So if you could not guess from the meme at the end then, yes, Becoming Elizabeth got cancelled due to low viewing figures as we suspected: twitter.com/anya_reiss/status/1572616333409554439 In spite of everything and all my complaints, I am a bit sad (that I can't make any videos ripping apart a season 2 ;) ) since I really did want to at least see what they would do with Jane and Mary. Ah well, we still have that 'Firebrand' movie coming out next year and Season 2 of Wolf Hall at some point as well. In other news, whilst I did already talk about this on the Community Tab, this is the first video where I can state this. I have relaunched my Patreon. It is monthly and only has one tier at £3, there aren't any special perks or anything. It is more just a way to help support the channel if you so wish. Who knows though? If it is a success, I may consider expanding on it in the future: www.patreon.com/TheLaughingCavalier
I hated this series the way they portrayed a historical grooming and probable rape of a child as a romance, but my god, I fell in love with how Mary I is portrayed. I wish we had seen this as Becoming Mary because Romila is so confident and ballsy in this, she's the woman who you cheered for when she led a revolt against Henry Grey and won her crown, it would make for such a good Shakespearian tragedy to see Mary's rise, the triumph of the men who had been oppressed by Henry VIII and Edward VI, to the Marian Persecutions and her lonely death. Still, I'll take what I can get.
I would've loved to see this Mary story!!!! And she is known to history as "bloody Mary" so it's not as if she is unknown.... Instead of another Elizabeth' story (and not a good one for her) we could have gotten an in-depth depiction of a complex and traumatic character in Mary...
I looked forward to all the scenes with Mary - she was the star for me tbh. Elizabeth definitely whispered almost ALL the time and it made it difficult for me to follow her or look forward to her scenes but Mary was phenomenal .. I literally also felt like it was more of a "Becoming Mary" show haha
I kept moaning in despair when we left Mary and Edward scenes in favor of Elizabeth. We're supposed to care for the character the show's named after and I want to see more of her siblings 😫😫😫
Buddy,. Thank thee so ever much. I´ve been tempted to watch this for some time. Albeit, I´ve watched pieces of it pertaining to Mary mostly (that´s how I found out about this to begin with - I had completely lost faith in Starz in what regards to tudor dramas, but...) I felt i needed to know more before I embarked. Now, YOU just allowed me to make the decision on the negative. THANK YOU. New loyal fan. Good job. Loved the odd anime cutscene materials btw.
I wanted this to carry on. It was far better than Spanish princess or reign. I don’t understand how they had more than one season and Becoming Elizabeth didn’t.
Maybe the disastrous reaction to turning Elizabeth's abuse into some sort of romance turned the production off. There was so many good beats and characters in the series though. They just kind of fucked up the beat the show was supposed to be about: Elizabeth herself. She was such an interesting person and most likely a child prodigy, yet they showed... none of that. I kept waiting for her to pop off and show some proficiency, but instead she slept with her abuser willingly. Give us becoming Mary.
@@jessjess23brooks89 the problems begin with casting a near 30 year old woman to pretend to be a 14 year old girl. It was gross and it made the show unbearable. The only thing that stood out was what a badass Mary was and how well casted she was.
With Becoming Elizabeth season 2 being cancelled, hopefully we will get a spin-off series with Romola Garai as Mary. Perhaps 'Mary Begins' or 'Mary: Origyns'.
It's not a perfect historical series but far better than the other modern Tudor stories I've seen. I respect it far more for being the first Tudor series to cover Edward VI's reign. Edward VI usually gets overlooked in favor of Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. This series alluded to covering not only Edward VI's reign but also the succession crisis with Lady Jane Grey, Mary I accession to the the throne, Mary I's reign, and how Elizabeth grew into a fierce Queen. There was so much potential for this series. I was excited for all the possibilities. I'm tired of seeing adaptions based on the other Tudors. Again, the show was far from perfect and I have some major issues with it (mainly the portrayal of Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour's relationship/interactions). But, it was refreshing to see an adaptation go beyond the usual, overused narratives from the Tudor period. I wanted to see more. Sadly, Starz did not renew the show for a second season. So, for now, my only hope is the upcoming adaptation of Catherine Parr's life. I hope another studio takes up the reigns and makes a proper, full-fledged Tudor series beginning with either Henry VII (who's always overlooked as well) or Edward VI. I know I'll be waiting a long time.
