The Serpent Queen Season 2 finale, “All Saints Day,” is a dramatic and spectacular end to the series, based on the real-life events of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. The episode begins with Princess Margot’s rage at learning of her scheduled marriage to her cousin, Henri of Navarre. Her brother, King Charles, tries to calm her down.
Still, the issue swiftly escalates when Charles confronts his mother, Catherine, and declares that his recent conversion to Protestantism eliminates the need for Margot to marry. On the other hand, Catherine maintains that the union is critical to ending the ongoing civil conflict and dismisses Charles’ complaints, reminding him of his failing health. If you’re wondering what else happened later in the episode, keep reading this article till the end!
The Turbulent Path to Margot’s Marriage in The Serpent Queen
As tensions increase in The Serpent Queen, Antoinette de Guise and her son, Francois, attempt to jeopardise Margot’s upcoming wedding by damaging her reputation. Antoinette encourages Francois to seduce Margot, ruining her chances with Henri.
However, their plans fall apart when Rahima intercepts Francois’ letter to Margot and delivers it to Catherine. Unfazed, Catherine appears to be worried about Margot’s supposed impurity and organizes a thorough investigation while deceiving Jeannette, a close confidante, into believing the worst about her.
In a bizarre turn of events in The Serpent Queen, while shopping in Paris, Jeannette is poisoned by a pair of gloves advised by Angelica, Catherine’s maid dressed as a merchant. Jeannette’s untimely death shocks the Bourbon family, who assemble to grieve her loss while becoming increasingly suspicious of Catherine’s involvement.
Despite her denials, Catherine’s true intentions are revealed when she decides to hand the Regency to Edith, the Protestant faction’s leader when Margot and Henri’s marriage is completed.
The Wedding Day Massacre
Later in The Serpent Queen, the wedding day arrives, and the atmosphere is strained as Henri and Margot prepare to marry. Although Henri is joyful and hopeful, his father and uncle warn him about the risks of power and the false nature of women. Despite these warnings, Henri remained unconcerned, confident in his ability to navigate the court’s dangerous waters.
As the wedding ceremony begins in The Serpent Queen, the air is thick with uneasiness. Margot first protests, but Anjou finally bows her head in submission, indicating her reluctant acceptance of the marriage. The festivities shift to Catherine’s opulent palace, where visitors are compelled to hand over their weapons—a foreshadowing of the violence to come.
Catherine’s plot reaches a devastating conclusion at the wedding supper. She cruelly cuts Edith’s throat, killing her main political opponent. Montmorency, who had suggested an easy retirement with Catherine, is also murdered.
The festivities deteriorate into a slaughter led by a masked Anjou, evoking the infamous Red Wedding from Game of Thrones, which was based on this real incident. The carnage escalates as Catherine manipulates King Charles into ordering the death of the Protestant followers, ensuring her reign remains unchallenged.
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How Did The Episode End?
The episode’s last moments expose Catherine’s stubborn temperament. When Rahima, who has been a supporting character throughout the season, announces that she is pregnant with Alessandro’s kid, Catherine spares her life but makes it plain that she regards Rahima’s fate with chilly detachment.
The next day, Catherine declares the slaughter a failed coup and works quickly to secure her power by murdering Catholic League members and imprisoning the Guises.
As the dust settles in The Serpent Queen, Antoine de Bourbon swears vengeance on Catherine and vows to restore his family’s honor. Though Charles’ health continues to deteriorate, Anjou, who is equally unstable as his brother, remains a viable heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, despite their forced marriage, Margot and Henri look to be establishing a united front, posing a potential challenge to Catherine’s reign in the future.
Conclusion
The Serpent Queen Season 2 finale delivers a gripping conclusion that solidifies Catherine’s ruthless hold on power. The episode masterfully blends historical events with intense drama, showcasing Catherine’s relentless ambition and the brutal lengths she will go to maintain control.
The shocking massacre at the wedding and the complex web of alliances and betrayals set the stage for future conflicts.