A Rainha Serpente

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'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.

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.

This series is really excellent. As any other series based on historical persons and events, it's a mixture of facts and fiction, and I'm totally okay with that, as long as the fictional parts don't wander off too far from what really COULD have happened. The story of Catherina de Medici's life (here pictured until the death of her first son and herself becoming the regent of France) is exciting and involving, the settings are beautiful and authentic, the costumes luscious, and the acting of all major parts is great. With special mention of Samantha Morton, she is absolutely brilliant as the scheming, highly intelligent and outwardly ice-cold Catherina, who still at a few times poignantly shows her inner emotions.

I still had a few minor reservations. The makers made Catherina and a few other major characters by means of a voice-over the narrators of the story, for me this didn't really add anything (unless at times some confusion as to the chronology), and they also let these characters at several unexpected moments step through the fourth wall to directly address us viewers, for which I didn't much care either. The dialogues of especially the male characters (the Bourbons, the Guises, Montmorency) had a very nowadays and thus a bit of an anachronistic ring to them, for instance the profuse use of the F-word in every other sentence. And the at times rude and condescending way with which some courtiers and members of the Privy Counsel addressed their royal superiors seemed to me rather improbable in those strict hierarchy-centered times.

But for the rest: a riveting and visually beautiful series, I can hardly wait for the second season!

I think the reason this works for me is because it's Cat De Medici telling her story in a satirical way. It's tongue in cheek, but moments of gritty drama. It reminds me of a cross between Harlots and Another Period, in a way. Young Cat breaking the 4th wall at times works since it is older Cat telling the story about younger Cat. The heavy metal track opener sets the tone on what to expect here. Samantha Morton is a powerhouse, and like Eva Green, plays villainous or sketchy roles with believable precision. She executes (and carries) this pretty well- Ruthless but thoughtful, conniving but kind, ultimately a political survivor. It's not going to be for everyone, but I'm enjoying this.