I loved Romola Garai as Princess Mary! Season 2 should be about her becoming Queen Mary and her marriage to Philip II of Spain. I want a historical show about Princess Mary and her marriage to Charles Brandon!
To this day the worst headdress from these shows was the one worn by Anne Boleyn in The Tudors when she’s waiting with Henry for Wolsey to report and bring the news on the divorce. It looks like a 3rd place crown from Toddlers and Tiaras. I’m personally offended by it it’s so wrong. 😂
The only thing I liked about the series was the Mary and Jane grey future plot and now that's gone. Because we have never really had a good Mary I story and Romola Garai is such a good actor
I'm sad about it being cancelled.... I really dislike everything they did with Elizabeth (and t Seymour and c parr) but everyone else I really enjoy! Particularly Edward and Mary, I wish we could have seen more of them... Edward would have probably died in the first or second episode of S2, but to see this Mary reach her breaking point and become more cruel, would have been awesome
My issue with casting mary this is the first time she was the right age. Typically they cast a woman near 50 but she 30s when she became queen and was in her early 40s when she died
According to Alice of Sherwood there’s not going to be a second season. I’m mostly upset because this show could have been better‼However I wish the cast of Becoming Elizabeth the best of luck and happiness in their careers‼
I watched it because of the portrayal of Mary I. I always wonder, why writers would add or change events of historical figures like Elizabeth I. or Marie Antoinette, or even Mary Stuart, bc the facts are interesting and dramatic enough, but for some reason historical facts are used as "inspiration", so a writer can have their turn to tell a story. And that is very sad, bc good writing does not necessarily need to change history - it could enrich it via dialogue to make it more understandable to a modern audience that doesn't have a degree in history. I do have it tho and the despair I feel, when history gets altered to fit a narrative, is beyond comprehension.
Thank you for this excellent critical review of this missed opportunity of a series. Undoubtedly the whole series belongs to and is owned by Romola Garai's Mary Tudor. Mary was written (and played) much better and much more accurately than the mess that was the fictional 'Elizabeth' (note to people who write/make historical dramas: Your drama is much better served when it feels ACCURATE, when it can create a world that smells of the past rather than be nothing more than a costume ball in which the contemporary voice of the participants drowns everything that is NOT the present. I am not asking for a historical essay on post-Henry VIII Tudor England, but when your drama completely lacks a basis in the world it tries to imagine, it fails as a DRAMA). The handsomeness and good acting skills of Tom Cullen were channeled into portraying the very dangerous (politically) and sexually predatory Thomas Seymour as an alluring lover, who is reckless in the style of habitual revellers and people who had one too many. Seymour's recklessness bordered on the psychotic. He was a berserker who was more interested in bringing down his older brother than claiming power for himself (as his actions evince). He went to such irrational and mad ends to destroy his brother's influence that we can only conclude he was not all that interested in winning power for himself (where he would have been far more cunning and careful in the planning). Once the makers of the series decided to portray Thomas Seymour as a loveable and sexy rogue, the rest followed and the falsification (and utter unbelievability) of Elizabeth was complete. They wanted us to believe that the cautious and precautious Elizabeth, who may have been flattered by the attentions of a much older charmer (not unlikely given the rejection of her own father) when she was 13, would have not guarded herself against such an obviously irrational and dangerous man? It is far more plausible that her cautious character would have intensified, had she found him attractive, rather than thrown all caution to the wind and become reckless and indulgent herself, revelling in scandalous behaviour. She was brought up in a hostile environment, always on the cusp of illegitimacy/legitimacy and a few steps from the executioner's block, with her many enemies constantly watching her, and they want us to believe that she would jump into