’ illness if not his death.

The romantic outlook is very bleak! What did you think of the episode? Are you looking forward to the last few episodes of the season? Do you want the show to stay true to history, which would mean Francis’ death sooner rather than later? Would you like to see Mary and Francis reunited before he dies? Should the show just ignore history? If you could make just one couple happy, who would it be? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

About the Author - Lisa Macklem

I do interviews and write articles for the site in addition to reviewing a number of shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, Agents of Shield, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Forever, Defiance, Bitten, Glee, and a few others! Highlights of this past year include covering San Diego Comic Con as press and a set visit to Bitten. When I'm not writing about television shows, I'm often writing about entertainment and media law in my capacity as a legal scholar. I also work in theatre when the opportunity arises. I'm an avid runner and rider, currently training in dressage.