The Serpent Queen Season 2 culminates with a thrilling and blood-soaked finale that secures Catherine de’ Medici’s merciless supremacy in the French court. Episode 8, dubbed “All Saints Day,” deals with the tragic St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, a historical event that Catherine orchestrates to destroy her adversaries and secure her reign. 

However, despite the episode’s shocking brutality and betrayal, the overall tone is one of deliberate inevitability rather than astonishment. If you loved the ending, here’s a closer look at the season’s conclusion and what it means for The Serpent Queen. 

The Inevitable Bloodshed in The Serpent Queen

The climax of the story, The Serpent Queen, occurs at the wedding of Margot and Henri of Navarre, a match orchestrated by Catherine to prevent civil war and strengthen her control. Margot, however, is hesitant as she loves François de Guise. Her brother, King Charles, initially tries to cancel the marriage, believing it will resolve the religious conflict. But Catherine’s scheming ensures the wedding goes ahead.

The Inevitable Bloodshed in The Serpent Queen
Credits: Starz

Catherine’s cunning schemes are as complex as they are lethal. She gets rid of Jeanne of Navarre, who demands proof of Margot’s virginity, by poisoning her with gloves. This is just the beginning of a series of murders that lead to the horrific wedding massacre.

The massacre is hinted at throughout the episode, creating a sense of fear instead of surprise. The wedding itself goes smoothly, but the banquet afterwards is when Catherine’s real plan unfolds.

Catherine’s Ruthless Consolidation of Power

As the wedding begins, Catherine’s plan is put into action. Antoinette de Guise tries to stop the wedding by having François accuse Margot of being impure, but he backs down at the last minute. Margot and Henri are married, and although their union is consummated quickly and awkwardly, it is enough to achieve Catherine’s political goals.

Catherine's Ruthless Consolidation of Power
Credits: Starz

Later in The Serpent Queen, the massacre starts when Catherine slits the throat of Edith, a Protestant leader she had promised to make Queen-Regent. This act triggers a wave of violence as Anjou, Catherine’s son, and his masked men kill the wedding guests.

Among the victims is Alessandro, who had planned to escape France with Rahima, a character who is important throughout the season. Rahima, who is pregnant with Alessandro’s child, is locked in her room, unable to help as the slaughter happens.

With the Protestant leaders and their allies dead, Catherine seems to have complete control over France. But she doesn’t stop there. Catherine tricks her son, King Charles, into ordering the execution of Edith’s followers, blaming the massacre on them to prevent a coup. This further strengthens her power, as both the Catholic League and the Protestant faction are in chaos.

What The Ending Really Means

Despite the violence, the finale of The Serpent Queen season 2 suggests that Catherine’s control over power is not completely secure. Charles’s health is getting worse quickly, and his likely successor, Anjou, is unstable. In addition, Rahima, who survived the massacre, promises to get revenge on Catherine, adding another potential threat to her rule.

The finale leaves some unanswered questions that could be explored in a potential third season or so we believe. The deaths of key Protestant leaders and the destruction of their followers could lead to future conflicts.

Anjou’s rise to the throne is likely, but his mental state poses a significant challenge to Catherine’s control. In addition, Rahima’s pregnancy and her desire for revenge introduce a new element of intrigue and danger.

What The Ending Really Means
Credits: Starz

Although the finale of The Serpent Queen Season 2 is not as shocking as some might have expected, it is a satisfying conclusion to a season of pursuit of power. Catherine de’ Medici emerges as one of history’s most formidable figures, willing to do anything to maintain her position. As the dust settles, the stage is set for even more chaos and bloodshed in future seasons.

Conclusion 

The conclusion of The Serpent Queen Season 2 cements Catherine de’ Medici as a formidable and ruthless leader, unafraid to use violence and manipulation to secure her power. While the finale’s events may have been anticipated, the execution is a masterclass in political intrigue and brutality. 

With the groundwork laid for future conflicts, particularly with Anjou’s unstable rise and Rahima’s vow for revenge, the series promises even more chaos and power struggles in the seasons to come. Catherine’s reign is far from over, and the path ahead is fraught with danger and potential upheaval.

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