The Serpent Queen Part 5 is the fifth instalment of an American historical period drama TV miniseries revolving around the life of Catherine de’ Medici. Created by Justin Haythe, the miniseries is based on the 2004 non-fiction book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda.
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Entitled “The First Regency”, The Serpent Queen Part 5 is a bit of a confusing piece itself. Presumably, that is meant to depict Catherine’s continual ebb and flow as far as her fortunes are concerned. Which makes for a troubling engagement overall for anyone following this series closely. The episode is concerned mainly with the power play between Catherine and her cousin Diane, as they battle for supremacy under Henri’s rule.
READ OUR ANALYSES OF THE SERPENT QUEEN.
Initially, it seems that The Serpent Queen Part 5 provides evidence of Catherine’s machinations winning her the King’s favour but as usual, that advantage does not last. While the King is away at war, Catherine is appoint as Regent and manages to manoeuvre her way around the Catholic and Protestant middlemen on the Privy Council. Ironically enough, it is the very means by which she met the needs of the King that provided Denise a way back into the King’s good graces.
Not sure if it completely makes any sense that by slitting the throat of the merchant in front of everybody in the King’s court, Diane actually raises her status in the King’s eyes but that’s what we get. We would have though that that would have seriously damaged her position – having committed murder in plain view but apparently not. The logic escapes us somewhat. Also, in present day story, Catherine actually puts the servant girl in harm’s way, while the latter carries out a favour for her – why? Guess we will need to find out next episode. Strange twist.
Now streaming on Starz.
… still there’s more …