The Serpent Queen season 2 finale is a blood bath (Recap)

The Serpent Queen season 2 finale is a blood bath (Recap)

As a history enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over medieval chronicles and courtly intrigues, I can confidently say that “The Serpent Queen” season 2 has been a rollercoaster ride of political machinations, familial betrayals, and shocking twists – much like the real-life story of Catherine de’ Medici!


Wow, I had an inkling that Catherine de’ Medici had a hidden scheme, but I never anticipated it would be so brutal! Indeed, she proved everyone wrong in “The Serpent Queen” season 2 episode 8, “All Saints Day.” This finale delivered everything we expect from a grand season conclusion. Let’s dive into the recap, but beware of spoilers below!

The Serpent Queen season 2 finale is a blood bath (Recap)

Princess Margot and Henry Bourbon get married

In spite of attempts by Princess Margot to avoid it through secret liaisons with François de Guise and appeals to King Charles, her marriage to Henry Bourbon ultimately takes place. Reluctantly, Margot found herself being compelled during the ceremony when Anjou physically forced her head down. Initially, King Charles was willing to support his sister’s wishes; however, after she became involved with François de Guise, he changed his mind, suspecting that she was manipulating him, and eventually forced her into marrying Henry Bourbon at Catherine’s behest.

As a cunning gamer, I’d say: “In the game of power, Antoinette de Guise threatens Francois, saying if he doesn’t confess their past at the church, she’ll expose his secret belief in Edith to the Catholic League. But guess who’s not playing this manipulative game anymore? Me! Even though Margot might have seen this revelation as a welcome distraction for her new union.”

Henry’s dad, Louis de Bourbon, is uneasy about this union and advises his son to withdraw from it if he chooses. This decision becomes more appealing after Catherine sets up Angelica to kill Henry’s mother, the Queen of Navaar, possibly so that Margot can assume the role with her new marriage. However, Henry claims indifference about everything, leading Louis to suspect him of being a psychopath. But it turns out this assessment might not be entirely accurate as we learn more later on.

As a fan, I might rephrase it like this: When Henry and Margot were required to symbolize their union before everyone, I could see apprehension on her face. Yet, he declared that the deed was done, even though nothing physical had taken place. Despite this unexpected turn of events, the crowd was content, marking the end of the ceremony. However, instead of joining the celebration outside, Henry chose to remain in the room with Margot.

The Serpent Queen season 2 finale is a blood bath (Recap)

The bloody massacre

Amidst the celebration, Edith is seated beside Catherine and queries her about when she’ll receive the document granting the regency. The queen affirms that indeed, it’s now her time to claim what she had come for. For a fleeting instant, apprehension crosses Edith’s face as she senses the impending danger. Catherine then slits Edith’s throat, and Anjou, accompanied by his companions, burst in and begin slaughtering everyone, all in the name of the House of Guise.

Simultaneously, Angelica plunges a knife into Montmorency in the courtyard where Catherine asked him to wait for her. Rahima remains confined to her chamber, and Alessandro meets an untimely end as well. Instead of allowing her mother to murder Anjou out of spite, Margot prevents it. Catherine insists that he can survive, but reminds her daughter that she had a chance to escape their arranged marriage, which she declined.

Despite being shocked by her mother’s actions, Catherine inquires from Charles if he plans to spare Edith’s followers and pursue them, or prioritize the safety of the royal family. Charles responds sharply, “Slaughter them all in their sleep.” Incredible. In the climactic scenes, it’s revealed that Louis and Antoine Bourbon are still alive, with the Guises (excluding their mother) imprisoned and accused of everything. Additionally, the Catholic League, which Catherine had executed, is shown to have been falsely implicated as well.

In a similar vein to how the first season concluded with the Bourbon siblings being imprisoned and vowing revenge on Catherine, the second season of The Serpent Queen finishes off with the Guise brothers in custody this time around, and Charles declaring his intention for retaliation. Here’s a summary of each of the main characters’ situations by the end:

  • Dead: Edith, Montmorency, Alessandro, Aaabis and her pupil
  • Alive: Charles and Cece of Austria, Margot and Henry, Charles and Francois, Rahima
  • Injured: Louis and Antoine
  • Unknown: Antoinette (though we see Louis after they were together, her fate is unknown)

In conclusion, it appears that Catherine has undergone a change after spending so much time trying to maintain peace between Catholics and Protestants. She no longer seems concerned and says to the camera, “Long live the king, I suppose. However, there’s always a backup plan.” The scene then shifts to Charles, still coughing profusely, and the series ends with Anjou grinning wickedly at the camera. It’s clear that there is indeed a backup plan. But Catherine, you only have one left!

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2024-08-31 04:28

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