It’s been a while since I’ve done an Agrippina Files post. So, I thought I’d go over what the historical fiction series Reign was about. I’ve watched a large portion of the series, but that was a while ago. But I know enough about the TV show to explain it comprehensively. It tells a fictional version of the story of Mary, Queen of Scots and her life as Queen of Scotland and how she manages as the Queen Consort of France. However, at the same time, the earlier seasons deal with Mary being caught in a love triangle with Prince Francis and his half-brother, Bash.
Anyway, there are A LOT of inaccuracies in Reign. It’s not just the portrayals but the dates too. For example, in the show, it is said that Mary arrives at the French Court when in reality, she was raised there, but that’s neither here nor there. Also, the TV show depicts Francis having a child with one of Mary’s handmaidens when this didn’t happen in real life.
Despite its short shelf life, Mary and Francis’ marriage is happy. They try to have a child, but it doesn’t happen as Mary miscarries. As a result, the marriage becomes stranded for a time, and they separate. During this time, Francis has a one-night stand with Lola, one of Mary’s ladies, and she ends up pregnant.
Added Story Beats
Francis isn’t told of Lola’s pregnancy until she goes into labour nine months later. After that, Mary is named the baby’s godmother. By now, she already knows about her husband’s fling with Lola.
Some of the other massive plot points in the series include the existence of Queen Catherine De Medici’s bastard daughter, Clarissa, Bash, King Henry II’s bastard son and Henry’s eventual death, which leads to Francis becoming King of France and Mary as Queen Consort.
Early in Reign’s run, Catherine and Mary had a massive conflict. However, when her cousin Queen Elizabeth becomes involved, Mary’s real issue happens after Francis’ death. Ultimately, Elizabeth wins, and Mary’s death occurs when her son, James, with her second husband, Lord Darnley, is only young. Mary was executed on Elizabeth I’s order aged 44, as she was imprisoned for years.
