The Serpent Queen season 2 episode 2 recap: Catherine knows how to play both sides

The Serpent Queen season 2 episode 2 recap: Catherine knows how to play both sides

As a dedicated gamer and avid fan of historical dramas, I can’t help but be thrilled about the latest episode of “The Serpent Queen” season 2! I was hooked from the very first scene of the premiere, and the second episode, titled “Second Coming,” only deepened my fascination with this intriguing tale.


On Fridays, a new installment of “The Serpent Queen” season 2 is released, leaving us eagerly anticipating each new development. The initial episode effectively set the stage, laying down foundations for an engaging series. In the second episode, titled “Second Coming,” we delve deeper into the season’s themes and are reminded of the ongoing religious conflicts. Here’s a brief recap:

The Serpent Queen season 2 episode 2 recap: Catherine knows how to play both sides

The aftermath of the fire

Last week, it came to light that Francois was coerced by his mother Antoinette into burning down Sister Edith’s church. This incident unfolded just as King Charles approached the location to attend a sermon, demonstrating his support for his Protestant subjects. Tragically, there were no reported survivors, leading us and them to believe so initially.

The Bourbon brothers begin planning for war against the Catholics, reluctantly, in an attempt to pressure Catherine into complying with their demands, believing she’s unaware of their scheme. Meanwhile, Catherine devises a plan to accuse some “discontented individuals” of setting the fire instead of implicating Francois and potentially executing them instead.

She’s certain he committed the act, yet lacks the evidence. Simultaneously, the Bourbons manage to secure their desired trade agreement with Queen Elizabeth and England through this turn of events. They agree, leading to a temporary halt in the ongoing conflict. Let’s hope this peace lasts throughout the remainder of the season! Following the resolution with the Bourbons, Catherine pays a visit to the Guises to share her belief that their plan to ignite war will not bear fruit.

The family and Catholics not only consent, but they will also finance the construction of a new palace for King Charles in Paris. This palace will instill pride among all Frenchmen, regardless of their faith. With some reservation, they have agreed to this endeavor.

The Serpent Queen season 2 episode 2 recap: Catherine knows how to play both sides

Welcome back Diane de Poitiers

Despite my dislike for Diane de Poitiers, Henry II’s mistress and a constant source of tension between us, she undeniably adds an intriguing atmosphere whenever she’s present. Her complex relationship with Catherine is captivating to observe. Despite being exiled from the court for years, Catherine has requested her return, as she feels the need to oversee their royal children while she travels to Italy and prepare the palace for Charles. Their adulthood notwithstanding, it’s clear that they cannot be left unsupervised.

Catherine engages in a lengthy conversation with Diane, who expresses her deep affection for Catherine and Henry’s children. She has spent significant time caring for them in the past, but now wishes she had devoted more attention to her own daughters, whom she finds less connected to her. In return for babysitting, Diane requests that Catherine modify a rule in their agreement: upon her death, she intends for her wealth and possessions to be inherited by her daughters instead of any male heir. Catherine agrees to this stipulation before departing for Italy. However, it appears that Diane is absent during Catherine’s departure. This raises an intriguing question.

The Serpent Queen season 2 episode 2 recap: Catherine knows how to play both sides

Surviving the fire

As a survivor of Edith’s rebellion, I can tell you that our situation was dire. We faced certain death at the hands of the queen and her loyal soldiers. But against all odds, Edith and some of her most devoted followers managed to escape, leaving us all in awe and wonder. It wasn’t easy to believe that there were still survivors amongst us.

Aabis and her assistant miraculously survived the fire and are now alive and well. While en route to Italy to acquire funds for the palace, Rahema shares a rumor with Catherine that the Protestant followers have survived. Catherine responds with hopefulness, but the situation is far from it. Unbeknownst to them, Francois decides to investigate the camp personally. Trouble is certainly on the horizon.

The Serpent Queen season 2 episode 2 airs/streams Friday, July 19, 2024 on Starz.

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2024-07-20 04:28

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