Speaking with Decider about “The Serpent Queen” finale episode and what to expect in the already-ordered Season 2, showrunner Justin Haythe explained that a major element of the overall series’ narrative involves the question of power and its transformative effects on the individual, especially a female in a position of power during this era. “She really did run France,” Haythe said. “She ran a country no woman was supposed to.” The series’ exec then went on to discuss the fact that while the times were certainly tumultuous in a number of ways and Catherine was no shrinking violet when it comes to violence, nonetheless, “She ushered in an era of relative, an attempt at least, of relative peace, tolerance and pluralism.”
While Catherine displayed admirable characteristics as the true ruler of France for an extended period, Haythe said he wanted the show to examine exactly what toll was exacted by her ruthless drive to gain control and keep it. “I think the open question for this show — for this season, for next season — is at what cost, you know?” He further commented that he felt Catherine had basically no alternative path to the one she took and that “The question going forward is where you cross the line from where you [do what you] have to do and where you do it because you want to. That’s my interpretation.”
