Marys always been a pawn, really to her mother, to Henry, even to Catherine.
But Marys proven repeatedly that shes more than willing to play the game, too.
Mary is nobodys pawn, son!
Credit: Ben Mark Holzberg/The CW
Mary makes this fact clear right from the get-go.
Liz will be very mad about it!)
and find out how Marys mission went.
Shes all alone in her attempt to regain control of her country.
Gideons bummed that his girl is in serious trouble, but he also has to inform his queen.
And that is exactly what Mary was hoping hed do!
However, Marys plan will only work if her secret army remains, well, a secret.
She has to keep Gideon in the dark.
Marys talking about basically declaring war on England, and all Catherine cares about is Mary finally getting some.
Is Catherine the truest friend Mary has even known?
She names Mary, Queen of Scots as next in line to take her crown.
In return, Elizabeth will demand that Mary marries an Englishman of her choosing.
Thus, Elizabeth will be removing any last play for power Mary has left.
Marys not desperate for a handout just yet.
He informs Mary that the Vatican wants her to accept Elizabeths offer.
Mary wants the archbishop to back up a little.
All Elizabeth is doing is stripping Mary of her power.
Theyll do whatever they have to to put a Catholic back on the English throne.
I told you the guy was shady!
So, Marys not in a great spot.
In an effort to save both her own reign and Elizabeths life, Mary turns to Gideon.
Gideon does some actual ambassador-ing, and brings Mary the official offer from Elizabeth.
Although it wont do him any favors in his next employee review, Gideon begs Mary not to accept.
He, too, knows itll only weaken her.
Plus, he doesnt want to see her marry another Englishman.
Its actually a pretty slick line, except for the whole treason thing.
She needs his help to play both sides of her predicament.
They celebrate their new alliance by getting naked and finally doing it, as is tradition.
Gideon is all in with Marys plan.
Since being removed from court in scandal, Dudley has not been doing so well.
Hes Englands Most Hated Man and hes getting hardcore trolled by his neighbors.
Not even little visits from Liz can help him.
He is a man without a purpose.
Maybe Dudley welcomes his terrible neighbors request for a duel?
At least it gives him something to do.
After a rather lackluster duel, Dudley manages the former.
So now he actually is a murderer!
Instead of laughing at the irony, he chooses to continue to brood about losing his place in court.
She promotes him only because she is going to force him to marry Mary.
She wants to keep him safe and disempower her cousin, and now she can do both.
Au revoir, Dudley!
An Italian theater troupe is in town, you guys.
Thanks, Ill be here all night!
The Red Knights are coming for revenge.
Im not up to date on Italian theater, but Im almost positive that wasnt in the script.
Unfortunately, the improvising demon is speaking the truth.
Back in the day, Henry and Catherine owed some money that they couldnt repay.
Remember how fun King Henry was?
The Queens Corner of Harsh Lady Truths:
Just remember: Enjoy him, but never trust him.
Catherines pre-sex pep talk game needs some work.
Im not your wife.
I wont be frightened into your arms by a dead rat or a dead Cardinal.
Bow down, people.
The shoulders on that thing are something to behold.
Find me on twitter,@fremer, and let me know what your pick for OOTW is.
