CW’s Reign arrived to shake the foundations of what was considered a historical series. Running from 2013 to 2017, the show was a fresh new take on Mary, Queen of Scots’ life. Largely focusing on the time she spent at the French court and, later, when she went back to Scottland following the death of her first husband, Mary’s life was portrayed in a way audiences had never seen.
Granted, many liberties were taken when it comes to historical accuracy. Elements of fantasy were added, the ages of the characters deviated a lot from reality, and the overall aesthetic failed to match the era that was being portrayed. However, it was due to all of these elements that the series became so popular among viewers. Here, we take a look at the best episodes of Reign, ranked according to IMDb rankings.
Coup de Grace (8.2)
Season 4’s “Coup de Grace”, like most of season four, finds Mary in Scottland, attempting to fight off enemies coming from all sides who are fixed on taking her throne and destroying her and her legacy.
This episode, in particular, follows Darnley, Mary’s husband, as he plots her downfall alongside John Knox, one of her biggest foes. The plan results in one of Mary’s close friends’ death and sets the stage for what will eventually be the Queen’s downfall.
For King And Country (8.3)
“For King And Country” takes us all the way back to the first season of Reign, when Francis and Mary’s relationship was at the forefront of the show, Catherine’s resolve to destroy Mary was one of the most important plots, and the love triangle involving Bash was driving audiences crazy.
When Mary and Bash return to the castle together, Francis’ feelings of mistrust and jealously towards his brother grow exponentially. Simultaneously, he learns about the prophecy that foretells his death should he marry Mary, a union that she must secure in order to fulfill her destiny and protect her country.
Acts of War (8.3)
“Acts of War” is widely considered one of the most shocking episodes of Reign. Marking the ninth episode of season 2, it follows Francis, Mary, Bash, and Condé as they all attempt to ease the protests that are ruining the kingdom, between defenders of the Catholic faith and defenders of the Protestant faith.
Francis makes a decision that eventually leads to the castle behind stormed by radicals, two of which rape Mary. Heartbreaking, emotional, and suspenseful, this episode is jam-packed with action and amazing acting.
The Price (8.3)
The third season of Reign introduced a series of new and exciting characters, most of them situated in England. Considering the enormous part Elizabeth I of England would go on to play in Mary’s life and death, it made more than sense to showcase her perspective, struggles, and victories.
“The Price” is the season’s fourth episode, and it follows Mary and Francis as they attempt to help Mary’s mother and regent in Scottland. Back in England, audiences witness Elizabeth’s ongoing troubles with marriage and suitors.
Intruders (8.3)
Episode seventeen of season three finds a distressed Mary, who is now presumed dead, as she enlists Bash’s help to get her to Scottland and keep her enemies, most notably Elizabeth and John Knox, from taking her throne.
Simultaneously, she faces ghosts from the recent past involving Francis. It is up to her brother James to keep the country and the throne from prying hands, as Elizabeth will stop at nothing to destroy her cousin.
In A Clearing (8.4)
Back in the fifth episode of the third season, “In A Clearing”, Francis is brought back to life, leading Mary to consider relinquishing her claim to the English throne and remaining in France with her husband for the rest of her life.
Nostradamus is back in the picture, and with him, comes a new prophecy surrounding Francis, his possible fate, and what that might mean for Mary, Scottland, Elizabeth, and England.
Spiders In A Jar (8.4)
Following the events that took place in “Introduers”, “Spiders In A Jar” sees Mary return to her home in Scottland, stirring the pot for many involved, including her closest enemies.
Back in France, the young King Charles also returns home, and his mother soon finds out how much her son has changed as a direct consequence of her actions.
Slaughter of Innocence (8.5)
Once again returning to season one, “Slaughter of Innocence” arrives, marking the twenty-second, and its final, episode. In a thrilling and risky set of events, we see Mary, Francis, and Catherine planning a coup against King Henry.
Henry’s madness has reached an all-time high, and he now plans to kill his own son and marry Mary, chasing even more power than he already has. It’s an all-stikes episode with everything and everyone being put at risk.
Burn (8.5)
“Burn” also marks the finale of a season, this time around, the second one. Mary will stop at nothing to destroy Condé, leading Francis to believe she is turning her back on France.
Surprisingly, audiences see Catherine, after she was banished by her son and King, while she meets with Queen Elizabeth I in England, with a proposition to take down their common enemy – Mary.
Left Behind (8.6)
And the title of Best Reign Episode goes to “Left Behind”, the seventh episode of season one. Yes, all the way back at the very beginning of the show!
The entire episode takes place as the Castle is taken hostage by enemies. With Henry off to fight a war, it’s up to Mary, Francis, and Catherine to save everyone’s lives and keep innocents from suffering the consequences of an unwanted war.