bed with her beloved step-mother's husband? The direction in which they took their fictional 'Elizabeth' defies all belief and colonises the figure of Elizabeth with an anti-Elizabeth character. I could well believe a story claiming that Elizabeth, once queen, and Robert Dudley consummated the love they had for each other. Such a story would be at least plausible (although there is no evidence of it), but a 'love story' between Seymour and Elizabeth is not only not plausible, it also contradicts what little evidence there is about this chapter of her life. As it is, the makers of the series, in their rush to deflower the Virgin Queen (their infantile attempt at 'myth debunking', I suppose) ended up in hushing up her possible sexual harassment by Seymour, presenting the latter's designs on a 13 year old (and not a word about the real Seymour's attempts to contract a marriage with either Elizabeth (then 10) or Mary (then 27) while Henry VIII was still alive) as a 'love story'. Did they think a frightened and confused 13 year old Elizabeth trying to navigate the dangerous Tudor court did not make for good drama? It is also a great pity that the stupendous portrayal of Mary Tudor by Romola Garai will be forever associated with this atrociously misconceived series. I hope some more competent and imaginative team takes over the story and brings back Romola's Mary this time not as a season 2 of this disaster but as a new series, 'Mary Tudor'. They must also cast another actress in the part of Elizabeth, for the relation between these two sisters (that goes far beyond the familial), if written by a competent writer, should make for terrific drama.
I agree with most of your review, didn't dig the portrayal of Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour at all, but LOVED Mary. I want more Mary!! Loved the soundtrack actually 😂 I'm really into the modern sound on a period piece (Peaky Blinders is a good example, although it's not instrumental music), I think it gave the series an edginess that resonated with me. But I also love the music from Wolfhall a lot, from The Virgin Queen (2005) and they are way more classical, "adequate" music for a Tudor drama 😉
The Virgin Queen 2005 really had a GREAT soundtrack. I love that it included more modern elements but also things taken from the period, like using lines from a poem Elizabeth wrote on one of the tracks. And it's so epic and memorable.
I agree on many things, but the grooming stuff was really accurately depicted (not historically, but psychologically). The victim is not always a reluctant girl, who fights back. In fact grooming is often about manipulation and deceit. Victims are tricked into such "relationships" and only realise how terrible and inappropriate it is later. And it was done well in the series. Yes, it probably didn't happen to Elizabeth in real life, but as fiction it's a good depiction.
My only quibble with it was that I wish it had been portrayed accurately, but I am not that fussed either because, as you said, it was an accurate depiction of grooming. I wonder at their decision to take that angle vs. the accurate angle of showing Elizabeth as basically being the only one with sense to know that this was bad (TS's behavior) and then being blamed for it later ~ I am wondering if that is just supposed to allude to her never marrying.
Thanks for your latest review. U made me laugh. I was wondering if you have seen "The Serpent Queen". It is a satirical look at Catherine de Medici. It doesn't take itself seriously and some of the lines are hysterical. I would love your review of this new Starz drama.
No Elizabeth wouldn't beheaded Jane. They'd bare-knuckle box in the rain at Tower of London before Mary shoots Jane and says, "It's just been revoked!"
Seriously writers, what the frick with Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour? I don't know why I have to say this but I guess I do; most young teenage girls do not want to be in a relationship with their creepy 40-year-old stepfather. It should also be noted that Elizabeth was quite distressed and disgusted by his advances that Catherine Parr had to send her away, probably for her own protection.
New Tudor Drama on the horizon. Disney is going to adapt CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake novels. I've read all of them. Lamentation is my favorite. This almost happened once before, but Kenneth Branagh changed his mind and decided to do Wallander instead. Whatever happens, I'll be here to watch you rant about it!
