Mary & George
- TV Mini Series
- 2024–
The Countess of Buckingham who molded her son to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover, through intrigue, becoming richer, more titled and influential than England has ever s... Read allThe Countess of Buckingham who molded her son to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover, through intrigue, becoming richer, more titled and influential than England has ever seen.The Countess of Buckingham who molded her son to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover, through intrigue, becoming richer, more titled and influential than England has ever seen.
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- TriviaEven given the taboos both of the historical period and of the next several centuries of research into and writing about history, there is a fair amount of historical documentation of contemporary rumors and reports that King James I (played in this series by Tony Curran) was gay, or perhaps bisexual, giving a historical basis to this aspect of his depiction in "Mary & George." His close relationships with a series of male courtiers were often remarked-upon in letters and other documents of the day. Two of the men whom many historians agree were likely his lovers are depicted in this series: Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset (Laurie Davidson) and George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham (Nicholas Galitzine); Sir John Oglander, a contemporary politician and diarist, wrote that he "never yet saw any fond husband make so much or so great dalliance over his beautiful spouse as I have seen King James over his favourites, especially the Duke of Buckingham," and a Royal Navy officer, Edward Peyton, observed James "tumble and kiss [George] as a mistress" in view of the court. James I was the same King James who sponsored the translation of the Bible that is still known today as "the King James Bible," which is another reason that religious interests may have been eager to deny or expunge from history the possibility that James was gay or bisexual.
Featured review
Raucous and Regal: A 17th Century Romp That's Naughty but Nice.
Some of the criticism directed at Mary & George appears unwarranted, potentially arising from discomfort with its gay storyline and homoerotic elements. Yet, this show stands firmly on historical characters and events, blending fact with creative freedom to craft a captivating black comedy. Its clever humor had me laughing out loud, a rare occurrence for me.
The series ventures boldly into LGBT themes, and while it features its share of sexual content, these scenes are approached with tasteful restraint. The instances of nudity, though certainly risqué by the standards of television 30 years ago, especially concerning same-sex relationships, are skilfully filmed. They often suggest rather than show, adding to the intrigue without overshadowing the comedic and scheming aspects of the story. Far from being hardcore pornography, the portrayal is mature and perhaps not suited for children, but it's handled with care.
Nicholas Galitzine's portrayal of George Villiers is remarkable and fitting. The historical description of Villiers by the Bishop of Gloucester as "the handsomest-bodied man in all of England" finds a perfect representation in Galitzine. His stunning appearance and history of playing gay characters, despite being straight, add a genuine and convincing layer to his role.
The show also stands out for its exquisite cinematography, breathtaking locations, and detailed costumes, all of which deserve praise and contribute to a high IMDb rating.
While some reviews indicate that Mary & George may not appeal to everyone, its comedic brilliance and exploration of gay themes within a historical framework should not be dismissed lightly. This gay-centric, humorous narrative offers laughter and enjoyment across sexual orientations, affirming that quality comedy transcends boundaries. Recognising the evolution of television content presentation, Mary & George should be commended for its progressive depiction of relationships and intimacy.
The series ventures boldly into LGBT themes, and while it features its share of sexual content, these scenes are approached with tasteful restraint. The instances of nudity, though certainly risqué by the standards of television 30 years ago, especially concerning same-sex relationships, are skilfully filmed. They often suggest rather than show, adding to the intrigue without overshadowing the comedic and scheming aspects of the story. Far from being hardcore pornography, the portrayal is mature and perhaps not suited for children, but it's handled with care.
Nicholas Galitzine's portrayal of George Villiers is remarkable and fitting. The historical description of Villiers by the Bishop of Gloucester as "the handsomest-bodied man in all of England" finds a perfect representation in Galitzine. His stunning appearance and history of playing gay characters, despite being straight, add a genuine and convincing layer to his role.
The show also stands out for its exquisite cinematography, breathtaking locations, and detailed costumes, all of which deserve praise and contribute to a high IMDb rating.
While some reviews indicate that Mary & George may not appeal to everyone, its comedic brilliance and exploration of gay themes within a historical framework should not be dismissed lightly. This gay-centric, humorous narrative offers laughter and enjoyment across sexual orientations, affirming that quality comedy transcends boundaries. Recognising the evolution of television content presentation, Mary & George should be commended for its progressive depiction of relationships and intimacy.
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- drhemp
- Mar 10, 2024
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