Just finished watching and I'm sharing my thoughts before reading other reviews. First, a stripped-back, context-free review:
It does what it says on the tin. It's not a history lesson and every episode warns about 's*x' content. It's soft p*rn wrapped in fancy period dresses and stunning jewellery all your favourite retailers will be stocking. And it's superb. I've loved everything Shondaland has delivered. Witty commentary, not taking itself too seriously, whilst also hooking you emotionally. It's not a 'guilty' pleasure - it's just a pure pleasure to watch and I'm really hoping for an extended series with many more episodes. India Amarteifio is stunning and an engaging actress: really detailed and subtle facial expressions so you feel everything she's going through. Innocent without being grating, strong without being aggressive. Perfect casting. Adjoa Andoh and Arsema Thomas are a dream younger/older pair. Arsema had big shoes to fill and she nails the mannerisms and inflections while commanding her own presence. Loved the side romance and funny dialogue with Sam Clemmett and Freddie Dennis. I wish there'd been more time to fully explore and develop other story arcs.. I don't really want another split like last time (in case they get it wrong) - I know it's a gamble but I'd rather have more episodes and tie all the stories together.
Context-based review:
Like most TV and film.. if everyone had happy, healthy relationships, there'd be no drama and what would keep us watching? The King and Queen's relationship is very damaging for young girls and their understanding of healthy interactions. The way George treats Charlotte is abusive. I'd like more balance in how relationships are portrayed. The narrative must change. Women shouldn't accept men (or any life partner) treating them like garbage 'because there might be a reason and they love me really'. No. A healthy relationship is people communicating their fears and concerns, not hiding them.
I've been saying for many years I want to see people of colour playing all roles (not just slaves) otherwise you perpetuate discrimination. Historical accuracy cannot be used to justify limiting acting opportunities for people of colour in the present. Because then how do you ever equalise opportunity? The past will never change. Maybe we should just pretend it never happened (as an experiment somewhere..) - anyway, I love what Shondaland is doing and the progress made since Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997). Casting was perfect - also looking forward to a dark-skinned lead in the near future.
It does what it says on the tin. It's not a history lesson and every episode warns about 's*x' content. It's soft p*rn wrapped in fancy period dresses and stunning jewellery all your favourite retailers will be stocking. And it's superb. I've loved everything Shondaland has delivered. Witty commentary, not taking itself too seriously, whilst also hooking you emotionally. It's not a 'guilty' pleasure - it's just a pure pleasure to watch and I'm really hoping for an extended series with many more episodes. India Amarteifio is stunning and an engaging actress: really detailed and subtle facial expressions so you feel everything she's going through. Innocent without being grating, strong without being aggressive. Perfect casting. Adjoa Andoh and Arsema Thomas are a dream younger/older pair. Arsema had big shoes to fill and she nails the mannerisms and inflections while commanding her own presence. Loved the side romance and funny dialogue with Sam Clemmett and Freddie Dennis. I wish there'd been more time to fully explore and develop other story arcs.. I don't really want another split like last time (in case they get it wrong) - I know it's a gamble but I'd rather have more episodes and tie all the stories together.
Context-based review:
Like most TV and film.. if everyone had happy, healthy relationships, there'd be no drama and what would keep us watching? The King and Queen's relationship is very damaging for young girls and their understanding of healthy interactions. The way George treats Charlotte is abusive. I'd like more balance in how relationships are portrayed. The narrative must change. Women shouldn't accept men (or any life partner) treating them like garbage 'because there might be a reason and they love me really'. No. A healthy relationship is people communicating their fears and concerns, not hiding them.
I've been saying for many years I want to see people of colour playing all roles (not just slaves) otherwise you perpetuate discrimination. Historical accuracy cannot be used to justify limiting acting opportunities for people of colour in the present. Because then how do you ever equalise opportunity? The past will never change. Maybe we should just pretend it never happened (as an experiment somewhere..) - anyway, I love what Shondaland is doing and the progress made since Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997). Casting was perfect - also looking forward to a dark-skinned lead in the near future.