The Spanish Princess

Has no one noticed that Richard Pole grew his arm back.........

Lavishly produced, very well acted and generally quite entertaining, but I did think the Spanish Princess drifted into soap opera a little too often. Massive liberties taken with history, but we should all know by now that any show "based on historical events" is just that - most of the people existed, some of the things happened, but most of it is pure fiction. Still, I often find these kinds of shows interesting because they lure me into checking the historical facts, which is educational. I was surprised to find, for instance, that Catherine actually did have a black woman as one of her retinue of 'ladies'.

The White Queen was very lurid but it was entertaining.

The White Princess was very lurid and it was NOT entertaining.

The Spanish Princess, well . . . . At least Catharine has red hair.

I give it 5 stars instead of 1 because if the aim was to make a soap opera they fulfil their goal. And for that it is somewhat entertaining and the costume design is really good. I don't like soap operas so didn't want to be a judge on this category. Such a strong character, a women ahead of her time. Beautiful, smart, determined in a time such traits were unattractive for women. How do you take on such a person's amazing story and make it a "blah" soap opera? It really saddens me. And it is bad to the point you get lost in soap opera nonsense and the story loses emotional highs that would be a definitely plus to it. It is a historical onde so I don't believe I am delivering any spoilers. This woman survived Henry VIII wife killing tendency. More, she was really loved by him for her beauty and personality for most of their marriage. Honestly, I didn't feel this intense love while watching the tv show and it bothers me that somehow writers are driven to spoil such a good story to begin with.

If you know absolutely nothing of this era, this is your show. If you do, you must ignore the very obvious historical inconsistencies.

Honestly, why? They have the money. The history is very interesting on its own. I am so disappointed, Catherine of Aragon deserved better.