The Serpent Queen Part 8 is the eighth 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 “A Queen is Made”, The Serpent Queen Part 8 finishes with Catherine confirmed as the Queen Regent even as her son Charles IX is crowned King of France, after the death of Francis II. Though ostensibly narrated by the servant girl Rahima, we know that this is not possible as she did not witness these events. Ignoring that obvious flaw, this final episode is a veritable roller-coaster for Catherine’s ambitions as she stumbles from one failed plan to another before finally succeeding only due to the actions of Montmorency.
Thus, The Serpent Queen Part 8 does call into question Catherine’s reputation as the Serpent Queen. That said, the numerous plot twists along the way might be a little difficult to follow and swallow if you know what we mean. Not only is Catherine only able to function via manipulation and persuasion (and often seemingly wavers in her intentions) but the conflicting interests around her (Catholic vs Protestant) cast her in a neutral position which benefit her greatly.
READ OUR ANALYSES OF THE SERPENT QUEEN.
The Serpent Queen Part 8 perfectly merges the past and the present narratives as Catherine finally succeeds in getting rid of Mary Stuart. Mary is tricked by Catherine to return to Scotland, her homeland, believing that her cousin Queen Elizabeth would come to her aid. Instead she would never return to France and would try to influence affairs in Scotland instead. Catherine’s use of Rahima in this scheme is what secures her title as the Serpent Queen.
Considering how The Serpent Queen Part 8 sets up the conflict amongst the various factions moving into Catherine’s reign as Queen Regent, it makes sense that the series has been renewed for a second season. Something to look forward to. Recommended.
Watch The Serpent Queen Season 1 on Amazon.
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