The Royals Season 4 Episode 3 Review: Seek for Thy Noble Father in the Dust
Lizzy Buczak
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This is a sibling rivalry taken straight from Shakespeare's playbook.
In fact, the title for The Royals Season 4 Episode 3 is an excerpt from Hamlet, in which Queen Gertrude tells Hamlet to accept and support Claudius as the new King.
She also insists that his father, the King, died of natural causes as opposed to murder.
This sums up the current dynamic between King Robert, Liam, and Queen Helena. Liam doesn't want to accept Robert as the new King and is going out of his way to prove that he's responsible for King Simon's death.
Queen Helena begs him to let go of this sibling rivalry, especially given Liam's penchant for overthinking.
His strong suit has never been patience, so even after Cyrus tells him to play the long game and get the most out of the evidence that's stacking up against Robert, Liam makes a hot-headed decision and charges in guns a blazing.
People read the headlines, they don’t read the retraction.
Prince Cyrus
If his brother is responsible, which at this point is up in the air, he already has one up on him because he doesn't act on his emotions. Those emotions will be Liam's downfall.
Robert is cold and calculated, and when he strikes, he makes sure not to miss.
Liam stupidly gave up the only card he could have played, making his intel inadmissible and without merit, especially against Robert's explanation that he was just helping Ted Pryce's family.
Also, how low is Robert for saying Liam used to opportunity to screw his daughter, Ophelia. He really knows how to get to his brother.
Liam is treading dangerous territory. His intentions are pure, but he's coming off as unhinged, and that won't help him get his point across.
It's also taking a toll on his family, which Jasper warned him not to do. There's no going back from pointing a gun at your brother and mother, no matter how much you hate them.
A mother always wants what's best for her children, so it wasn't surprising that Helena stood by King Robert.
I'm just glad King Robert didn't lock him up in a psych ward. Although, if Liam continues on this trajectory, he surely will.
What do you think Liam's next move is?
Prince Cyrus: Today’s lesson: play your hidden ace when all the chips are on the table.
But much like Liam, I am not falling for this goodie act "Robbie" puts on.
There's something very fishy about his time on the island. We know he had plenty of opportunities for rescue, but he chose to stay there. Why?
Even if he's not responsible for his father's death, King Robert isn't to be trusted. There's something off about him; I just can't place it.
He's a threat to the nation, to Jasper -- a man he's hell-bent on getting rid of -- and a threat to Willow, who is slowly falling for his charm.
I rolled my eyes when Queen Helena blamed her affairs for her children losing their way. They may have been affected by it when they were growing up, but that has absolutely nothing to do with their hatred towards each other.
In fact, it seems like her favorite, Robbie, actually set her up with York so that he could expose her chivalrous ways and shame her name. If he succeeds, it'll probably be easier for his future-bride to take her spot and help him rule.
If he gets rid of his mother, his family will no longer have any control. They'll still be "the royal family," but he'll be the only one who matters.
Look, it’s not exactly torture being Queen, but it is forever.
Queen Helena
As much as I despise and distrust Robert, I enjoyed seeing him speed-date numerous women.
Cassandra was a front-runner because of how she was able to handle herself in the spotlight and under pressure, but she wasn't Queen material.
None of them seemed as promising as Willow, who is poised, prim and proper with an arsenal of smarts.
I'd hope that her quick-wit would send her running in a different direction, but it seems like she's falling for Robert and thus, the idea of becoming royalty.
Robert seems to be luring her in with the promise of true romance and grand gestures worthy of a Queen. But if she agrees to it, she agrees to a lifetime of "forever" in this dysfunctional family. Is she ready for it? Is it worth it?
Will she be the woman to change him into a better man?
Eleanor is at peak healthiness despite being confined to the hospital where Jasper is getting treatment.
There are so many people that need fairytale endings Jasper and I happen to be a Princess so I can help them.
Princess Eleanor
Gone are her binge-drinking and bong-smoking days, and I'm so thankful for that because it sucked seeing her waste her potential.
And she's finally being the Princess everyone hoped she'd be -- she's using her status to spread cheer to those who look up to her; being less self-centered and more selfless.
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Seeing her help out a girl who looked up to her was adorable, especially because she helped her get her happily ever after. Although, it's unrealistic that a teenage girl wouldn't be remotely excited about Jasper being at her party if he was her "celebrity crush."
Why do people insist that celebrities and those with great wealth are "never scared of anything"? If only they knew what was going on behind those palace doors.
We know Eleanor and Jasper have a way with kids given their relationship with Sara Alice, but they even handled teens well. Could children be in their near future?
That is if there is even a future for Jasper as it seems his bad luck isn't ending anytime soon. When they put him ALONE into the ambulance, I got a terrible feeling.
Is this another planned hit on Jasper? How much can the bodyguard take before he taps out?
And of course, we have to get to the moment that solidifies King Robert as a villain -- the massive blackout.
It's clear he's responsible because was way too pleased with everything turning dark just like his damn soul.
Depending on how long the power outage lasts, the consequences can be severe. After all, we're a society that's dependent on electricity.
In addition to the obvious looting, chaos and panic will ensue. Markets may crash, nuclear power plants will go down, and the public will become dependent on the monarchy. Robert can rise as the savior.
Off-the-grid, he'll also be able to silently take care of things that want to cause him harm, like his brother Liam. No electricity means no cameras which means no proof.
And maybe he can somehow clear up any traces connecting him to Ted Pryce and said murder.
A storm is brewing; we just haven't figured out what it'll destroy and how severe it'll be.
Do you trust King Robert? Why is he in such a hurry to get a wife? Is he throwing up a big 'F U' to his family? Will Eleanor jump onto Liam's bandwagon to take down her brother?
Obsessed with the monarchy? You can watch The Royals online and sound off in the comments below!
Lizzy Buczak was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in June 2021..
