THE SITUATION: THE GARDEN PARTY
“The battle for the monarchy starts today,” Helena states. The first attempt at returning to normalcy following the death of Prince Robert is a garden party celebrating the military, but is doubling as proof of how necessary the monarchy is to England.
Eleanor and Jasper’s Game
We find Eleanor and Jasper in bed together—apparently, their interactions are mostly comprised of blackmailing and angry sex. When he stops Eleanor from stealing his phone while he’s sleeping, we find out that he has saved the video on to several hard drives. Eleanor promises that she’s going to ruin his life.
At the party, she finds the way to get under Jasper’s skin—she’s going to sleep with Andy Sinclair, party guest, Olympic swimmer, and Jasper’s hero. Rather than let that happen, Jasper knocks Andy out—or kills him, no one is really sure.
The Ups and Downs of Helena
The Queen of England implores her children to be on their best behavior, which immediately results in Eleanor smoking, drinking directly out of the champagne bottle, and ignoring the adoring public. Liam starts crowd surfing, much to the security team’s distress.
The party doesn’t really improve for Helena. Mr. Moody, Chancellor of the Treasury, has heard the rumor about Simon’s desire for a referendum. “What will you do without the people’s money?” he asks Helena. She isn’t fazed; she claims they’ll move to America and have Liam and Gemma’s wedding in the Hamptons. “It’s a shame, since the last royal wedding brought it two billion pounds [for a variety of businesses] and three billion for the British designer…You should ask yourself what the people would do without the monarchy’s money.” Bam.
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After the party, Captain Lacey is hiding in Helena’s bedroom. The two exchange I love yous and a kiss, so I’m sure we’ll hear more about that in the future.
Cyrus and HIS Blackmail Game
Helena has entrusted Cyrus with making Liam look great in the eyes of the people, regardless of how many meetings he’s ditching. Cyrus is in for that, but just in case, has invited James Holloway to the party as a back up plan. He offers the addict cocaine and a condom on a silver platter, and they proceed to engage in blackmail-worthy activities for a married man. To keep knowledge of his evening from his wife and children, Cyrus demands a favor for Helena.
Introducing Gemma
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Gemma, Liam’s ex-girlfriend, enters the picture this episode to win Liam back: “If I have to fight for you, I will. And to clarify, I don’t mean in some romantic sense. I actually will fight the bitch.” Liam insinuates that Gemma is only there for the title—after all, she broke up with him and disappeared until now. She’s offended.
Liam invites Ophelia to the Garden Party, so Helena invites Gemma. The girls’ second meeting does not go smoothly. “I know how this is supposed to go. I’m the hostile poshy bitch with a fake smile and a secret agenda. And you’re the girl next door, with pluck and charm, and a quiet inner strength…I can be you. Can you be me?” Gemma is convinced that she’s the only one who can stand on Liam’s side as his queen.
“Ever been to Kentucky?” Ophelia asks, slapping a bottle of Jack Daniels on the table. “They make bourbon there…Welcome to my world.” Ophelia, I don’t quite understand what point you’re proving but, whatever. The two proceed to go shot-for-shot. Gemma emerges victorious, as Ophelia passes out in the bushes.
Simon Talks With Prudence
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Simon, fully away of Helena’s intentions with the Garden Party, is unimpressed by her showing. He goes in the kitchens with Prudence and helps her with the fruit tarts, asking her questions about her Palace experience and her life outside of the walls. Their scenes are very nice—that is, until it’s revealed that Prudence has a gun in her bag. Uh oh.
Game Changer(s)
When Jasper threatens Eleanor, she calls his bluff—after all, if he leaks the video, he has no leverage and there would be no more angry sex. He’s not happy. Eleanor brings Ophelia a day drinking hangover remedy, then requests her help with something. I think there’s going to be some lady vengeance going down in the next episode, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
When Liam escorts Ophelia to her place, it’s obvious that Gemma made her point—Ophelia insists that she’s not meant for Liam’s world. She does, however, think that he would make a great king, which inspires a choice for him. He goes to his father and chooses love AND duty, asking that he give him a chance.
ON THE PLUS SIDE…
- Gemma’s Character
Gemma is providing an interesting foil for Ophelia’s character; at first, she appeared to be a bit more on the airheaded side, but she’s quick, cunning, and here to win. I like Liam and Ophelia, but Gemma’s welcome to stay for awhile. - Eleanor Taking Control of the Blackmail Situation
I loved that Eleanor called Jasper’s bluff and that it looks like she’s asking for Ophelia’s help in taking him down—let’s hope some revenge is on the books for next week’s episode. - Liam Steps Up
I appreciated the development of Liam’s relationship to the throne—as a child, he was relieved not to be king, but is now open to the role as long as it’s on his terms.
HOWEVER…
- I Still Don’t Care About Cyrus
His blackmailing James Holloway to save the monarchy holds no interest for me—nor does his desperate desire to be king at nearly any cost. - Andy Might Be Dead and No One Cares
Listen, the dude was pretty much the worst, but maybe someone should have been concerned that he might be dead…
The second episode of The Royals shows that their pacing game is on point—there wasn’t a dull moment in the episode. If the Eleanor/Jasper storyline is any indication, we won’t have to wait too long for any of the storylines to play out—I’m hoping that we get a Jasper takedown, along with more information about Helena and Captain Lacey, stat.
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