Season 1 - Elizabeth R (1971-1972)
Back in 2011 I went to the book launch for Margaret George's Elizabeth I at my local Barnes and Noble. When we were able to ask questions at the end of her talk I wanted to know which actor, in her mind, was the definitive Elizabeth I. There have been so many over the years, from Judi Dench winning an Oscar for eight minutes of screen time in Shakespeare in Love to Cate Blanchett's Oscar nomination for her stunning portrayal of the monarch in Elizabeth. Without hesitating Margaret George said Glenda Jackson. It's something I had often heard. I mean, she was literally playing her in two productions simultaneously, Elizabeth R and Mary, Queen of Scots. Now that I have finally watched Elizabeth R I do agree with Margaret George, Glenda Jackson is the definitive Queen Elizabeth, it's just too bad this miniseries isn't actually about her. At this point I'm sure you're scratching your head. You're thinking, but the miniseries is literally called Elizabeth R so how could it not be about her? By being about the men around her. And, oh, does this enrage me. A woman who set out not to be defined by a man and a miniseries comes along in the nineteen seventies and is all about the men in her life. There's literally only one episodes that's female-centric and it's about Mary, Queen of Scots. Seriously!?! This is how you treat the most famous queen in history? But first, let's start from the beginning. This series follows on the heels of the production of The Six Wives of Henry VIII. So unless you've watched that fever dream of a miniseries that literally has a dream ballet, well, you're going to spend the first episode completely confused. But seeing as I totally recommend never watching The Six Wives of Henry VIII because it will make you hate the Tudors forever just go with the confusion. Because it will last the entire series even after you've found your footing as we focus on one male after another. I mean, I love me some Robert Hardy, but this show isn't called Robert Dudley now is it? And as for Elizabeth's suitor François, the Duke of Alençon, getting more screen time than her just bemoaning his life in his shitty quarters? Come on man! The least you could do is dance for the queen instead of bitching and moaning. If you must take center stage, take it! But then along comes Robert Devereux, Robert Dudley's stepson played by Robin Ellis, and he hijacks the plot so much he takes it to Ireland. Did I sign up to watch Robert Devereux wander about Ireland? OH NO I DID NOT! At least I got to see him executed. Though sadly not in as much detail as Mary, Queen of Scots. Who at the BBC really thought this was a good idea? I know this ties together with The Six Wives of Henry VIII which inverted the narrative by being seen from the POV of the wives, so did someone think, hey it worked once let's try it again but with his daughter! Here's the thing though, it didn't work. In either series. Plus actually calling this miniseries Elizabeth R is deceitful. Why not just call it Lizzy's Lads and be done with it? Because I sure am.
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