Reign: Season 1, Episode 21 - Long Live the King (2014)

The episode begins with Mary, Queen of Scots, grappling with the aftermath of the assassination of King Henry. The court is in turmoil, and Mary feels the weight of her responsibilities as she prepares to take the throne. She is determined to honor Henry's legacy while also navigating the treacherous political landscape that surrounds her.

As Mary and her ladies-in-waiting, including Greer, Kenna, Aylee, and Bash, discuss the future, they are interrupted by the arrival of the new King, Francis. He is visibly shaken by his father's death and struggles with the burden of leadership. Mary comforts him, but there is an underlying tension as they both realize the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, Catherine de' Medici, the late king's widow, is plotting her next move. She is determined to maintain her influence and power, and she begins to manipulate the court to her advantage. Catherine's machinations include attempting to sway Francis against Mary, as she believes that Mary is a threat to her own position.

In a pivotal scene, Mary and Francis attend a council meeting where they must address the nobles and the future of the kingdom. Tensions rise as various factions express their concerns about Mary's claim to the throne. Francis stands by Mary, but the nobles are divided, and the atmosphere is charged with uncertainty. Mary asserts her right to rule, but the nobles' skepticism weighs heavily on her.

As the episode progresses, Bash confronts his own feelings about Mary and Francis. He is torn between his loyalty to Mary and his love for her. Bash's internal conflict intensifies when he learns of a plot against Mary, and he decides to take action to protect her. He seeks out the source of the threat, leading him to a confrontation with a group of conspirators who are plotting to assassinate Mary.

In a tense sequence, Bash infiltrates the conspirators' hideout. He engages in a fierce fight, showcasing his combat skills as he takes down several attackers. The scene is filled with adrenaline as Bash fights to protect Mary, driven by his love for her and his desire to keep her safe. He ultimately succeeds in thwarting the assassination attempt, but not without sustaining injuries.

Back at the castle, Mary is informed of the assassination attempt and is grateful for Bash's bravery. However, this incident deepens the rift between her and Francis, as he feels overshadowed by Bash's actions. Francis struggles with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, which complicates their relationship further.

Catherine, sensing the growing tension, decides to exploit the situation. She manipulates Francis into believing that Mary is not fit to rule, planting seeds of doubt in his mind. This manipulation leads to a confrontation between Mary and Francis, where they argue about trust and loyalty. Mary feels betrayed by Francis's doubts, while Francis grapples with his conflicting emotions.

As the episode nears its climax, the court is thrown into chaos when news of a rebellion reaches them. The nobles, emboldened by the uncertainty surrounding Mary's rule, begin to rally against her. Mary and Francis must quickly devise a plan to quell the uprising and secure their positions. They realize that they must unite against their common enemies, setting aside their personal conflicts for the sake of the kingdom.

In the final moments of the episode, Mary and Francis stand together, ready to face the challenges ahead. They reaffirm their commitment to each other and to the throne, but the shadows of betrayal and manipulation loom large. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of Mary and Francis uncertain as they prepare for the impending conflict.

In the ending of "Reign" Season 1, Episode 21, titled "Long Live the King," the episode culminates in a series of tragic events. King Henry is poisoned, leading to his death, which creates a power vacuum in the court. Mary, faced with the fallout of the king's death, must navigate the treacherous political landscape. Bash is left heartbroken as he realizes his love for Mary may never be realized. Meanwhile, Francis is determined to protect Mary and secure his position as the new king, but the episode ends with uncertainty and danger looming over the future of the kingdom.

As the episode begins, the tension in the castle is palpable. King Henry, who has been increasingly unstable, is preparing for a grand feast to celebrate his reign. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of excitement and dread, as the court is aware of the king's erratic behavior. Mary, who has been trying to maintain her position and protect her future, is caught in a web of political intrigue.

During the feast, the mood shifts dramatically when King Henry collapses after taking a sip from his goblet. The court is thrown into chaos as they realize he has been poisoned. The camera captures the shock and horror on the faces of the guests, particularly Mary and Francis, who rush to his side. The urgency of the moment is underscored by the frantic attempts of the court physicians to save the king, but their efforts are in vain. King Henry dies, leaving a stunned silence in the hall.

In the aftermath of the king's death, Francis is thrust into a position of power as he prepares to take the throne. He is determined to protect Mary, who is now more vulnerable than ever. The emotional weight of the moment is heavy as Francis grapples with the responsibilities of kingship and the dangers that come with it. He knows that the court will be rife with ambition and betrayal, and he must navigate these treacherous waters carefully.

Meanwhile, Bash is dealing with his own heartbreak. He has always harbored feelings for Mary, and the realization that she may never be his weighs heavily on him. As he watches Francis step into his role as king, Bash feels a mix of sadness and resignation. His love for Mary is complicated by the political realities of their world, and he understands that their paths may never align.

As the episode draws to a close, the court is left in disarray. The power struggle that follows King Henry's death is palpable, with various factions vying for control. Mary, Francis, and Bash are left to confront the uncertain future of their relationships and the kingdom. The final scenes are filled with a sense of foreboding, as the characters face the consequences of their choices and the looming threats that surround them.

In summary, the fates of the main characters are intertwined with the political upheaval following the king's death. Mary must navigate her role as queen amidst the chaos, Francis steps into his new role with determination, and Bash is left to grapple with his unrequited love. The episode ends on a note of uncertainty, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead for each character.

In the episode "Long Live the King," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with significant events that wrap up the season's storylines, focusing on the aftermath of King Henry's death and the political turmoil that ensues. The final moments set the stage for the characters' futures without any additional scenes after the credits.

The prophecy mentioned in 'Long Live the King' serves as a pivotal plot element that foreshadows the turmoil to come. It hints at the dangers surrounding the royal family and the potential for betrayal. The characters' reactions to the prophecy reveal their fears and motivations, particularly as they navigate the uncertain future of the kingdom.

Bash, or Sebastian de Poitiers, plays a crucial role in 'Long Live the King' as he grapples with his feelings for Mary and his loyalty to his family. He is torn between his love for Mary and the political machinations surrounding the throne. His actions are driven by a desire to protect Mary and ensure her safety amidst the chaos.

In 'Long Live the King', King Henry is gravely ill and his condition deteriorates throughout the episode. He struggles with the reality of his impending death and the implications it has for the throne and his family. His illness leads to a series of tense confrontations and decisions that affect the future of the kingdom.

Mary faces significant challenges to her claim to the throne in this episode. As King Henry's health declines, she must navigate the treacherous political landscape, including the ambitions of others who seek power. Her determination to secure her position and protect her future is evident as she makes strategic alliances and confronts her enemies.

Catherine de' Medici is portrayed as a complex character in this episode, showing both her ruthless ambition and her vulnerability. As Henry's health declines, she becomes increasingly desperate to maintain her power and influence. Her emotional state fluctuates between fear of losing her position and a fierce determination to manipulate the situation to her advantage.

"Reign," Season 1, Episode 21, titled "Long Live the King," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence and Death: The episode features scenes of political intrigue that include violence, betrayal, and the consequences of power struggles, which may be intense for younger viewers.

2. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, including grief, heartbreak, and betrayal, which could be upsetting for sensitive audiences.

3. Romantic Tension: There are romantic relationships that involve complex emotions, jealousy, and heartbreak, which may not be suitable for all children.

4. Themes of Betrayal and Deceit: The plot revolves around themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the harsh realities of court life, which may be difficult for younger viewers to fully understand or process.

5. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of power, manipulation, and the darker sides of human nature, which may be more appropriate for older teens and adults.

These elements contribute to a narrative that is rich in drama but may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger children.