The essential episodes of Reign
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Reign — each pick states its reason.
- 01
After spending a childhood safely hidden away in a monastery, a teenage Mary Stuart arrives in France where she has been sent to secure Scotland's strategic alliance by formalizing her arranged engagement to the French King's dashing son, Prince Francis. Further complicating things is Bash, Francis' handsome, roguish half-brother and Francis' mother, Queen Catherine. When the strong-willed Queen learns of a prophecy that marriage to Mary will cost Francis his life, she is determined to save her son, no matter how many others have to pay with their lives.
- 02
When Mary's brother James arrives in France and convinces Mary to return to Scotland, Francis is suspicious and uncovers a plot that would destroy Mary, which causes a rift between them. King Henry's downward spiral continues, leaving Penelope in charge, causing Catherine and Kenna to take drastic measures. Meanwhile, Lola becomes wary of Lord Julien's motives behind his marriage proposal.
- 03
Mary risks everything to take down Condé, even as Francis believes she is turning against France. Catherine makes a bold move and meets with Queen Elizabeth in a stunning plot to seek revenge on Mary. Meanwhile, Kenna has a secret that will seal the fate of her relationship with Bash.
- 04
Grateful for a future with a revived Francis, Mary considers signing away her claim to the English throne, and staying in France forever. Catherine learns that Nostradamus has returned -- with a new vision involving Francis' fate.
- 05
As Mary and Catherine deal with the aftermath of Prince Don Carlos' accident, Mary realizes that she will have to marry for the good of her country and not follow her heart. When Catherine is accused of poisoning Francis, Lola is shocked when Mary thinks Narcisse framed Catherine in order to become Regent of France.
- 06
Mary becomes suspicious of Prince Don Carlos' true condition and relies on Gideon to help her uncover the truth. Elizabeth makes a shocking discovery which could change the course of her reign over England and forces Dudley to make a tough decision. Meanwhile, Narcisse forces Claude to marry someone of his choosing, against her wishes.
- 07
Mary struggles to resist her feelings for Gideon as she works to align herself politically with potential allies. Elizabeth and Greer find themselves in similar heart-wrenching situations with the potential for very different outcomes. Catherine and Narcisse continue their vicious power struggle over the Regency, while Claude finds herself in the fight of her life on her wedding night.
- 08
Mary learns from Lola that she has a chance to get to Scotland safely, but she must act quietly and quickly. When Catherine is framed for murder, Mary must decide if she should stay to protect her, which would jeopardize her safe passage to Scotland.
- 09
When Mary arrives in Scotland, she is stunned by the treacherous world it has become and is forced her to keep her royal identity a secret until she learns who she can trust. When Elizabeth jeopardizes her standing with an unbearable new suitor, Lola steps in to help, which causes the Queen to question Lola's ulterior motives. Meanwhile, Charles secretly plots to relinquish Catherine of her power.
- 10
Mary makes a bold move to defend her reign in Scotland, which results in a battle royale with her cousin, Elizabeth. Lola is accused of a heinous crime and suffers the drastic consequences. Meanwhile, back in France, Catherine finds that Charles has returned a changed man after paying a price for his mother's relentless quest for power.
- 11
Queen Mary, unsure who to trust, tests her brother James to ensure his loyalty after hearing of his meeting with John Knox. Queen Elizabeth agrees to help Lord Darnley, in an attempt to sabotage the powerful suitor's relationship with Mary.
- 12
Mary must deal with the political repercussions of a potential marriage to Lord Darnley and King Charles disappears, leaving Catherine to pick up the pieces. Elizabeth comes to Gideon's aid, while Claude receives an interesting proposition.
- 13
A tragedy occurs, pushing Mary and Darnley apart as their wedding looms. Meanwhile, Mary is forced to enlist help from Catherine; and a traitor to Spain petitions Elizabeth to support an expedition to the New World.
- 14
As Mary strategizes ways to take over the English throne, Elizabeth struggles to find an appropriate suitor to marry. Meanwhile, James gets caught up in a scheme orchestrated by John Knox and has to deal with the tragic aftermath.
- 15
Mary makes a decision that will change the course of history -- forever shaping the fate of her nation, her crown, and her newborn son. Mary's perilous move for her survival causes the stunning realization that perhaps she is not the only one who may not survive. Meanwhile, Elizabeth steadies herself for war and will become the instigator in Mary's demise while later realizing she and Mary might be more similar than either thought.
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