The CW television network has long been known for its addictive dramas and heart-stopping plot twists. In late 2013, the network welcomed a new show to their lineup-- one of royalty, deceit and betrayal. Reign follows the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Francis II, the dauphin of France, during their short reign in the 1500s.
Unlike any other show on the network, viewers follow the ups and downs of French court and a queen who miraculously has claim to not one, but three thrones. While the show takes liberties (as any would), it is evident that much care is taken when bringing these royal lives to modern TV screens. Reign has distinguished itself among others with its fantastical shooting locations and breathtaking costumes.
Any history buff who finds royal families intriguing will surely grow addicted to this show. While Reign is set in the 1500s, the characters and households find themselves dealing with various situations people today deal with, such as stress and death, all while having to uphold the crown.
At the end of this year, however, the CW shocked fanatics of Reign (and its actors) when it announced that the fourth season, set to premiere Feb. 10, 2017, would be its last. With season three terminating a fan favorite early on, it's probable that ratings took a hit. They could've also been affected by the entrance of a new monarch, Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England were said to have a very strict relationship, regardless of them being cousins. Mary holds a birthright to the English throne, which has always threatened Elizabeth, as well as her native claim to the Scottish throne and French queenship through her marriage to Francis. This ended up being the "real Mary's" downfall; she went after the English throne and was beheaded by Elizabeth for treasonous acts against the crown. In season three, Reign shows English court in many of its episodes. Too many shows have been canceled because storylines became too "heavy" for viewers to follow without it being hard to keep up. Unfortunately, the show's cancellation could mean that Reign was added to this list.
With the upcoming season being Reign's last, fans who know the real story have been in hysterics that their beloved Queen Mary (portrayed by the lovely Adelaide Kane) might not have the ending befitted for a queen. However, recently Rachel Skarsten (who plays Elizabeth on the show) posted a photo of the two queens holding hands during a scene, complete with the caption "Re-writing history." This has quelled rumors of the Mary's onscreen death, for now, while heightening suspicion of how the show will make its exit. A fashionable and shocking one, no doubt.
As they all say, LONG MAY SHE REIGN!
