Last Friday's episode of "Reign" drew in big ratings for The CW series after "In the Clearing" was viewed by 1.08 million viewers and got a 0.4 rating, according to TVLine. It's no wonder why fans tuned in on Nov. 13 as the episode featured the demise of one of the show's lead characters, and five episodes into the series' third season, King Francis (Toby Regbo) is dead.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Laurie McCarthy talked about what Francis's death will mean for those he left behind and whether Mary (Adelaide Kane), who has sworn to love no one else as much as she loves him, will find love again.
McCarthy said that his death will cause Catherine (Megan Follows) to "become a leader in her own right."
"She becomes the regent of France for decades to come," she said. However, McCarthy said that things will not be easy for Catherine as Francis's death shifts the power dynamic at court between Narcisse and her, and a relationship will blossom between the two of them.
Francis's death will also heighten the rivalry between Elizabeth (Rachel Skarsten) and Mary because suddenly, they will be competing for the same men. McCarthy said that the king's demise will make Mary more of a threat to Elizabeth because if Mary weds someone else—and if she chooses wisely and makes a political marriage—it might put Elizabeth in even greater jeopardy.
France will also be struggling with Francis's death as the showrunner said that a young king, who is even younger than Francis, will be sitting on the throne.
On how the loss will affect Mary, McCarthy said that she thinks the young queen will recover because she will find the strength to move on.
"At some point, she's going to return to Scotland, she's going to lay claim to the throne that is actually her throne in the country that she was born to rule," McCarthy said of Mary.
But fans shouldn't expect Mary to be involved with someone else once she returns to Scotland. McCarthy said that they will not have viewers watch another romance between Mary and someone else, but they are going to follow the course of her life.
"She's going to make certain moves and she will find love again, but it won't feel false," McCarthy revealed.
"Reign" airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on The CW.
