Sangre, sexo y realeza

Blood, Sex & Royalty, the three-episode mini adaptation of Henry VIII-Anne Boleyn's story is a binge-watch. To be honest, I finished it all at once and totally enjoyed the flow. Netflix continues to add elements of drama into documentary, making it difficult to define its genre. Indeed it is a modern adaptation of a classical story, as shown in its characterization, lines, and background music. Although these innovations might offend some conventional historical drama lovers, the contemporary elements add modernism to the series.

Being one of the most legendary queens, Anne Boleyn's story has been told over and over again yet still captures the audience's attention. Netflix's adaptation selects the most splendid occasions of her short life and makes her narrate her story from her POV. Definitely, it is still a documentary with some authors and professors making comments at the proper time.

This time, Anne Boleyn is interpreted from a feminist perspective. The plot adds some dominant-submissive elements in it, with Anne trying to make the King of England follow her rules but prove to fail her ambition. Anne believes the whip is her instrument to tame a man, but indeed it is only a toy to please the arrogant King.

With her destiny dependant on the man's love other than her own power, Anne is doomed to fail. Even though Catherine is beloved by the people and have strong allies in Europe, she could not compete with Henry VIII's will. By contrast, Anne comes from a common aristocratic family, and her whole power comes from Henry VIII. Anne believes she is the heroine of a fairy tale and wins over the King's heart. Indeed, her untamed triggers the interest of an alpha man, protecting her from experiencing the destiny of a typical mistress like her sister Mary. However, her crown and relationship with Henry VIII are based on her promise of a male heir. Once she can not accomplish her promise, Henry VIII takes her life as the price.

With all the great quirky history series around at the moment - The Serpentine Queen, The Empress, and the black comedy/drama The Great. I think with this Blood, Sex and Royalty series, they wanted to make a quirky series that documented one of the most famous royals of all time - Anne Boleyn, and in doing so appeal perhaps to the ones not so much into their history.

However it just turned into a complete train wreck. As an English history buff, especially when it comes to the Monarchy, I felt quite insulted by this series.

Were they trying to make Blood, Sex and Royalty like an adult version of an episode of Horrible Histories? I'd much rather watch HH and actually learn something.

All that I can hope is that this series if it does catch the eye of English History novices, that they will continue onwards to explore more about the Tudor times and what was one of our most important times in history.

I personally don't find the acting as bad as some others say, the music doesn't fit the genre but for some reason I think it works. It's whole purpose is to explain the story of Anne Boleyn in a really simple way and even though I knew most of it already, it was still informative for smaller details. Literally the only issue I have with it is the fact that it only has three, 45 min long episodes so you finish it pretty quick and if you liked it, as I did, you feel like they should have tried to do an deeper dive into her younger life or even try and get another 3 episodes out with another historic king or queen and make it a 6 episode season.

Boomer here, and American. At first, the show was confusing (modern language, actions and music.) However, once I just accepted the mode of presentation, I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised with finding out new and interesting nuggets, including an expanded context for the creation of the Church of England and other historical information (like the card game!) Much of this info might be old hat to UK viewers, but I ended up enjoying the series.

Regarding the criticisms about "dumbing down" history for modern audiences: perhaps this series should be viewed as a gateway for younger audiences to relate, i.e., "approachable history" that draws them in. I grew up on the insufferably dry stuff, and find a bit of fresh air here. There is an applicable quote from one of humanity's best poets: The Times They Are a-Changin'

I love documentaries about the tudor period but this one is far from good. Surroundings, furniture, hair and clothes that do not fit into the 16th century. The (modern) music is the most annoyable matter of this show. It is just as bad as Reign that I stopped watching because of the settings and the inappropriate music. Must be just like Reign a production for the American audience. It is very surprising that the most famous historians of Great Britain are part of this terrible show. There are much better documentaries than this one, for instance The Six Wifes of Henry VIII or King Henry VIII Man, Monarch, Monster etc.