The Serpent Queenseason 2 concluded with a shocking twist, setting the stage for a potentially explosive season 3. The episode,“All Saints Day,“saw Anjou, a character previously thought to be a mere pawn in Catherine de’ Medici’s grand scheme, emerge as a formidable character in his own right. With the death of Charles IX, Anjou’s role as apotential heir to the French thronehas become increasingly significant. The show has also suggested that Anjou was once a suitor to Elizabeth, and it seems unlikely viewers have seen the last of this majorThe Serpent Queencast member.
Anjou could be a blend of the historical Anjous, François and Henry III.
Season 3 ofThe Serpent Queencould dramatize one ofhistory’s most fascinating royal relationships. Anjou’s potential connection to Elizabeth I introduces a new dimension. Anjou could be a blend of the historical Anjous, François and Henry III, asElizabeth’s presence in season 2hints. This suggests a complex and intriguing character, known for his cross-dressing and tumultuous reign. His evolution from a pawn to a player, his connection to Elizabeth I, and his historical inspiration all make him a potentially compelling figure to watch.
Season 2’s Ending Suggests Much More Anjou In Season 3
Anjou Is Said To Be The “Spare” Heir To The Throne
Season 2, episode 8 was the pivotal episode“All Saints Day”inThe Serpent Queen.Previously, Elizabeth I had left, saying,“Things have changed, since one of your sons is medically unfit, and the other in possession of sexual needs I couldn’t possibly meet.”Charles is terminally ill and Anjou is rumored to be gay. Meanwhile, Catherine plots to marry off Margot to broker peace with Sister Edith, a fictional representation of the Huguenots. She also uses her secret acceptance of Anjou to get him on her side, and hebecomes one of her masked thugs in the finale.
Before the massacre, he receives a note from Catherine confirming the time for this ruthless act. It seems significant thathe breaks the fourth wallin this moment, since few characters in theFleabag-style series have this privilege, hinting he will become central. This happens again in the final shot after Catherine refers to him as a“spare”heir to the throne. This all points to him being based on Henry III, who would become King in 1574 – however, chops and changes to the characters of the children are a little confusing, suggesting alterations for the plot and a potential movie reference.
Elizabeth’s presence in the story suggestshe could be a blend of the two Anjous. One was Hercule, later renamed François / Francis, Duke of Anjou. In the show, a child named Hercule died young, killed by the protestant cult. In reality, he would live until the age of 29 and court Elizabeth I. The other Anjou would become King Henry III, known for keeping male“mignons”and cross-dressing, as portrayed inStarz’sThe Serpent Queen.His character in season 3 could be an exciting combination of both historical Anjous, perhaps inspired by Vincent Cassel’s depiction in theElizabethmovies.
Elizabeth I And François, Duke of Anjou Were Headed Toward Marriage
Elizabeth And Anjou Seemed Genuinely Close
That Anjou was a suitor to Elizabeth I is not necessarily remarkable alone, as she had several, and season 2 already explored Charles as a potential match. What is astounding about the case of Anjou is that it came very close to happening, and is thought to beone of only two matches she gave serious considerationin her lifetime. At the time, Anjou was 23 and Elizabeth was 45. Catherine de’ Medici had already floated the possibility previously, but he was too young, only a teenager. This time around, the pair seemed compatible, having a similar wit and charm.
Elizabeth producing an heir was a looming issue – although she had gained the respect of her court, a male heir was still seen as something that would legitimize her reign. Her doctors told her she was still able to bear a child, though certainly it was risky. Elizabeth’s was a long and lonely reign, emphasized by the number of ladies she employed to keep her company. It is possible shegenuinely wanted to find a husbandto spend the rest of her days with. Catherine undoubtedly would have wanted to forge a strong alliance with England during religiously tumultuous times.
The Serpent Queen EPs On Dramatizing Catherine De Medici & Queen Elizabeth’s Dynamic In Season 2
Screen Rant chats with executive producers Justin Haythe and Erwin Stoff about the arbitrary power system present in The Serpent Queen Season 2.
The marriage of Elizabeth and Anjou would never come to pass but she remained supportive of him, exchanging letters for the rest of his short life. She also deeply mourned his death, carrying a miniature of Anjou in memoriam. Their ill-fated romance would bea great way to bring Elizabeth backin season 3; in season 2 she was shown as witty and shrewd, and this would add an unexpected tender side. Elizabeth’s extraordinarily personal poem“On Monsieur’s Departure”laments,“I grieve, and dare not show my discontent; I love, and yet am forced to seem to hate…”(per David Lee,The Queen’s Frog Prince).
