Reign (Season 1) Review

Regin is a period drama centred around Queen Mary of Scotland and her betrothed, the Daphne of France, Francis. Unlike your regular period drama about the monarchy, Reign is actually targeted for young adults rather than just adults alone. The CW Network achieves this by setting Reign during Mary and Francis late teen years and their struggles to rule over two countries. The TV series follows the couple and the threats they are faced with, by those who have the most to gain with their downfall as rulers.

Mary has been crowned as Queen of Scotland since she was a baby due to her father's untimely death, with only Mary has his next heir to the throne. The show starts with Mary's arrival into French court after many years of hiding in a convent for her protection. It is here where she is reunited with her betrothed since childhood, Prince Francis. Mary arrives to court with four ladies in waiting, Lola, Greer, Kenna, and Aylee, who all have their separate story lines. Reign explores Mary's struggles to find her place, being the Queen of Scotland at French court. The political drama that surrounds Mary's reign, is the threat of an invasion by England, who has wanted to her crown since her birth. It is only through the impending marriage to France's next heir that will secure Scotland's future.

Lola, Aylee, Kenna, Greer, and Mary arrive at French court

Francis at first is a reckless character who does as he pleases, much like his father. His careless nature is fuelled by his inevitable succession to the throne and the amount of responsibility that is attached. Francis plans to enjoy the little amount of freedom he has before he is king. This is why he is at first, hesitant to marry Mary, as it one step closer to the future everyone expects of him. Over the few episodes, there is a clear attraction between the pair, however, Francis is persistent in keeping his distance but eventually is futile as Mary and Francis fall in love.

Mary and Francis at their wedding

To call Reign, loosely based on historical facts would be an understatement as a majority of the cast are fictional people. This includes Sebastian (Bash), Francis bastard brother who is on the other end of the love triangle for Mary's affections. Bash in Reign, is King Henry II's eldest and most favoured son. His mother is the king's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who also holds the king's affection over his wife, Queen Catherine de' Medici. Being bastard-born, Sebastian can hold no titles or responsibility and is often envied over by Francis, who is constantly reminded that be must one day rule France and be a successful king. Mary's four ladies in waiting are also fictional characters, created by the writers for additional story lines and to up-the-anticipation.

Bash and Mary

The political drama in Reign is the main attraction for the show, because I personally don't care for love triangles. If I had to choose between Bash and Francis however, I would choose Francis - and it just so happens that Mary does in the end, marry Francis (YAY!). The costuming in Reign is worth a mention because it is absolutely to die for! Again, saying this is a historical period drama is a very loose statement with the costume department taking pieces from Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta and many other high end names. Using the big names in the fashion industry really adds to the atmosphere of luxury and wealth of the royals, even though the pieces are not historically correct.
Overall, Reign is definitely a show worth checking out, but you won't be missing out on much if you forgo it.


Rating:
3.5/5


Trailer:

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