The latest historical drama “My Lady Jane” on Amazon Prime Video has been causing much buzz lately. In keeping with the best-selling novel, the show takes Tudor history and spices it up. “My Lady Jane” reimagines the story of Lady Jane Grey, infusing it with fantasy elements accompanied by a sharp and witty tone. Our article, “My Lady Jane Season 1 Review” contains spoilers.
Plot Summary
The historical fantasy, set in 16th-century England, follows Lady Jane Grey, King Edward’s clever and brave cousin. We witness her forced marriage to Lord Guildford Dudley and her unexpected rise to the throne for political reasons. As the show progresses, we discover that Lord Guildford Dudley is an Ethian who transforms into a horse when the sun rises. This, combined with Jane’s cousin Mary’s desire to usurp the throne, creates a significant plot conflict.
A steamy will-they-won’t-they romance between Lady Jane and Lord Guildford Dudley is at the heart of the show. Aside from that, the storyline includes a conflict between Ethians (humans with the ability to transform into specific animals) and Verities (humans). Furthermore, as a plot twist, we learn that King Edward, the presumed late King, is alive.
In the second-to-last episode of season one, Lady Jane Grey is on trial for treason. However, unlike history, our fierce protagonist is not a victim of her circumstances here. Lady Jane Grey could lose her head, but she certainly won’t lose her cool.
“My Lady Jane” Season 1 Review
Positives
With its charming narration and hand-drawn animation, “My Lady Jane” immerses viewers in its storyline from the very first scene. The show humorously establishes itself as a witty, intriguing retelling of Tudor history from the beginning. We then meet our tenacious protagonist, who is both fierce and savvy. We also learn about her tragic background and her upcoming marriage. The manner in which this is done, though, is light yet meaningful at the same time.
The storyline of “My Lady Jane” is fascinating, and it keeps you invested. There is a lot going on in the show, from the cousin rivalry to the fantasy plotline. On top of that, Lady Jane and Lord Guildford Dudley offer an entertaining enemies-to-lovers storyline and have palpable chemistry. So, the show is packed with a lot of captivating drama that holds your attention throughout.
In addition, the show excels at introducing edge-of-the-seat plot twists. Just when you think things are going well for our protagonists, the show throws you off guard, keeping you on your toes and curious. For instance, the plot twists of Lord Guildford’s transformation into a horse and King Edward being alive were out of the blue, comical, and fascinating.
Aside from that, the show features several interesting characters. From the reckless and witty Margaret Grey and the control freak Lady Frances Grey to the revenge-driven Princess Mary. These characters are sketched in a way that will keep you entertained throughout.
Negatives
Although the show is extremely captivating, it is not without flaws. For starters, despite being based on a novel, reinterpreting a historical story and removing its very essence may not appeal to many viewers. This is especially true because the historical story was entertaining enough on its own and did not require much change.
It would be understandable if the show changed everything or very little. However, it seemed like the show made changes based on its agenda while sticking to certain character myths (Queen Mary). Furthermore, building an LGBTQ storyline in 16th-century England and presenting King Edward as black is historically inaccurate and frankly rather absurd. This appears to be a trend among current shows (Cleopatra and Queen Charlotte). One can’t help but wonder why these shows won’t just produce a fresh story or tell a story about actual black or LGBTQ people, rather than distorting history and reimagining actual historical figures and characters to suit their agendas.
Although the characters in the show are extremely entertaining, they are severely underdeveloped and appear to be caricatures. For instance, Queen Mary is simply villainized based on her myth, and her motives are barely explored. She is simply depicted as hateful for the sake of the plot. The show also had the opportunity to develop Lady Frances Grey into a multifaceted character. However, she is simply presented as a self-absorbed mother who is cruel and has no feelings, even for her own children.
Our Verdict
“My Lady Jane” Season 1 is a witty and captivating retelling of Tudor history which blends fantasy with historical drama. The show’s charming narration and exciting plot twists are sure to keep viewers interested. However, the historical liberties taken and character development issues might rightfully upset viewers. That said, “My Lady Jane” is an entertaining Prime Video series even with its flaws.
Did you enjoy watching My Lady Jane? Do you agree with our article “My Lady Jane Season 1 Review”? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
