As if there weren’t enough power struggles being waged from week to week on Mary & George, real war is brewing for the English in 1618, and Mary Villiers (Julianne Moore) and her son George (Nicholas Galitzine) are on the proverbial frontlines. Episode 5 of the deliciously provocative seven-episode limited series dials back its sexual overtones for the first time since its premiere.

If Mary & George were a lesser show, those who come to this period piece for all of its licking and lusting—of which there is so much—might be disappointed by this week's lack of copulation. But by dialing up the life-and-death stakes, and putting a sizable wedge between mother and son for the first time, Mary & George Episode 5 shows us that this series can be just as persuasive when it turns its focus from brothels to battles.

At the top of the episode, Sir Walter Raleigh (Joseph Mawle)—a soldier and explorer who was responsible for proliferating the legend of the golden city of El Dorado among the English people—has just recovered from a failed, rogue attack on Spanish troops. In a period of peace following the Anglo-Spanish War, Raleigh’s assault was treasonous to England, and Raleigh kills his Captain to cover it up, but must be shipped back to England regardless to explain the organized strike on Spanish troops to King James I (Tony Curran).

Before Raleigh’s arrival, James holds a party to announce Mary as the Countess of Buckingham, a title which she refuses to share with her husband, Sir Thomas (Sean Gilder). She has effectively secured her spot in the king’s court, but Mary doesn’t plan on taking it easy. There is always more meddling to do, more ranks to climb, and more power to attain. George, on the other hand, is becoming arrogant, having been the king’s right-hand man/fuck buddy for a few years. Mary spots George’s conceit from miles away and chastises him for his idleness. A son who isn’t striving is of no use to her.

“The king desires to be led in all things,” Mary tells George when James hears about Raleigh’s return. “Let him know you’re not just for his bed.” Mary wants George to step in and join the council debating Raleigh’s fate for his alleged treason, but George balks. “Sometimes he needs his space to miss me, love is knowing when,” George replies. “No,” Mary fires back, “Love is knowing when to........

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