Genuine Emotion or Manipulation?

Mary's always been able to use her genuine emotional attachments (Francis, Bash, Conde, etc.) to sway them to her cause. Same with Gideon. But I think now, after her experience with Gideon, she's realizing that she has the ability to use emotion to manipulate others. I think that's going to come into play in the future. To survive, she's got to manipulate and become like Catherine.

I don't know much about the true history of Mary, but from what little I've read, she did seem to use emotion to manipulate others to her side. It's how she survived in England for so long. I think the show is heading in that direction as well.

And I liked Gideon! I thought the actor did a really good job depending on who his scenes were with. He was soft with Mary; but with Dudley he was an a--hole.  I liked his ability to switch like that. I feel like they will meet again, but on a battlefield...

Security is an illusion. Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing at all. Helen Keller