The Serpent Queen Recap: No One’s Getting Along

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for historical dramas, I must admit that this week’s episode of “The Serpent Queen” left me both excited and perplexed in equal measures. The cliffhanger at the end of the previous episode set the stage for high expectations, and the church burning down with the king of France possibly inside certainly delivered on that front. However, the aftermath of this dramatic event seemed to leave some loose ends hanging, particularly regarding the fate of the survivors and the mysterious disappearance of key evidence.


As a devoted fan of historical dramas, I must say that this week’s episode has truly outdone itself. The tension is palpable as we find ourselves on the edge of our seats, wondering if the church full of innocent people will be saved or if they will all meet their demise in the fiery blaze. The fate of the king of France hangs in the balance, adding an extra layer of excitement and suspense that leaves us eagerly anticipating each new development.

Charles managed to avoid being burned alive at the church, not just for himself but it appeared everyone was unharmed as well. For now, let’s set aside my queries and focus on Catherine’s response towards the Bourbons and Guises orchestrating this terrible incident.

I find Catherine’s actions understandable given that Louis and Antoine attempted to forcibly take Charles to the church against her will. The Bourbons are outraged by the Guises and rightfully blame François for the church fire. However, Catherine, who values the unity of France above all else, is reluctant to openly accuse the popular François despite her knowledge of their guilt. It’s important to remember that we’re in 1572, which means we’re merely 55 years after Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation – a significant turning point in history much like the events of 1969. (Although it seems an understatement given how momentous 1969 actually was.)

As a seasoned historian with years of researching and studying the complexities of religious and political conflicts, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring impact of the Protestant Reformation. I’ve spent countless hours poring over ancient texts and historical records, trying to make sense of the intricacies of power struggles and the human emotions that fueled them.

“Elisabeth thinks highly of herself, but Margot, please don’t be like Mary from Pride and Prejudice; no one appreciates a Mary figure.”

Margot’s opinion of Charles sinks lower as he expresses regret for not helping those in the church, only for Margot to question if there was something more he could have done. No, Margot, there wasn’t! At that moment, Charles was clandestinely making his way through the woods with two Bourbons. What did you expect him to do? Appear out of thin air and miraculously arrive in time? Use his limited resources to persuade the ruthless soldiers to halt their destruction of the church filled with innocent people? Pull yourself together, Margot.

Elisabeth explains to Margot that the crowd craves a leader to follow, and they are drawn to those who wear attractive clothing. I’d like to challenge this notion, but then there’s the Met Gala. Alex jumps in, criticizing Elisabeth’s dress choice, saying it doesn’t suit her. Elisabeth retorts, “Let’s see if it looks any better on you,” and when Alex tries it on, she admits, “Wow, it does look better on him.” Haha, nice comeback, Serpent Queen. Charles ridicules Alex, which is unfortunate. Lastly, Jeanne enters with her son Henry, expressing disgust while Henry shows interest. I’m rooting for Alex and Henry.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: I watch as Catherine boldly steps forward, putting out metaphorical fires and persuading the Bourbons that since there were no survivors from the church incident, they can frame innocent people and avoid a religious war. She proposes the lucrative trade deal with England to Louis and Antoine. Then, she confronts the Guises, specifically Antoinette, knowing they torched the church. She warns them that if they don’t contribute funds for building Paris’ new grand palace, Palais des Tuileries, she will arrest François and sever his head. So, it seems we have a major construction project on our hands this season – the creation of the magnificent Palais des Tuileries.

Regarding Antoinette, as per her agreement with François, she returns his incriminating letters to him. In response, he carelessly throws them into a smoldering fire and departs before they’ve fully burned. François, what on earth are you doing? Those letters could have cost you far more than just a church full of people! She might even retrieve them and force you into further tormenting acts. I’m not certain about François’ intentions. Given the church burning, it should be clear enough, but he also encounters his soldier boyfriend who sold the letters, and François ends up killing him. Have you any idea how long that takes? Why not simply stab him instead? François, what are your alternatives?

Catherine requests that Diane de Poitiers assists her financially in constructing a new palace and looks after her unruly children during Catherine’s absence in Italy while she seeks additional funding. In return, Catherine consents to Diane’s condition that her daughters inherit her estate, an arrangement that contradicts the Salic law prevailing in France at that time. This law prohibited queens from ruling in their own right. (Sigh: booooooo.)

At the church ruins, Montmorency discovers an astonishing absence of remains – no corpses, no bones, not even any jewelry. The peasants view this as a miracle, and so do I, given the circumstances! But how did they manage to escape? Furthermore, this revelation implies that Aabis is still alive, bringing joy to us all. Rahima shares a rumor about potential survivors from the fire, but Catherine expresses grave concern if this turns out to be true.

At night, François covertly rides to a clearing and is shocked to discover the supposedly deceased pastor woman alive. She speaks fervently about God guiding them through the flames and encourages the survivors to rise up in His name if their leaders fail to protect them. The scene concludes with the enigmatic playing of “The Little Drummer Boy.”

Read More

2024-07-22 19:37