Reign recap: 'A Better Man' 

Make waaaaaay, for Prince Henri! Okay, so neither Catherine nor Narcisse dress up as a blue genie to welcome Henri back to French court, but there is, in fact, a new prince in town. And from the looks of it, Charles’ younger brother is going to spell trouble.

Here’s the sitch: Catherine’s learned that our dear Leesa has gone behind her back and sent a letter to Henri — currently off fighting the Turks — informing him that Charles is unwell and he needs to return to France ASAP. There’s a throne to be protected! The news pushes Catherine and Narcisse’s Plan to Make Charles a Suitable King into hyperdrive.

They get word that some Protestants are holding a group of Catholics hostage until the crown releases some other Protestants they currently have imprisoned. Like, I’m sure Catherine feels bad for those Catholics, but mainly she sees it as a potential PR win. If Charles takes swift and strong military action against those Protestants, he’ll show everyone — but mainly Leesa — that he is a protector of the Catholic faith. Only problem is Charles hates taking swift and strong military action. Remember that time when being responsible for people’s deaths turned him into a cave-dwelling squirrel eater? #MistyWaterColoredMemories

Their only hope in convincing Charles is to, well, convince Nicole to convince Charles. Which, of course, means Narcisse needs to step up his seduction game. His first pass with Nicole fails. He offers her a wonderful home far, far away from court if she can persuade Charles to abdicate the throne and join her in that home. There’s one problem: Nicole doesn’t want to be hidden away from court. She wants to live that sweet court life, and she wants to do it with Narcisse. She’s in love with him, apparently. This all feels very forced and the sooner we ditch Nicole, the better.

Narcisse’s second attempt with Nicole yields much more success. He and Catherine now want Nicole to get Charles to make a move on the Protestants. Instead of promising Nicole money and lands, Narcisse shows his “vulnerable” side. The reason he’s been so hesitant to fall for Nicole is because he feels it would be a betrayal of Lola. But the heart wants what the heart wants (also, Catherine wants what Catherine wants, ya feel me?). He and Nicole go to Royal Pound Town.

Narcisse is, of course, quite upset that this whole charade has forced him to use Lola’s memory in such a way, but the play works. Before they know it, Charles is ordering troops to free the Catholic hostages. Catherine couldn’t be prouder — and she can’t wait to inform Leesa and halt this crazy plan of having Charles abdicate and putting Henri on the throne. Unfortunately, they’re too late. Henri arrives, gives mommy a hug — and a disconcerting look to the camera. Catherine might inform him that Charles is fine and dandy, but Henri doesn’t care. He has his eyes set on that throne.

Per usual, Mary’s throne over in Scotland is being threatened, as well. I mean, it is a Friday, after all.

Mary has invited Lord Hamilton to the castle. This is news for several reasons. First, Hamilton (raise a glass!) is a powerful Protestant in Scotland, who also has some claim to the throne. If Mary can somehow convince him to support her and Darnley, it would go a long way in strengthening her reign and uniting Scotland. Problem is, Hamilton had wanted to marry Mary and there’s also this little, minor blood feud with Darnley’s family. Hamilton’s grandfather murdered Darnley’s…it’s this whole thing. The two dudes

get along. And also, Hamilton is BFFs with Knox. So, yes, getting this dude to support Mary might be a hard sell.

Mary tells Darnley to be a better man and take one for the royal team (in his defense, he does seem sincere when he tells her he is trying his best). He needs to welcome Hamilton with open arms. Technically he is very nice to the guy, but he also attempts to get him to drink some poison so, it’s a two steps forward, one step back kind of situation.

Meanwhile, Mary also wants James to make sure Hamilton isn’t doing anything shady behind her back…like colluding with Knox to take the throne. Since no one knows of Emily’s fate just yet, Mary sends her brother off for another “informational meeting.” Before James heads off though, he has a run-in with Greer. A RUN-IN WITH GREER, PEOPLE.

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