Reign season 4 episode 14 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Mary, Queen of Scots, confronts a plot to overthrow her, led by her husband Darnley and the privy council. Despite her pregnancy, she leads a charge to reclaim Edinburgh Castle, asserting her rule. Elizabeth of England grapples with her feelings for Gideon Blackburn amidst political necessity. Henri's secret enjoyment of women's clothing is revealed, complicating his affair with Nicole and straining relations with his brother Charles. Darnley's delusion and Mary's decision to seek peace over revenge mark a turning point, while Narcisse's brutal revenge on John Knox for Lola's death adds a dark twist. The episode weaves intricate political and personal conflicts, highlighting the challenges faced by monarchs in maintaining power and navigating personal desires.

Full Episode S04E14 Recap

### Opening Scene: Tensions Rise in the Court - Mary confronts an adversary, declaring they will never take her crown. - Elizabeth, speaking to an unknown person, emphasizes the need for her marriage to shore up England's finances and gain Catholic support. - Elizabeth is urged to remove Gideon Blackburn from court. ### A Treacherous Plot Revealed - Mary receives a warning about a plot to overthrow her, involving her husband Darnley. - A spy reveals Darnley's betrayal, urging Mary to escape and prepare to retake the castle. ### Mary's Determination and Ruthven's Resistance - Despite being pregnant, Mary insists on leading a charge against Edinburgh Castle to assert her legitimacy as Scotland's ruler. - Lord Ruthven, holding the castle, refuses to surrender and reveals he has Mary imprisoned. ### Ruthven's Downfall and Mary's Victory - Mary sentences Ruthven to death for treason and insurrection, sparing his family lands in exchange for testimony against the coup leaders. - Mary vows to round up the remaining council members responsible for the coup. ### Darnley's Deception and Elizabeth's Dilemma - Darnley is revealed to have fled the castle, and Elizabeth grapples with Gideon Blackburn's return to court. - Elizabeth struggles with her feelings for Gideon, balancing political necessity and personal desire. ### Mary's Confrontation with Knox - Mary confronts Reverend Knox, accusing him of fostering insurrection and treason. - Knox challenges Mary, highlighting her husband's betrayal and the privy council's disdain for her rule. ### The Political Machinations in France - A discussion reveals a plan to secure Spain's support for Charles' reign through his marriage. - Henri's affair with Nicole is revealed, complicating the political landscape. ### Mary and Darnley's Strained Relationship - Mary and Darnley's marriage is strained by his betrayal and her desire to be free of him. - Darnley expresses remorse and a desire to know his child. ### Elizabeth's Struggle with Gideon and the Archduke - Elizabeth faces the challenge of balancing her feelings for Gideon with her engagement to the Archduke. - Gideon confronts Elizabeth about her mixed signals and political maneuvers. ### Henri's Secret Revealed - Henri reveals to Nicole his enjoyment of wearing women's clothing, explaining it brings him a sense of power and liberation. ### Charles' Search for a Spanish Bride - Charles continues his search for a Spanish bride, with the pressure of Spain's support hanging over him. - Nicole and Henri's affair threatens to cause a rift between Charles and Henri. ### The Escape Plan and Darnley's Offer - Darnley proposes a plan to escape and regain power with Elizabeth's support, but faces skepticism from his co-conspirators. - Mary learns of Darnley's new scheme and resolves to find a way to be free of him. ### Mary's Decision and Narcisse's Revenge - Mary decides to release Darnley and let go of her desire for revenge. - Narcisse takes brutal revenge on John Knox for Lola's death, and is banished by Mary. ### The Aftermath: Elizabeth and Mary's Struggles - Elizabeth grapples with the aftermath of Gideon's death, suspected to be poisoned. - Mary seeks peace in her country and personal life, even if it means sacrificing her own desires. ### Darnley's Delusions and Final Scene - Darnley, now free, is revealed to be delusional, believing in the presence of his deceased lover, Keira.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main conflict in this episode of Reign?

The main conflict revolves around Mary's struggle to maintain her rule in Scotland amidst a coup led by her husband Darnley and supported by the privy council.

Why is Elizabeth's marriage important in this episode?

Elizabeth's marriage is crucial for securing England's finances and gaining Catholic support to counter Mary's aggression.

What is the condition of Mary's personal life in this episode?

Mary's personal life is strained, particularly her marriage with Darnley, who has betrayed her and participated in the coup against her.

What role does Gideon Blackburn play in this episode?

Gideon Blackburn is a source of tension between Elizabeth and the Archduke, with Elizabeth struggling to balance her political and personal feelings for Gideon.

How does Mary deal with Lord Ruthven?

Mary sentences Lord Ruthven to death for his role in the coup but offers to spare his family lands in exchange for his testimony against other conspirators.

What is Henri's secret revealed in this episode?

Henri's secret is his enjoyment of wearing women's clothing, which he finds empowering and liberating.

What is the political situation in France in this episode?

The political situation in France is complicated by Charles' search for a Spanish bride and Henri's affair with Nicole, which could disrupt the fragile political balance.

How does Narcisse seek revenge for Lola's death?

Narcisse takes brutal revenge by castrating John Knox, believing it to be justice for Lola's death.

What is the status of Mary and Darnley's relationship at the end of the episode?

Mary and Darnley's relationship remains strained, with Darnley showing signs of delusion and Mary seeking a way to free herself from the marriage.

What challenge does Elizabeth face with her upcoming marriage?

Elizabeth faces the challenge of her emotional attachment to Gideon Blackburn while being engaged to the Archduke for political reasons.

How does Darnley justify his actions in the coup?

Darnley claims he was manipulated and expresses remorse for his actions, seeking Mary's forgiveness and a chance to know his child.

What is the state of the alliance between England and Spain?

The alliance between England and Spain is pivotal for the support of Charles' reign in France and is influenced by his selection of a Spanish bride.

How does Mary respond to Reverend Knox's accusations?

Mary confronts Reverend Knox, accusing him of fostering insurrection against her and participating in the coup.

What is the fate of Gideon Blackburn in this episode?

Gideon Blackburn is suspected to have been poisoned, with his death causing significant emotional impact on Elizabeth.

What decision does Mary make regarding her desire for revenge?

Mary decides to release Darnley and let go of her desire for revenge, seeking peace in her country and personal life.

Reign season 4 episode 14

A Bride. A Box. A Body.