The winter finale of Reign “Bruises That Lie” directed by Megan Follows offered a rewarding hour of television as several characters experienced victories and defeats.

This article contains spoilers so if you haven’t seen the episode “Bruises That Lie”, please do not continue reading.

The focus of the episode was about decisions that needed to be made for the greater good regardless of personal happiness. To that end, for the good of France, Claude was being forced to marry a much older duke for the gold he paid for her hand in holy matrimony.

Of course when the gold turns up missing, Narcisse immediately points the finger at Catherine (she’s guilty, which viewers discover much later in the episode). As regent, Narcisse declares gold or no gold the wedding will take place and the person or persons (he’s looking at you too Mary) guilty of the gold theft will be punished.

So, the royal wedding happens with the bride crying tears of heartbreak because she is in love with someone else (Leith) but forced to marry another.  This was one sad television wedding, I’m sure there were many viewers crying for and along with Claude as well.

The new husband and his property, er, bride leave the castle for his country estate.  Once there, Claude is verbally and physically abused by her new husband.

Fortunately, the fight training Leith provided enables her to defend herself and she fights back. “I am a princess!” Claude says to the husband she kicked to the floor. Claude=one, Abuser Duke husband=zero!

Meanwhile, Mary comes up with a plan when she learns from Gideon that Elizabeth is planning for him to seduce her: Let Elizabeth believe she is easily to seduced. Once Elizabeth is convinced, they can plan their attack.  I love the growth and maturity of Mary this season.  When she is confronted with a problem, Mary is ready with a solution.

I also have to mention that I enjoyed the conversation between Leith and Greer.  This could have been really awkward considering their past romantic entanglement, but instead it came off as two caring friends discussing their love troubles. It’s obvious that the majority of the characters on Reign have grown. And that’s the hallmark of excellent storytelling, character development.

Mary discovers the stolen gold and Catherine admits it was she (was there any surprise?) who committed the theft. She did it to protect her children, believing every one in her line would one day be executed so Narcisse could permanently rise to power as king.

Over in Elizabeth’s kingdom, Lola has arrived as hostage.  Later, someone poisons Elizabeth’s tea and she suffers a miscarriage. The finger points to Lola acting on Mary’s behalf but nothing is revealed.

And speaking of Mary, Narcisse banishes her from France.  Where will I go, what will I do-Mary  Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn-Narcisse.  Sorry, no Gone With The Wind dialogue was spoken, but that was what I was thinking as I watched this scene.

On the victory side, Claude returns him to France and brother Charles declares she will never be forced to marry again. Leith vows that he will rise in station until he is fit to marry a princess. Don’t miss Reign Season 4 sweep episode, The wedding of Claude and Leith (I can hope, can’t I?)

Reign winter finale offered character developments and plot progression. Kudos to the writers for an excellent script. And now for the wait for the show to return to conclude the season.  Previews indicate Spring.

What did you think of Reign’s winter finale? Sound off in comments. Or tweet @thenerdygirlexp and @stacyamiller85 .