‘The Serpent Queen’ Recap: ‘Death of a Prince’

7/27/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Samantha Morton and Emma McDonald as Catherine de Medici and Rahima in Episode 203 of ‘The Serpent Queen’ – ‘Death of a Prince’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite fascinating what leaders expect from those they stand before. Because some leaders, want those they are in charge of, to feel as though they’re equals and have a say and a voice. While others, expect everyone to fall in line and rule through fear and there are some… who try and blend both elements into their tenure at the top. Wherein they provide that firm, guiding hand in the hopes that people will learn from those fierce lessons and exhibit respect accordingly. All of which are unique styles that have varying results, depending upon the situation and the position in question. But truly, there is no harder moment for a leader to learn that they have failed in accomplishing what they want, than when those they lead pay them no mind.

If anything, that is top of mind today, because Catherine de Medici is about to experience that cold reality. For the next episode of The Serpent Queen on STARZ showcased what her words meant to those she left behind for business, and well, they meant nothing really and that’s a shame. Because while in Italy, Catherine accomplished wonders. For she proved herself to be what we knew her to be, an astute leader that understood the room and knew how to negotiate. Since she secured that loan no problem and she even handled the surprise reveal of a half-brother with majesty and grace. Because leadership was something that was in her veins and for that brief moment, it was clear she hoped this would translate back home… but it most certainly did not.

For back home… no one gave her standing or the crown any mind, as evidenced by the actions of her family and her confidants. For the Bourbons were eager to head to England and handle trade negotiations on their own, without bothering to go over the terms of the deal. Simply because they wanted that fat cash and felt the King should make such decisions. Because they only respected their own power and their own agency over, so naturally the Bourbons got what they wanted and the troubles in France only grew from there. Since the religious war that Catherine hoped to quell, began to take root since Edith was revealed to be alive and she was of course, preaching down upon the crown and that led… to all kinds of disaster. Such as attacks on the church.

Minnie Driver and Rosalie Craig as Queen Elizabeth I and Jeanne D’Albret in Episode 203 of ‘The Serpent Queen’ – ‘Death of a Prince’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

More trouble however, came forth via Anjour. Who felt marginalized at this point in this life and wanted to be seen and heard and be part of court and his egotistical needs brought about fury when the people began to rise up against the crown. Despite bold efforts to hold the Guise family accountable, also against the Queen’s wishes. But since no one in court saw the bigger picture that Catherine did, and only cared about selfish needs and their own agenda and power… this is the end result. Failed leadership and lasting consequences upon so many. Especially after the fact that Anjour crossed lines he was told not to, and caused harm to the people and Hercule, who took a rock to the face when Anjour’s murderous actions were decried.

All of which speaks to hard lessons ahead for Catherine, and that’s not the end of her troubles for that matter as well. Because in merry land of England, Queen Elizabeth I received wind of troubles in France and of unrest amongst court… and took action here. By agreeing to the Bourbons terms, helping to set in motion the power of greed to sow discontent in France. For this episode established Elizabeth to be as brilliant as Catherine, one who sees that bigger picture. But she is also clearly an opportunist. One ready to expand influence over an old enemy that has caused more harm than good. Setting the stage for quite the destabilizing push if Catherine is caught by surprise.

Quite frankly, that may happen. Simply because its chaos in France now. All because Catherine was unable to help her family understand their place and the real meaning of the crown and failed in helping the court see the bigger picture for a prosperous France. Which are failures that will be hard to bear and in hindsight will undoubtedly teach her a lesson… about how best to really teach others. But alas, she was known as the Serpent Queen, not the Scholarly Queen, and all of this likely means… the fangs will soon come to bear and woe to those who didn’t listen to Catherine de Medici’s warning rattle and instead chose their own path toward fortune and glory over the greater good. Until next time.

Watch ‘The Serpent Queen’

0 Comments