'The Serpent Queen' Spends Some "Time With the Family"

The Serpent Queen’s fifth episode, “Time With the Family,” marks Season 2’s halfway point. We’ve seen the creation of complicated alliances, quarrels, and crises, but Catherine seems somehow above it. She is the Queen Mother, respected if not liked, the line of succession is safe, and she’s considering matches of political significance for her children. Confident that civil war can be avoided, her legacy will be peace, culture, and a unified France. Wait, what? Has Catherine lost her edge, or are we being duped? Remember: Trust No One.

Catherine: You are quite right. I must admit my guilt. In my overzealousness to protect my children, I overstepped, and I only hope you believe me when I say my intentions were good. However, considering my misjudgment, it is in the best interests of the council that I resign my post immediately.

Catherine’s half-brother Alessandro takes her to the site of her new palace, Tuileries. As Rahima keeps an eye on him, he tells Catherine about his next project, which needs investors, and that he is heading to the New World; he won’t return to Florence, where his illegitimate status is held against him. Catherine takes the hint, but her first job is to unite France. Besides, a second miracle, surviving poison, took place, enhancing the reputation of renegade Protestant preacher Edith and attracting the interest of foreign powers. On the other side of the Channel, Queen Elizabeth I cheerfully beheads a boiled egg, telling her minister Throckmorton she fancies a little trip to Europe.