*My Lady Jane*, based on the bestselling YA series by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand, requires a touch of patience for its charm to fully sink in. Initially, the frequent use of expletives may come across as a forced attempt to resonate with a younger, hip audience. But as indelicate as this might seem, it’s worth persevering. The show blossoms into an addictive series packed with all-around niceness and delightful binge-worthiness.
For those unacquainted with Tudor England, fret not. *My Lady Jane* stands strong as a riveting fantasy romp without demanding historical knowledge. However, Tudor aficionados—like those who’ve tumbled into a sixteenth-century England rabbit hole since encountering the Shardlake series—will find extra joy in the clever modern juxtapositions. At its heart, *My Lady Jane* is a high-energy fantasy saga filled with a dying king, cunning elders, courageous rebels, an intrepid teenager, and, intriguingly, a distinguished horse.
Set in the chaotic aftermath of Henry VIII’s reign, England is portrayed as a nation on the brink of civil war. This strife isn’t between Catholics and Protestants as one would expect, but rather between Ethians, people with animal shape-shifting abilities, and Verities, who lack such powers. This inventive twist of fantasy to simplify complex historical and political themes makes *My Lady Jane* an engaging experience. Princess Mary (Kate O’Flynn), hardened by her father Henry’s tumultuous marital history, harbors a deep hatred for Ethians, particularly since Anne Boleyn, the woman for whom Henry VIII divorced her mother, was notoriously an ‘animal’.
The plot thickens around King Edward (Jordan Peters), who is gravely ill with a condition referred to as the Affliction. As power struggles ensue between dastardly nobles Lord Seymour (Dominic Cooper) and Lord Dudley (Rob Brydon), Edward’s half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth (known affectionately as Bess and played by Abbie Hern) are in line for the throne. Yet, Edward’s cousin, Lady Jane (Emily Bader), becomes something of a queenly contender.
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In a bid to restore her family’s standing, Jane’s pragmatic mother, Lady Frances (Anna Chancellor), consents to Jane’s marriage to Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel), the younger son of Lord Dudley. Jane, far more interested in botanical illustrations than matrimonial alliances, is aghast by this sudden twist in her life. Meanwhile, Frances’ ambitions drive her to marry off Jane’s sister, Katherine (Isabella Brownson), to the gout-afflicted Duke of Leicester (Jim Broadbent), who has inherited substantial titles and lands since the demise of Jane’s father. An unexpected revelation occurs when Jane uncovers Guildford’s equine secret and realizes that her closest confidante and maid, Susanna (Máiréad Tyers), had not been entirely truthful with her.
The series’ eight episodes unfold rapidly, brimming with intricate plots, double-crosses, spirited romantic entanglements, a hint of S&M, magic, and splendid chaos. The narrator punctuates the story with humorous, eloquent remarks, contributing to the dubbed “Tudor jamboree” atmosphere and offering quirky descriptors like “bossy boot councilors.” The chemistry between Bader and Bluemel is magnetic, compelling viewers to invest deeply in their narrative.
Performances by Chancellor and Cooper stand out, with both actors fully embracing their villainous roles as Frances and Seymour. Frances masterfully navigates relationships from dealing with her youngest, bloodthirsty daughter, Margaret (Robyn Betteridge), to managing the ardent affections of Stan (Henry Ashton). Noteworthy scenes include a thrilling game of bowls between the Duke of Norfolk (Will Keen) and Ethian leader, Archer (Michael Workeye), to resolve the future of the Division Laws separating Ethians and Verities.
The series also boasts a robust musical score. From The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” to Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” and a plethora of classic rock ’n’ roll hits, the soundtrack underscores the vibrancy of this time-traveling adventure. The narrative’s conclusion teases a second season, diverging from a retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s *Jane Eyre*—as the second book in *The Lady Janies* series, *My Plain Jane*, focused on—but instead promises more intriguingly original content featuring Lady Jane, her royal kinsfolk, manipulative parents, quirky siblings, and devoted spouse.
*My Lady Jane* is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, an essential watch for fans of light-hearted historical fantasies.
*Category: English cinema/World cinema*
