Reignception

Queen Mary (Adelaide Kane)

Since Mary, Queen of Scotland, was a child, the English have wanted her country and her crown. She is sent to France to wed its next king, to save herself and her people - a bond that should protect her, but there are forces that conspire, forces of darkness, forces of the heart. Long may she reign.

      When Reign grabbed the attention of most of my friends, so many of them asked me if I have seen the show because of the fact that my name was also Reign. Even when I met new people, it is as if they were obligated to ask me that same question. My initial answer was “no” because I have never seen it. I am never one for liking shows set in the old days. I thought the show would be very boring and would solely revolve around political issues between European countries, which did not interest me at all; but when I decided to join the bandwagon, I realized that this show was beyond what I expected it to be. 

(L-R): Bash, King Henry, Nostradamus, Diana (Henry's mistress), Queen Catherine

     Reign is a historical fictional television series set in the 1500‘s which follows the story of Queen Mary in the French court. As she anticipates her wedlock with Francis, the next in line to be the king of France, she is faced with not just King Henry’s ever-changing political plays, but also with Queen Catherine’s desire to destroy her. With Nostradamus’ prediction of Francis’ death brought about by his marriage to Mary, Queen Catherine will do anything for it to never happen; even if it means killing the Queen of Scots herself. Moreover, Mary will encounter various other love interests such as King Henry’s illegitimate/bastard son, Sebastian (Bash). The story also follows the life of the handmaidens (Kenna, Lola, Greer, and Aylee), while they live with Queen Mary in the castle; and the life of Clarissa, the suspected castle ghost who lives within the walls of the kingdom (she’s pretty creepy to be honest). 

    The show has won the People’s Choice Award 2014 for “Favorite New TV Drama” and is currently on its twelfth episode as the story progresses with Mary, Francis, and Bash’s love triangle as well as with the revelation of who Clarissa really is. You will be shocked once you find out about her true identity! Reign airs in the US on The CW every Thursday 9/8c after The Vampire Diaries. 

with Francis (Toby Regbo)

with Bash (Torrance Coombs)

     Although the show is very much historically inaccurate, it gives us an alternate universe to the real story of the real Queen Mary where her love story is dramatized and greatly focused on, and where issues within the French court are seemingly more interesting and scandalous. Reign is definitely a must-watch series as it gives color to a rather grim period of history and as it will make you decide whether you love or hate the Queen of Scotland. 

- Reign Gonzales
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