Just reading the deadline article. The Forge (who made Becoming Elizabeth for Starz) are doing it, and they also have Justin Chadwick as a director, who also directed BE. I've never heard of the series before but, as it is about a fictional detective, it sounds like it is at the limit of what I would term a 'Tudor Drama' , although it sounds like some historical figures will be there briefly. I'll keep an eye out on it, I've already recorded the next upcoming Tudor Dramas video so this news won't make it in there.
Alicia von Rittenberg isn’t what I imagined young Elizabeth to be like at all. Not only did she whisper or whimper a lot of her lines, she also didn’t really resemble Elizabeth imo. Didn’t Elizabeth have dark eyes like her mother and a narrow face? And wasn’t she charming and confident from a young age? Alicia’s Elizabeth lacks charisma.
I don't think we will ever, ever, get a truly authentic, accurate historical drama, unfortunately. They always have to add, or change things for dramatic effect. History is dramatic enough, no need to change anything.
also at least the equipment in cromwell was rather realistic ... well not in color but at least in eqipment. This ones war scene made me cringe so much especialy with the crossbow melee.
Why is it series focusing on the young Elizabeth so often seem to have much more interesting characterization and acting of Mary? It was the same issue with 'The Tudors' where Sarah Bolger really brought the young Mary to life and Elizabeth was... also there.
Even tho this series is very inacurate and how I hated the portrayal that Elizabeth Loved thomas when she hated him in real life. I still did enjoy watching it. What couldn't get past me tho was definitely the age of lady Jane Grey and King Edward. The would have both been 9 turning 10 in 1547 when they look in there teens. Like last time I checked a 9 year old didn't have a broken voice. The Age of both of them would have been perfect for when Edward died and Jane Beheaded.
21:47 why did the adult cover the child’s face at the execution. They have literally gone to see a man get his head chopped off. It was the reason they went, you don’t go to a football match and they cover your face when they score the goal.
did not like how the actress who played Elizabeth whispered all her lines. Felt it might be a directors choice but the lady who inspired love would no be like that. Also the gross romance between Seymore and Elizabeth is degusting no wonder it was cancelled
For the music I think a show that did the whole “contemporary music” with a period piece great was The Knick. It was super synthy I think but it felt like it fit the shows vibe.
I had an extremely hard time getting through even the second episode. Normally, I check out of Tudor history during Edwards reign. I was just beyond baffled though how careless they portrayed her and Thomas Seymour’s relationship. Absolutely ruined the whole show for me. I’m sorry but Elizabeth would NOT so carelessly put herself in the kind of position or scandal that would come with a relationship let alone a relationship with Thomas Seymour. And the wicked witch of the west ole Catherine parr was straight out of Cinderella.
Do they just absolutely disregard the accounts of those around elizabeth such as Kat Ashley? I just. I don’t understand why the creators of these show treat their audience like they aren’t smart enough to do their own research. The history is interesting enough on its own. But nobody wants to take the time or the care in these shows anymore. Everything’s like some sort of bootleg game of thrones
@5:48 having an actress who looked younger but was 18 or near that age, would probably be controversial. I dont think you could have an actor who is obviously in their 30s, do sex scenes with an actress who looks 14/15 even if its historical. I know why the producers chose an actress who looked like a 30 year old. Its so they could s3x up Becoming Elizabeth and turn Thomas Seymours harassment of her into some sort of love story. Wish they had a love story between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth instead and actually showed Thomas Seymour to be the abuser that he was. The actress was miscast and her whispery voice means there is no strength in most of her scenes. Her performance was mainly weak imo. The supporting actors were brilliant. Loved Edward the most and of course Mary and her 'servant'? Pedro? Cant remember his name. At the time what was going on around her was more interesting. Wish this series was about Edward. Loved of that plotting and palace intrigue
Will you be covering the new Anne Boleyn docudrama on netflix? I had to turn it off after Anne turned to the camera to laugh about that fact her sister was "banging the king of France" (her words).
@@1IbramGaunt Nothing yet, other than it won't be coming out till next year. There was a rumour that it was getting released soon so it would be in the running for the Oscars but they have come out and said no, it won't be till next year.
