Reign Season 2 Episode 4 Review: The Lamb and the Slaughter
Carissa Pavlica
at
.
Updated at
.
My goodness this season is progressing nicely. Each week builds upon the last and the stories get deeper and have more meaning. More people should be watching this excellent series.
It's difficult to imagine the mixed thoughts Francis must be having as he wears the guilt over killing his father and wonders whether his own losses are a reckoning for what he has done.
In Reign Season 2 Episode 4, while the castle is alive with activity surrounding the impending christening of Francis' first child, Mary announces she, too, is with child.
I don't think I've ever been this happy in my entire life.
Francis
What was truly amazing was watching Catherine's happiness at the announcement. She already had her suspicions and was just waiting for Mary to tell Francis herself. Has Catherine ever smiled so joyfully? It's sometimes hard to imagine her in real life as Catherine is so stern, but Megan Follows is a remarkably beautiful woman.
I suppose it really was too good to be true. At least that has to be what Francis is thinking. Is he allowed to be so incredibly happy when the cost was his father's life and that of so many of his people during the plague?
It's incredibly silly to think about it, letting spirits guide how you go about your business, but we all have those thoughts. In the times they lived it was far more common to have such beliefs and the more tumultuous the events of the world around them the more easy it was to believe there really was something out to get them.
It's surprising that Bash hasn't asked after Nostradamus. He was so certain they would need him and if what's happening with horsemen marking villagers and stealing their souls has any weight, they could use any relief the could get right about now. Even if the mark means nothing, it does in the mind of the person marked. That's enough to drive someone crazy and to kill.
The power of persuasion is very strong indeed.
Even though Mary and Lola finally had it out over Francis and the baby, now that Mary has lost her child, it's hard not to think they may find themselves at odds again. Losing a baby while watching your friend happily raise your husband's child would be trying to even the most gracious.
And Mary has been incredibly gracious given the circumstances. A lesser woman wouldn't give a hoot about their friendship and the East Cottage would be still be too close for the mother of their husband's child.
I was hoping that Narcisse and Catherine might give love a go, but now I believe we are in for a romance between Narcisse and Lola. He has been wrongly accused of terrible acts against his past wives and admits love is gem he has not yet encountered. Love can elude you when you don't choose your own spouse.
Narcisse seemed to find it incredibly easy to talk to Lola, and good matches are made on less. He knows she can bear children and his position is very important to the King and Queen so they might be inclined to bless such a union. Did you feel his cold exterior melting as he rubbed Estelle's hair and spoke with Lola about his losses?
The chat between Kenna and Greer certainly didn't end up the way Kenna expected.
Greer: I can't be ruled by desire. It's nothing to build a life on.
Kenna: Isn't it?
Greer: You and Bash? If I have to hear one more tale of the two of you knocking your bed though the floor...
Kenna: Well, the floor is made of stone, mercifully, although we have nearly cracked the bed in two. You can't overlook passion! It's what brought us together.
First, I absolutely love that Kenna and Bash are truly in love. How lucky of them to have explored their forced union to see if it would fit and how wonderful that it did. Greer realized that what she's missing with Castleroy is an examination of what they could mean to each other. Once she explained how she felt about Leith, worried that she doesn't know what kind of man he will become while she knows exactly who Castleroy is already, it made a lot of sense.
I was quite surprised when she decided seducing him would be the best way to discover their passion, but if it works, good for her! She was growing on Catherine with the idea of the match, so it seems logical that will work out. Also, with the arrival of Francis' sister, perhaps she'll be tangling with Leith? While royal children are usually fit for other royalty, this is make believe. It could happen.
It really was upsetting when Mary lost her baby and kind of Conde to first keep her secret as she wished and to then appeal to Francis that he thought Mary looked unwell. That way he was able to maintain Mary's confidence through the christening but still do right by her as a friend.
When Mary was sobbing into Francis' chest, his look was worrisome. What was he thinking about? You'd think after declaring we all know Mary and Francis are best when together in Reign Season 2 Episode 3 that I would have not been concerned. Yes still it was there.
The word can be dark, Mary, and uncertain and cruel. The only thing that matters is that we face it together. No matter what happens, you are my light.
Francis
Francis was, instead, thinking of what he could do for his wife to aid her spirits. He recalled chasing fireflies as children and how much of the enjoyment was in waiting because they spent time together. He created his own magic for Mary in the courtyard with sky lanterns.
If you've never seen them, they truly are beautiful to behold and to deliver his thoughts about their union in such splendor was magnificent.
So what did you think? Will the spirits of the castle continue to play with the minds of those living there? Who, next, will feel their wrath? Who are the horsemen? Will Narcisse and Lola form a union? Will Greer find passionate safety with Castleroy?
Make sure to visit the site often for the latest news and watch Reign online via TV Fanatic when you need an extra dosage of royalty in your life!
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
