A new favourite Reign(s) in my lounge

I definitely have a new favourite series after spending an entire weekend watching the first season of Reign, a period drama which chronicles the life of 15-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots’ rise to power from the time she arrives at the French court, betrothed to France’s next King, Prince Francis.

The show has everything you might expect from a period piece – a high quota of drama, political back stabbing, intrigue, murder, general mayhem and of course, sex.

However, unlike many series, choosing a favourite character to root for isn’t that easy in Reign as every character is so interesting and juicy you find yourself rooting for them all – even the arch enemies.

The title role is played by Adelaide Kane who depicts the stoic queen with grace and passion.

She is a woman torn between her duties to Scotland and King Henry II’s two sons.

While she is betrothed to Francis, played by Toby Regbo, and feels genuine love for him, he has little interest in marrying her – unless it becomes prudent to France that he do so.

This neglect turns her eye to his headstrong, illegitimate older brother Bash (Sebastian), played by Torrence Torrance Coombs, who lives a freer life without the worries of what it means to be the future king of France.

The king and queen on throne for the duration of the first season – King Henry II and his wife Catherine de’ Medici of the influential Italian de’ Medici family, are played by Alan van Sprang and the wonderfully witty Megan Follows.

While Mary and Catherine are, for the most part, deathly foes, both parts are played so superbly by the actresses in the roles that one cannot help but cheer for both of them – even when one (usually Catherine) is plotting to kill the other.

While these characters would make for excellent viewing on their own, the addition of Mary’s four close companions – Kenna, Lola, Greer and Aylee – with their own dramas in seeking suitable (rich, landed) gentlemen make Reign a truly captivating watch.

The only complaint I have is that the cliffhanger at the end of season one has left me wanting more, a situation not easily remedied as the release to DVD of season two, which only began airing abroad in October, is nowhere in sight.