The Serpent Queen

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!!!!!!!!!!!

Firstly, remember this is not a documentary. Its a show. A show on TV. Not sure why some are dissatisfied because it steers from actual. Its great fun and dark and twisted, and, wasn't it brutal in the 15 hundreds? Betcha it was.

I love the humour and style used in this. I stir up inside when I see the treatment of some. This makes me realize that the actors, writing, etc is so good that I start caring about the characters.

Samantha Jane Morton Is absolutely fantastic. Liv Hill Is also very good. Never seen Hill before but I will now look for her.

Im on episode 4 and I think I will wait until all the episodes are released because I hate having to wait to watch each one. Doing that with HoD.

The Serpent Queen is one of the most engaging shows out at the moment. Exceptionally well written and acted, it flows along and keeps you watching and waiting for the next instalment.

Samantha Morton dominates, delivering her lines effortlessly with both subtly and deadly force, she becomes Catherine and reminds you of how an actor can take you away.

While other shows with dwarves & dragons spend millions trying create atmosphere, this show does it with the English language.

Catherines story concludes as it does in history, I hope they pick another character from time and give it the same treatment.

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'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.