The Serpent Queen

I've waited until episode 7 to write my review. I was a bit hesitant to form opinions as I did take issue with some of the creative aspects of the series but yet, I kept coming back. I wanted to see what happened next and how certain events would be handled. I've found I even look forward to it. I wasn't sure of Samantha Norton's portrayal of Catherine De Medici in the beginning. I felt her portrayal was a tad bland for such a colorful historic figure. But it didn't take long to see the power in the reserved manner in which she's approached it, something I've come to very much appreciate. The costuming and set design are very well done and the cast delivers their roles convincingly.

This show has exceeded my expectations with a fresh approach to a somewhat tapped genre. And it's done so without cartooning the subject matter, something difficult it seems, when other similar approaches have failed.

I recommend giving it a shot, but give it a few episodes to get in tune with what the show is trying to offer. It's unique in its approach.

I think the reason this works for me is because it's Cat De Medici telling her story in a satirical way. It's tongue in cheek, but moments of gritty drama. It reminds me of a cross between Harlots and Another Period, in a way. Young Cat breaking the 4th wall at times works since it is older Cat telling the story about younger Cat. The heavy metal track opener sets the tone on what to expect here. Samantha Morton is a powerhouse, and like Eva Green, plays villainous or sketchy roles with believable precision. She executes (and carries) this pretty well- Ruthless but thoughtful, conniving but kind, ultimately a political survivor. It's not going to be for everyone, but I'm enjoying this.

I didn't have faith in mini series' being completely binge-able but I watched the whole thing in 2 days. I'm a sucker for period CNN pieces. The costumes and locations, I've got an affinity for. Historical fiction tends to be more entertaining than straight up history as long as you realize that it's mostly embellished for entertainment purposes. I hadn't seen Samantha Morton in a long time and was great as Medici. Due to being so entertained I've moved on to other originals from this channel that have also been engaging enough to binge watch. I haven't like or watched tv in 5 years but Freevee is better than Netflix right now.

This series is really excellent. As any other series based on historical persons and events, it's a mixture of facts and fiction, and I'm totally okay with that, as long as the fictional parts don't wander off too far from what really COULD have happened. The story of Catherina de Medici's life (here pictured until the death of her first son and herself becoming the regent of France) is exciting and involving, the settings are beautiful and authentic, the costumes luscious, and the acting of all major parts is great. With special mention of Samantha Morton, she is absolutely brilliant as the scheming, highly intelligent and outwardly ice-cold Catherina, who still at a few times poignantly shows her inner emotions.

I still had a few minor reservations. The makers made Catherina and a few other major characters by means of a voice-over the narrators of the story, for me this didn't really add anything (unless at times some confusion as to the chronology), and they also let these characters at several unexpected moments step through the fourth wall to directly address us viewers, for which I didn't much care either. The dialogues of especially the male characters (the Bourbons, the Guises, Montmorency) had a very nowadays and thus a bit of an anachronistic ring to them, for instance the profuse use of the F-word in every other sentence. And the at times rude and condescending way with which some courtiers and members of the Privy Counsel addressed their royal superiors seemed to me rather improbable in those strict hierarchy-centered times.

But for the rest: a riveting and visually beautiful series, I can hardly wait for the second season!

One of my all-time favorites. Having watched Queen Margot many times which includes Catherine de'Medici I was curious but didn't know what to expect.

I was blown out of the saddle. This series is so good but most of all, it not being totally historically accurate, somehow the creators, actors, directors, and writers found a way to walk that high mountain edge between disaster and success with the skill of a mountain goat (sorry, bad remembrance of a line in Spartacus spoken by Crassus).

This series is a little "loose" but it is so much more entertaining because of it. The project could have easily gone over the top and turned into a disaster, BUT IT IS PERFECT.

I can say no more, I loved it so much and have to thank the entire assemble of artisans for their gift to us. They took a big chance, and it works!!!!!!!!!!!