A Rainha Serpente

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 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.

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.

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.