The Serpent Queen

Wow, The Serpent Queen is outstanding. Hear me out, I know I am only 2 episodes in, but I was hooked within ten minutes of the first episode.

The series is about Catherine De Medici ( a true person in history) and her rise into French Royalty to become Queen of France.

It is cleverly done, with Catherine relaying the tale to a servant girl.

Samantha Morton is amazing in her role as Catherine, and. The actress Liv Hill as the younger Catherine definitely holds her own.

This series so far is full of wit, magically costumed, and deeply fascinating.

If you love anything historical then this is for you. Don't let the word historical turn you off though. Honestly this series is addictive and brilliant.

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.

There are few moments in history as rich in potential for story telling as 16th century Europe. And fewer still lineages as fabled as that of the Medici's. The Serpent Queen makes full use of the vast accoutrements offered up by this period and delivers an engaging historical drama.

Wit, a spectacular cast, clever dialogue, novel direction, and beautiful cinematography are just a small sample of this wonder series.

Though there's nothing new about period dramas, there is little to no rehashing here of the same. Every scene seems inventive in its delivery. Leading the effort is the brilliantly executed character of Catherine. No small role, both Liv Hill and Samantha Morton are equal to the task. Hill in particular is outstanding.

In a time where every series seems filled to the brim with magic or flying reptiles it is refreshing to watch something that takes a real story and hits it out of the park.

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!!!!!!!!!!!

I look forward to each episode of this show. I can't say that for many shows. It is entertaining and fun. It can also be brutal (as another reviewer mentioned).

I don't think it would be nearly as good without Samantha Morton playing the lead. She is very good at what she does.

I don't look for shows like these to be true to history (who knows really what went on that long ago). I look for them to be entertaining without being too gruesome.

This is a show I would love to be able to binge rather than have to wait and remember where we are each week. I would recommend to someone who likes period type shows without them having to being spot on.