When the historical drama TV series “Reign” returns to The CW in October for its third season, Adelaide Kane’s Queen Mary not only has to deal with the English Court, she also has to deal with the fact that her mother-in-law, Catherine de Medici, is teaming up with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth, to bring her down.
Things are still not looking good for King Francis, played by Toby Regbo, as Season 3 will pretty much deal with his impending death. According to Movie News Guide, even though Conde is out of the picture and Mary and Francis are now back together, the Queen and King of France might not have enough time to spend together. Historically speaking, the real King Francis died young from an ear infection and Mary Queen of Scots had to remarry to secure power.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Laurie McCarthy says that though they take historical liberties regarding the show, they still adhere to Mary Queen of Scots’ life story, adding that the foreshadowing of Francis’ eventual death has been woven into the story from the outset.
With all the problems Mary is facing, she is definitely going to need someone to confide to and perhaps some reinforcement as well. EW exclusively reported that Amy Brenneman will return for an episode to reprise her role as Marie de Guise, Mary’s scheming mother. Last season, Marie’s visit prompted Mary to confess about her being raped, but she seemed more concerned if it resulted to a pregnancy rather than the condition of her daughter, thus angering Mary. Mary then accused her own mother of using her as a weapon to produce an heir and maintain supremacy.
Marie, in turn, let Mary in on a huge secret of hers as well – she’s ill and apparently dying. Mary’s anger eventually turned into genuine concern for her mother, even insisting that she stay in France, but the matriarch says she needs to return to Scotland to secure Mary’s rule of their country. It is still unknown when Marie de Guise will make her exciting comeback and in what condition will viewers see her in although speculations say that Mary might drop by Scotland to pay her mother a little visit.
Meanwhile, it looks like the French Court won’t be the only one carrying all the drama this season as executive producer McCarthy states that Season 3 gives them a big opportunity to explore the English Court too. And with Catherine de Medici being the Court’s official guest, she is bound to meet the people in the English Queen’s life.
Following her most-anticipated reveal last season, “Lost Girl” alum Rachel Skarsten will portray Queen Elizabeth of England as a series regular. Executive producer McCarthy tells EW about the interesting dynamics between Megan Follows, who portrays Catherine, and Skarsten which fans should watch out for on the upcoming third season.
The devious Catherine was banned from France by his own son because of how she mercilessly ordered her own grandson, Francis’ son from Lola, be kidnaped for her own personal motives. Catherine swore revenge on Mary as she was the one who found out the truth and told Francis of her own mother’s schemes.
Upon the introduction of the Elizabethan Court, viewers will meet Robert Dudley, Elizabeth’s childhood friend, and historical love. Unfortunately, it won’t be easy for the two as Robert is married to Amy, who is set to be a great fun rival for the English royalty. Christian Today also reports that Tom Everett Scott will be the latest addition to the cast this season. Scott will portray William, Queen Elizabeth’s trusted advisor.
Back in the French Court, Greer, played by Celina Sinden, is ought to find love again in Season 3. Last season, Greer’s life headed for a tumultuous spin as she found out that her husband, Lord Castleroy, was involved in the attempted overthrow of King Francis. They were, in turn, stripped of their money, home, and all the riches with Castleroy giving up his own life for her. Her friendship with Mary was deeply strained because of it, but towards the end of the season, they managed to patch things up.