Anjou Was The Only Suitor To Court Elizabeth In Person
The French Duke Stayed At The English Court More Than Once
Another interesting detail about the courtship of Elizabeth I and the Duke of Anjou was that he was the only suitor to court the Queen in person. She had stated that she would only progress an engagement if she had met the match in real life – not only to forge a genuine connection, but probably because noble portraiture was flattery. Anjou, for example, was described as having a pockmarked complexion from a bout of smallpox – perhaps asource of common ground with Elizabeth, who had also been afflicted with the scarring condition that she famously concealed with lead paint.
Anjou wanted to increase his chances, sending an ambassador to England to woo Elizabeth – his close friend, Jean de Simier. He was sent to make an attractive impression verbally. This piqued Elizabeth’s interest more than mere letters. This would be agreat source of increasing tension in season 3, with the customs of the cult of courtly love playing out. It would also be great to see the figures interact – seemingly being a blend of Anjous, the cross-dressing aspect of Henry III would make for an interesting subversive dynamic, as Elizabeth both utilized and subverted gender norms herself.
Description
Thomas Seymour
A suitor in the loosest sense of the word, Seymour would endanger Elizabeth’s reputation and traumatize her by molesting her in her teenage years. He pursued her hand in marriage following the death of his wife, Catherine Parr.
King Philip II of Spain
Previously married to Elizabeth’s sister, Mary Queen of Scots, Philip remained in England after Mary’s death, attempting to woo Elizabeth.
Robert Dudley
Elizabeth was rumored to have been in love with Robert Dudley. He had a high rank in her court. However, marrying within her own court would eliminate European opportunities.
King Eric XIV of Sweden
Sweden would have been a politically sound choice, since they were a Protestant nation. However, Elizabeth did not reciprocate Eric’s feelings.
Archduke Charles of Austria
Charles was another example of Catholicism complicating matters. Religion stood in the way of their alliance.
François, Duc d’Anjou
François was one of Elizabeth’s most persistent suitors. The final end of their courtship was dramatic, with him"ranting that he would kill himself or carry her away by force,"(David Lee,The Queen’s Frog Prince).
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
Robert Dudley’s step-son and one of Elizabeth’s favorites. He was also a member of her Privy Council. He was executed for treason in 1601.
Anjou and Elizabeth’s story is also imbued with tragedy because the language of their letters goes beyond courtly love and political motives to imply genuine affection. Thereligious conflict is rightly prominentinThe Serpent Queenseries, and this is a key factor that doomed their romance. Anjou set a condition that he should openly be allowed to practice his Catholic faith, which made most of Elizabeth’s court and the English people oppose the match. That their courtship persisted until Elizabeth felt her hand was forced to discontinue it arguably speaks for the real feelings between the pair.
The Future Of The Serpent Queen Season 3 Is Uncertain
The Show’s Tendency For Creative License May Be The Key To Season 3
A renewal is not a sure thing yet, but thehistorical dramaThe Serpent Queenhas an impressive 100%on the Tomatometer. While Starz hasn’t confirmed a third season, Catherine actress Samantha Morton hasexpressed interest in continuing the showif the story remains compelling:
“I think when shows go on too long, it’s because, “Oh, the fans love it so much. We want to give them more.” But if the writer doesn’t have anything to write, if history runs out, I mean, these are based on real people.”
viaDecider
Catherine’s relationship with Anjou, her power dynamics within the court, and the ongoing religious tensions could be key themes. The long-term consequences of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre and the survival of Louis and Antoine could significantly impact France’s future inThe Serpent Queen. The show’strack record of blending charactersto suit the show’s pace, such as using Sister Edith as a stand-in for a few key Protestant figures, hints that season 3 might employ the same technique for Anjou.
Exploring both François and Henry in one consolidated character wouldallow for more intimate exploration, rather than having too many children to follow, and the previous character choices seem to point in that direction. This would give viewers the best of both worlds. Anjou as a LGBTQ+ character would dramatize a fascinating part of royal history with known facts about Henry III. Giving the character the mobility to cross the channel like François would give variety to the setting and allow for more scenes with Elizabeth I, who was a bold presence inThe Serpent Queenseason 2.
