Still Star-Crossed

It's interesting how certain reviewers (is it even released in Luxembourg yet?) are reacting negatively to the casting. It's a TV show based on a YA novel that used secondary characters from a play where all female roles were played by men. Mind you, Shakespeare borrowed heavily from other sources ("The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" and "Palace of Pleasure"), rewrote and adapted other writers' concepts, and his history plays are straight up Tudor propaganda. Oh, not to mention all of the in jokes and innuendos throughout his plays. I bet he'd be tickled that his play spurned a new tale AND TV show.

All that to say that I enjoyed the episode. While fast paced, it did do the job of establishing the conflict, introducing the players, and teasing just enough to whet your appetite.

I think the casting is phenomenal. So many talented English, Australian, and American actors. While the writing was clunky in bits, I do believe the actors elevated the material, which usually doesn't happen. The costuming is exquisite and so vibrant. I appreciate the attention to detail (although some costumes are a bit out of time, it's not too distracting, especially when so many get it right).

But truthfully, the star of the show is Salamanca (standing in for Verona). For a show set in one city, the fact it's filmed on location gives the scenes so much more power, authenticity, and depth that a sound stage would remove. You feel as if you're there with them walking the streets of this beautiful city.

I'm pleasantly intrigued by what is to come, and if the preview is any hint, it'll be explosive!

I hate classical dramas and such because of the loaded vocabulary that means BS to me. Period dramas are boring and dull, until BAM! Sex scenes that are eye catching full with nipples, boobies, and booty. That is all I have to say about the genre of period dramas.

BUT I'll have to make one exception-this exception. This is not a go-to boring old period Drama. I like it on how the cast is very diverse, it breaks boundaries and the stereotypical "black people are slaves" notion. Here black people are royalty instead of slaves in period dramas. Black people exist, and I am glad the creators decided to fall through the the plan based on talent. Though I want to acknowledge other actors/actresses who are a minority in the show as well, who I probably am unaware of their background and such because their chances to "make it big" in the industry are very slim.

There will be negative reviews on how this is not authentic to the source, how cheesy it is, and how this is part of PC culture. This is an extravagant twist on Shakespeare, it is not suppose to be the same as 100+ other versions of a Romeo & Juliet media productions- that is the point. It has it's cheesy moments, as well as soap operas like Days of our Lives that constantly plays every hour and has never gotten cancelled. Yes, it is part of inclusion of actors/actresses who have a slim chance in the TV/film industry during callbacks for lead/supporting roles or finding work-this is a breath of fresh air, welcome it.

I am not surprised because I am in Shondaland. I love Shondaland. Though I understand this is not Netflix, I hope that this show won't get cut. I have fallen in love with shows with diverse casts (specifically black and latinx) but they ended up getting cut from the lineup (talking about Sense8, The Get Down, Underground, Sleepy Hollow, etc). Again, as much as I want to love the show, I am a bit wary of it's impending demise.

In reading some of the reviews, I was rather surprised by some of the snooty remarks about the racially mixed cast. Especially, given that all the actors did an extraordinary job. Truly, they exceptional in their respective roles. I am, however a HUGE Anthony Stewart Head fan girl. He was so very dreamy as Giles. The set, costumes, and cinematography were absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion, the script adaption was done rather well for a TV series. The only reservation that I have keeping me from becoming fully invested is it's uncertainty regarding staying in production. I never fully recovered from NBC's dick move in canceling Constantine, (seriously I truly hate them for that). That all being said, I do hope for it to become a regular, especially with Scandal coming to an end, I will need something from ShondraLand to appease my broken heart.

As only episode 1 has been released from the new TV series Based on the book by Melinda Taub, Still Star-Crossed, I can only review the one, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

The scenery is bustling and rich, episode one starts you off just before the demise of Romeo and Juliet, setting the scene of the relationships the different character have with each other while also painting a grim picture of the threats that loom over the fair city of Verona.

The actors are competent and endearing, while again only one episode has aired I don't feel it in any way deserves a 1 star review, but then that could be summed up to bigotry and racism.. what else can you call someone who can't look past the colour of someone's skin? I especially like how Lashana Lynch has made Rosaline come alive on screen, from what I've seen she is a strong and fierce woman who speaks her mind.

It receives a strong 7 from me and I will be tuning in for episode 2 guaranteed!

This is the show I've been waiting for, seriously. Not only because it explores the aftermath of one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, but because of the amazing cast! Just WOW WOW WOW.

The cast is beautifully diverse, the acting is absolutely phenomenal, the chemistry between the characters is literally to die for (pun intended).

And everything else about the show? On point. From the costumes and sets, to the dialogue, to the fight sequences? Just A+++, folks. I saw absolutely no disappointments in the premiere and I doubt I'll see many in future episodes.

Just please please please give this show a chance. It's worth it, I promise.