When I heard that there was a new drama series about the young Elizabeth, with a language/sex/violence warning, and that series 2 had been cancelled, I had very low expectations. But I'm glad I tried it, as it's very good. If you're used to the conventional genteel style of costume drama it takes a bit of getting used to, but there almost certainly was a lot of sex and violence and swearing in Tudor England, so why not?
It's set in the late 1540s. Henry VIII has died, leaving his 9 year old son Edward on the throne. The series deals with the power struggles and religious conflicts of this difficult time. Another main theme is the relationship between the teenage Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour, husband of Henry's widow Catherine Parr.
For me the outstanding actor is the young boy who plays King Edward. He looks exactly right and he's sometimes a child, sometimes a King, sometimes having a tantrum ("I'm the ****ing King, not you!"). Romola Garai is also captivating as his older Catholic sister Mary. Unfortunately Elizabeth seems miscast. She's too old (she should be 14 at the start) and sometimes her German accent comes through and her words aren't always clear.
The settings are magnificent. No expense was spared taking cast and crew to some of England's finest Tudor castles and houses. The costumes are also excellent. Elizabeth seems to have a beautiful new dress for almost every scene.
It's set in the late 1540s. Henry VIII has died, leaving his 9 year old son Edward on the throne. The series deals with the power struggles and religious conflicts of this difficult time. Another main theme is the relationship between the teenage Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour, husband of Henry's widow Catherine Parr.
For me the outstanding actor is the young boy who plays King Edward. He looks exactly right and he's sometimes a child, sometimes a King, sometimes having a tantrum ("I'm the ****ing King, not you!"). Romola Garai is also captivating as his older Catholic sister Mary. Unfortunately Elizabeth seems miscast. She's too old (she should be 14 at the start) and sometimes her German accent comes through and her words aren't always clear.
The settings are magnificent. No expense was spared taking cast and crew to some of England's finest Tudor castles and houses. The costumes are also excellent. Elizabeth seems to have a beautiful new dress for almost every scene.