The Serpent Queen returns to Starz tonight for its highly anticipated second season. The hit historical drama promises plenty of action, with its protagonist Catherne de Medici (Samantha Morton) taking on the equally formidable Elizabeth I, Queen of England (Minnie Driver).

It’s no secret that season two opens with a time jump. About a decade has passed and the Queen Regent has her hands full with the usual political backstabbing, religious conflict and family drama. If that’s not enough, a series of powerful new women show up at court, ready to match wits with the Serpent Queen.  

SciFi Vision asked the show’s creative team – creator/showrunner/EP Justin Haythe and co-EP Erwin Stoff – what Catherine has on her plate this season. 

“Season one is about her rising to power,” explained Haythe. “[Since then], she's been able to run the country. So, what is her vision for the country, and what are the challenges that rise up? One of the greatest challenges is, of course, her children, who are now grown. So, that time jump allows you to introduce adult characters for whom she is ostensibly doing everything…and now we get to see what impact she's actually had on those kids.”

The two also spoke about why a 16^th-century political conflict resonates with fans.

“Religious persecution has been a motivating factor for a really, really long time,” said Stoff. “As long as you're tapping into human rather than theological themes,” added Haynes, “then it is just about those ways that people find to divide themselves, over and over again. We see it everywhere today, be it religion or politics or gender, whatever.”

They also talked about the joy they find in writing a show driven by fierce female characters. Watch the interview below to learn how much fun they’re having, and don’t miss the season premiere of The Serpent Queen on STARZ tonight at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET/PT in Canada. Or catch it on the Starz app!