The original version of the period drama's pilot is toned down by the network for its airing this week.
- Oct 15, 2013
AceShowbiz - The CW edited the original pilot of their 16th century drama series "Reign" for its scheduled airing this week, trimming a risque masturbation scene involving a handmaiden of Adelaide Kane's character the Queen of Scotland and the King of France portrayed by Alan van Sprang. The scene will still be seen during the premiere but only through suggestive shots.
The steamy encounter stems from a "bedding ceremony" between a newly-wed couple that is spied on by the teen queen and her ladies-in-waiting after they attend a wedding in France. As the ladies disperse around the castle, one of them, Kenna (Caitlin Stasey), takes to a secluded stairwell where she is found by the king.
To offset the scenes that were cut down, some other scenes were added not affecting the overall storyline like a man's beheading and the resulting blood spurting from a graphic neck stump. The controversial pilot will air on Thursday, October 17, with three additional scripts already ordered by the network.
Apart from the expectedly controversial scene between Kenna and the King of France, viewers and critics may also be taken aback by the bedding ceremony, which supposedly really actually existed in medieval Europe, although not as exactly as how it is depicted onscreen. Critics may also raise questions as to how the series has taken liberty with the story of Mary, Queen of Scots.
