The Royals Season 4 Episode 5 Review: There's Daggers in Men's Smiles
Lizzy Buczak
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So, it's settled then, we have a new Queen-to-be.
King Robert proposed on The Royals Season 4 Episode 5, among other things, and now, we wait to see if Willow will accept the offer to be the most powerful woman in all of England.
There's only a slim chance she'll turn him down considering she's probably already pinning wedding dresses on Pinterest.
Willow is blindly in love with Robert, and he seems to be betting on that.
Sure, he could marry any other woman, but realistically, it'll be easier to manipulate someone who truly believes in him and sees the best in him.
I mean, she witnessed him single-handedly abolish Parliament and give himself all the power and she didn't think that maybe, maybe such an unfair balance of power wasn't exactly a good thing?
Well, who am I to stand in the way of what’s trending?
King Robert
She even called it monumental, which I guess is fair, but not in the sense she thinks it is.
That's why we have checks and balances here in the States, so one power-hungry person can't make a rash decision and wield all of it. I'd imagine that's the same case in England, although, I can't say I know much about their politics.
All I know is, Robert's crazy eyes during his speech were a dead giveaway that he's up to no good.
As are the titles of the episodes, all which allude to Shakespeare plays and more specifically, moments that mention someone murdering the King. "There's daggers in men's smiles" literally means someone has ulterior motives and that they aren't who they seem to be.
Becoming King, dismantling Parliament and rushing a wedding has to be part of phase one of the plan, but what constitutes phase two? Why does he need to be married?
King Robert: Therefore, as is my solemn duty per the constitution, I hereby announce that Parliament is dissolved. From now on, the mantle of power rests entirely on me.
Queen Helena: Holy s**t.
If it wasn't necessary, I don't think he'd be rushing into it as quickly as he is.
Cassandra will definitely become problematic for Willow as she doesn't seem like someone who will give up her shot at the crown without a fight.
Although, there's enough going on without secondary characters -- yes, Willow is still secondary in my opinion -- having drama of their own, especially because Cassandra isn't really a worthy villain. She means absolutely nothing to us.
The only thing she can even try to do is tarnish Willow's name, and last I checked, you do not want to mess with Robert.
The King is so hell-bent on control, he's eliminating anyone that will dare stand against him.
And first up is Cyrus.
He banished his uncle not only from the Palace but from the country because he was spreading "lies" that Robert concocted the plan to have King Simon killed so he could take the throne from him and reign.
Even though I'd argue that getting rid of Cyrus isn't a disservice to anyone.
At one point, Cyrus mentioned that King Simon would have scoffed at all of this considering he wanted to abolish the monarchy while his son is making them more powerful.
You know what the best part about meeting your dad is? Realizing your nothing like him. You left all that he stands for and all that he taught you behind.
Eleanor
And really, that basic statement gives King Robert so much motive. If he disagreed with his father, he would have been desperate to do something to regain control.
If he'll blackmail his own mother, manipulate the people and steal power from the country, what makes you think he won't kill dear old dad?
I'm truly surprised that no one else was more worried about Robert's unfounded call.
Queen Helena just accepted it because she's more worried about being irrelevant and having to bow down to some future Queen. Also because she was sleeping with Sebastian, Eleanor's friend. At this point, which friend hasn't she slept with?
At this rate, she's no better than Dutchy and her fake Count.
Eleanor cheered Robert on which isn't that surprising since she's always been blind to who Robert truly is. She's the doting sister.
But Liam, that was shocking. It's a good thing he opposed Cyrus; otherwise, they probably both would have been seeking refuge in Venezuela. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Does Liam truly believe that he suspected his brother of murdering his father simply because he was jealous of Katherine or is this all part of his plan? Because I don't buy that for one minute.
She may have come between them, but logically, it wouldn't have led Liam down the murder-for-hire path.
Well, who am I to stand in the way of what’s trending?
King Robert
Also, Liam weaseled back into her life during a stressful and emotional time and all of a sudden, she's ready to make things work again. At least play hard to get!
Jasper now has confirmation to what we've known since The Royals Season 4 Episode 2, Robert tried to have him killed!
Okay fine, that isn't exactly what Hill said, but who else would want Jasper dead if not the King who disapproves of his relationship with his sister?
Again, those crazy eyes don't lie.
Without Cyrus and with Liam "giving Robert a chance," Jasper doesn't have anyone on his side. Hopefully, Hill will help him follow through on that evidence Liam got from Greta. Someone needs to put an end to Robert.
And despite his relationship with Eleanor, I think she'd likely side with her brother if it came down to it.
It's also quite the coincidence that Jasper's father arrives right after a murder attempt.
Is his return something King Robert concocted to further ruin his life?
So much Dutchy, so little time. You can’t spell Bellagio without the O
Jasper's Dad
Everything about Jasper's dad creeps me out, and I'm a bit disappointed Eleanor put forth so much effort into getting to know him. Yes, you only have one dad, but sometimes, even that's too much.
However, the fact that he's sleeping with Dutchy for her money and she's actually broke is a good dose of karma.
Eleanor discovering what it truly means to be a Princess and to help people was delightful. The writers have never really known what to do with her or given her much purpose, but she was made the help people.
If she's on this new road with Jasper, she has to evolve personally, as well. It's too bad that she's lying to him about her acts of kindness, leading him to believe she's doing something much worse.
I thought we established a level of honesty and also trust -- why would she think Jasper would disapprove of her doing this or not help her get it done? And why does she think he wouldn't figure out she wasn't actually with Rosie? His job is to be Big Brother and watch everything; he can see you sneaking out!
Everything about this episode was reminiscent of The Royals Season 1, which remains the best season because it was so fresh and unexpected.
I couldn't help but laugh when King Robert told Rachel he'd call the President of the United States back. Are we assuming that President is Trump? Because in that case, I'd probably send it to voicemail.
Catch up on all the scandalous drama and watch The Royals online right here at TV Fanatic! And don't forget to comment and share your thoughts with me! I love hearing from you all!
Lizzy Buczak was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in June 2021..
