The Serpent Queen

I've waited until episode 7 to write my review. I was a bit hesitant to form opinions as I did take issue with some of the creative aspects of the series but yet, I kept coming back. I wanted to see what happened next and how certain events would be handled. I've found I even look forward to it. I wasn't sure of Samantha Norton's portrayal of Catherine De Medici in the beginning. I felt her portrayal was a tad bland for such a colorful historic figure. But it didn't take long to see the power in the reserved manner in which she's approached it, something I've come to very much appreciate. The costuming and set design are very well done and the cast delivers their roles convincingly.

This show has exceeded my expectations with a fresh approach to a somewhat tapped genre. And it's done so without cartooning the subject matter, something difficult it seems, when other similar approaches have failed.

I recommend giving it a shot, but give it a few episodes to get in tune with what the show is trying to offer. It's unique in its approach.

There are few moments in history as rich in potential for story telling as 16th century Europe. And fewer still lineages as fabled as that of the Medici's. The Serpent Queen makes full use of the vast accoutrements offered up by this period and delivers an engaging historical drama.

Wit, a spectacular cast, clever dialogue, novel direction, and beautiful cinematography are just a small sample of this wonder series.

Though there's nothing new about period dramas, there is little to no rehashing here of the same. Every scene seems inventive in its delivery. Leading the effort is the brilliantly executed character of Catherine. No small role, both Liv Hill and Samantha Morton are equal to the task. Hill in particular is outstanding.

In a time where every series seems filled to the brim with magic or flying reptiles it is refreshing to watch something that takes a real story and hits it out of the park.

I really didn't know what to expect from this show. Episode 1 was really perfect. Without giving away spoilers, it's really hard to give a full review. Samantha Morton and Liv Hill did an excellent job playing Catherine.

The acting, directing, and cinematography was spot on.

Charles Dance from The Game of Thrones was perfect as the Pope.

And Colm Meaney as King Francis was a great choice.

The tone of the first episode was tense, with relief later in the episode.

The bringing of Catherine's court was brilliant.

Breaking the fourth wall was an inspired choice, letting the viewer in on the inner thinking of the queen and queen to be.

The strength and cunning that Liv Hill and Samantha Morton give Catherine makes this a very exciting version of a historical figure.

As a first episode, it was awesome. The fact that it is a miniseries is a little disappointing.

This is an add on to my review. After watching the full series, it was so much better than what I had expected. If you like period pieces, you will love this original take on Queen and Mary. It's just so good.

One of my all-time favorites. Having watched Queen Margot many times which includes Catherine de'Medici I was curious but didn't know what to expect.

I was blown out of the saddle. This series is so good but most of all, it not being totally historically accurate, somehow the creators, actors, directors, and writers found a way to walk that high mountain edge between disaster and success with the skill of a mountain goat (sorry, bad remembrance of a line in Spartacus spoken by Crassus).

This series is a little "loose" but it is so much more entertaining because of it. The project could have easily gone over the top and turned into a disaster, BUT IT IS PERFECT.

I can say no more, I loved it so much and have to thank the entire assemble of artisans for their gift to us. They took a big chance, and it works!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't have faith in mini series' being completely binge-able but I watched the whole thing in 2 days. I'm a sucker for period CNN pieces. The costumes and locations, I've got an affinity for. Historical fiction tends to be more entertaining than straight up history as long as you realize that it's mostly embellished for entertainment purposes. I hadn't seen Samantha Morton in a long time and was great as Medici. Due to being so entertained I've moved on to other originals from this channel that have also been engaging enough to binge watch. I haven't like or watched tv in 5 years but Freevee is better than Netflix right now.