What I'm Streaming: Reign (CW- 2013+)

Momma Told Me: It's just a TV show-

By now you know that we don't have cable- our primary source of entertainment is subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. However, viewing this way still presents someone with various networks to follow; it simply may take a day or two for the most current episode of your favorite show to appear. My point is that there are a few networks you love, a few you never use because you simply see no value in them, and a few networks you avoid at all costs because the content is clearly not marketed toward your demographic. The CW falls into the latter for me; I haven't watched it since high school and the days of Gillmore Girls and Smallville. The content is usually over-dramatic, littered with bare skin, and targeted towards the fantasies of teenagers.

In the past few years the CW has become particularly obsessed with supernatural themed spinoffs full of lusty vampires and demon slayers where the main characters  on and off again romance requires 2/3 of an episodes screen time. It's no wonder those shows go on and on, season after season! So, when I recently discovered a newer show, Reign, on Netflix I was quickly shocked to find myself becoming engrossed in the characters and their lives of intrigue. Loosely chronicling the younger years and rise of Mary, Queen of Scotts, this historical based drama is less absurd CG graphics and more scandalously compelling plots.

Reign has a few pros and cons; but I'll admit it quickly became a guilty pleasure for me. This was one I made time to stream straight through! The costumes and sets are gorgeous, as are the actors who portray the characters in them, and the dialogue is authentic enough not to lose its time, yet witty and tongue in cheek at the same time. The believability of these characters being in their early adulthood is plausible, thanks to the time frame, and the CW still manages their pillow talk and steamy scenes because of it. There is plenty of gossip and drama among the court and Mary's ladies, and each episode covers a smaller plot while making progress on the storyline as whole.

In all, I could do without the seemingly continual emphasis of Mary's innocence in Season 1, and find that the recently aired Season 2 premiere promises a much more dark and controlling Mary. I prefer my female leads to be in control of their story, not a pawn, so this will be especially enjoyable. The biggest downside, however, is that Mary's tale has been told as a character in so many programs and films that I sometimes know which road a story is heading. That's the benefit of being 'educated' I guess. Don't worry, having greater knowledge of the characters in Reign doesn't detract from the enjoyment one bit!

Update: 12/8/14- After having watched the majority of the current season airing, I am reprising my opinion that this s a must watch show for fans of intrigue, historical drama, and romance. The most recent episode dealt with some tough topics, but the cast and show continue to surprise with the way they tackle modern challenges across the centuries.

What Daughter Says: Even the History Channel and the BBC take creative rights with historical characters, it's what makes for entertainment. Try to enjoy it for what it is, not a history lesson.