Reign Review: No Way Out (Season 3 Episode 12)
Mary’s life is thrown into danger once again on Reign Season 3 Episode 12: “No Way Out.”
Mary: I’m just a pawn, aren’t I?
Aren’t they all pawns at this point? Catherine’s hand is being forced by a rogue group calling themselves the “Red Knights,” while Mary’s future is put in the hands of the Vatican.
While attending a comedy play in the castle, Catherine was stunned when the play was overtaken by a man in a devil’s mask, a man vowing for revenge. The 13 Knights stand for 13 people that King Henry killed because he and his country owed them a debt. One which they could not repay. Instead, Henry had them murdered and in such a brutal manner as to not draw any suspicion.
Catherine and her son now face the consequences of the late King’s actions. These people want blood; they want to see Catherine’s head on a spike. Along with Christophe, Catherine is backed into a corner, trying to protect her regency and her children.
She’s the most manipulative in the land, yet many have the upper hand on her. Since Francis’ death, Catherine’s charms have led to her almost dying too many times. She hardly escaped this last attempt, surprisingly saved by Christophe.
How is she going to get out of this? I don’t see many ways other than death, because France is too poor to repay any outstanding debts. Will she offer one of her children’s hand in marriage as a consolation?
Mary, on the other hand, has used her new friendship with Catherine to become more manipulative. Their growing bond has been one of the shining arcs of Reign Season 3, though it’s unfortunate it came at the cost of Francis’ life and Mary’s ties with her Scottish friends.
I miss seeing Mary, Lola, Kenna, and Greer, discuss their various lives and be friends. Now they’re only put together to establish that they’re too far apart to ever grow close again. Greer’s life in France led her to decline Mary’s offer to return to Scotland, even though her family lives there. This decision may have been made because of Greer’s illegitimate child, though, which wouldn’t do Mary’s reputation any favors.
Mary’s growth as the Queen has been mostly successful, but she’s still putting herself in terrible situations. Sleeping with Elizabeth’s spy, no matter how you’ve grown together, is a stupid, stupid move, and could possibly lead Mary to her beheading.
She’s manipulated Elizabeth’s request and the Vatican’s, but for how long? She can’t keep up this game after she returns to Scotland, which will then turn both of these powerful forces against her.
Mary is a pawn. Her deal to be Elizabeth’s successor ends with both of them dead from the Vatican’s interests, and if she had declined the offer, it would’ve left her dead, too. She seemingly has no way out of this situation.
Mary’s relationship with Gideon, the spy, isn’t going to do her any favors either, especially now that Elizabeth is arranging a marriage for her (per the Successor request). How is Lord Dudley, Elizabeth’s lover, being Mary’s arranged husband going to play out? Mary was paired with him because he is disgraced in England, which does nothing for her or her reputation, turning him against Elizabeth, too.
Mary fought with her decision because it meant Elizabeth would be assassinated, though Elizabeth doesn’t care about Mary at all. This is why Mary can never win.
Catherine: You know I spent time with Elizabeth and I liked her, but Mary, she is your foe.
Mary is concerned with her cousin’s life, even though this cousin would have her mobbed by Protestants the second she arrived in Scotland, or assassinated as she crossed the English Channel. Elizabeth is only concerned with her power and being the Queen of England, while Mary just wants to save her country, but at this point, she’s almost powerless.
With the Vatican army at her side, she might be able to regain reign of her country, but when she cuts ties with their Successor deal, she’ll be turning her back on their army and protection. Can Mary survive this ordeal? It’s not looking that way.
What did you think of this episode of Reign? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Reign airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.
Jay Ruymann
Jay is a freelance writer and a Slytherin, who uses Leslie Knope as a role model, suffering from an addiction to coffee and television that is only encouraged by his professional life. While busy slaving away at the day-to-day, he also enjoys a good binge-watch of Parks and Recreation and Pretty Little Liars.