Becoming Elizabeth

Becoming Elizabeth doesn't care about showing battles and wars. Rather, the story focuses on Elizabeth's struggles after Henry VIII's death and explores the political mess and the different sides competing for power. It is well written with quite interesting dialogues. The show develops at a very good pace and as we reach the mid-season things start to get very critical and engaging.

The casting is very fitting and gives life to the characters. Alicia von Rittberg as Elizabeth is emotional and energetic and gives us a loving character full of confusing moments as she tries to find strength and understand the game of power that she has been suddenly placed at. And then we have Tom Cullen as Thomas Seymour, a very charismatic and manipulative person who might even make you like him, as I did, despite doing all the wrong one can do. He is a manipulator after all and the actor does that very well. The young actors are amazing performers too. Oliver Zetterström as Edward does a powerful job at just 15 years old. Overall the cast is enjoyable and the character development is done beautifully.

The visuals and cinematography are decent with beautifully done costumes and designs and music that blends nicely with the scenes.

Ultimately, Becoming Elizabeth makes an enjoyable addition to this widely explored era which is definitely worth a visit for the genre's fans.

Absolutely love, love, love this show! It is getting so good, can't wait for season 2! The costumes, the acting, and the engaging stories unfolding are spectacular. Keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

Well, it's a complex period in English history. Henry VIII has died, and after six marriages, left three children (from different wives) to navigate the hugely conflicting religious and political world, while all around them the landed power brokers are scheming for influence.

It's fair to say that without an understanding of the historical backdrop you may initially find this hard to follow. But none the less this is a well acted, high production value series which follows the development of our heroine, the teenage Princess Elizabeth. While time is compressed (understandably) it's fairly historically accurate and gives a great sense of Tudor England and the drama that plays out between factions. The fact that's it's based on reality not fantasy makes it even more compelling.

I hope Starz commission a 2nd season. There's a lot to pack into our young Elizabeth's life as she becomes one of Britain's greatest monarchs and this is a welcome addition to our playlist.

Really had high hopes for this production. The casting was really good, young Edward (Oliver Zetterström) looks like he stepped right out of a contemporary painting of him. I enjoyed the actors' portrayal of the two Seymour brothers (Tom Cullen & John Heffernan). The actress who played Mary (Romola Garai) stole every scene she was in and I almost felt like this was more "Becoming Mary" than Elizabeth. Unfortunately, the writing fell short and the actors can only do so much with what they are given. Such a missed opportunity to show how the young Elizabeth became such a force to be reckoned with... But the costumes are stunning, the most authentic Tudor costumes I have seen in any recent TV production. If nothing else, watch it for the costumes if you are a tudorphile.

Seems more episodes arecwaranted to at least until she takes power. I wish they had continued with this trajectory and character the costumes and historical account of personages was interesting.