The Serpent Queen (Ep. 2x7) ⁞⁞ Episode Spotlight

Season 2 of the STARZ drama The Serpent Queen continued to chronicle the reign of power of Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton) in 1572 as she attempted to get her eldest son, King Charles IX married off to the visiting Queen Elizabeth (Minnie Driver). Episode 7 began with Catherine infuriated with her rebellious second-eldest son The Duke of Anjou (Stanley Morgan) after their attempt to make Charles look strong in front of the Queen was thwarted when Charles collapsed during his duel with his brother. Catherine put the blame on her queer son Anjou, despite Charles' collapse being due to consumption. With Elizabeth now having her sights set on Anjou, Catherine lashed out at her son, demanding that he hide his shameful deviant nature forever as punishment for his actions. On the verge of tears, Anjou attempted to stand his ground, telling his vengeful mother that whatever it was inside of him that she saw as shameful was inside of her as well. He stormed away, as Catherine surmised that he might be right.

Catherine continued her attempt to turn Elizabeth's attentions back to Charles, but failed. When they heard of Anjou hosting a party inside the castle, Elizabeth decided to drop into the event, despite Catherine's objections. They walked in to find Anjou in the middle of an orgy, receiving oral sex from one of the male attendees, as debauchery occurred all around him. While smoking drugs, Anjou appeared unfazed by their appearance. Elizabeth suggested that Catherine & Anjou had things to discuss before dismissing herself. Anjou then urged his mother to leave as he wasn't finished with his party. Later, Elizabeth announced her departure and her intentions not to marry anyone in Catherine's family. With Charles resolved to bend to the rival Protestant uprising by being baptized and marrying the group's leader Edith, Catherine goes to the disheartened Anjou, asking for forgiveness for her harsh words. She says that she should never have asked him to hide his true nature, because she understands now that it would mean death for him. She assures her son that even if she was the most powerful person in the world, she wouldn't change a hair on Anjou's head. She then whispers to him that it is his true nature that may save their family. Catherine tells him that the time will come that she'll call upon him to ensure their future. She leaves him, hoping that he will answer that call. Anjou mustered a smirk as his final scene ended.