Definitely would love one on Phillip, here in the UK the only one that was sort of sympathetic to him was Elizabeth R back in 1971 in the Armada Episode.
Mary 10000% was the best part of the show Roma 100% deserves a becoming Mary show he’ll maybe they wanted a Mary show but had to pitch it about Elisabeth because Roma stole and I mean stole the show !!!!
Well hello, your absence has been missed. Never seen this series, didn’t have the channel but trust your criticism completely. Still, has to be better than Reign doesn’t it? Anything had to be better than that. 👍👍👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺
The actual history is actually more interesting. Why do they have to sex it up. And especially when it’s so inappropriate and contrary to actual history.
I actually really like the way Elizabeth in this. I think alof of times she is portrayed as a perfect Mary Sue. I like the different take where she is a stupid teenager.
As I understand it, a few months ago, Lionsgate (who own Starz) took it off Starz (cost cutting measure they claimed) but apparently it is on their Lionsgate app or something. Here in the UK, it is actually airing on Channel 4 and is on their catch-up service.
I had to push myself to finish the series. The pacing was just bad and the natural lighting in first episodes was distraction. Elizabeth was a cautious person as she knew her life was at risk. This Elizabeth was "mild" (modern girl in a long dress) and a bit of a mean girl. She knew this behavior would have been fatal
Not enough money in the world for me to see this crap. So tired of modern story telling, "romanticizing" what really happened. Seymour molested a 14 year old girl, and yes I'm aware of the "times" however, I'm sure Elizabeth was scared to death and didn't fall head over heels with that pig. Same goes with Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemming. Though the actress who played Mary 1 should have her own story. We all know about Elizabeth, would love to see the moment Mary I turned into Bloody Mary.
I still cannot go past Glenda Jacksons portrayal and the writing for that series. Elizabeth comes across as smart, careful, measured when she speaks, and when she snaps we see the Great Henry's temper channelling through his daughter. I found the full on sexual affair between Seymour and Elizabeth revolting and really unnecessary. I kept thinking how young she actually was at the time they portrayed and yeah, YUCK!
Before I begin my actual comment, I would like to apologize in advance for my inadequate level of English proficiency. I am not a native speaker of the world's current lingua franca which unfortunately leads to me making numerous embarrassing mistakes being made whenever I attempt to communicate using this language. Whenever I am reminded of how I lack the ability to convey my thoughts in an eloquent manner, I feel as though I have committed a cardinal sin, as though every English teacher in the world is simultaneously shaking their head and sighing due to how utterly disappointed they are at me. Although I know that saying sorry to those of you who are reading my comment will not change the fact that I fail miserably to write and speak perfect English, I am writing this as a way to deter a certain type of people who cannot stand poor English (Also known informally as Grammar Nazis) from mocking me by posting unwanted and unnecessary comments detailing my every blunder. In my humble opinion, making grammatical errors should be perfectly acceptable as native speakers should not expect non-native speakers to be able to communicate in their second or third languages eloquently. If you are able to completely understand what the other person wrote, is there really a problem with what they've written? No, because the entire concept of communication is the exchange of information between other intelligent beings, which means that no matter how the exchange of information is made, as long as the information is accurately shared there is not a fundamental issue with their ability to communicate. To see it in another way, remember that someone who isn't fluent in English is fluent in another language. When you think about it this way, isn't it impressive for someone to speak a second language in any capacity? Having empathy and respect are qualities that are sorely missing for far too many people these days, especially on the internet. That being said, I am aware that not all netizens who correct others are doing it to ridicule and shame. There are some who do so with the intent to help others improve and grow. However, displaying the failures of other people publicly will cause the person who is criticized to feel negative emotions such as shame and sadness due to the fact that their mistake has been made obvious which severely undermines the point they were trying to make in spite of their unfamiliarity with the English language. In most circumstances people are not looking for language help when they post anything online. Most people just want to enjoy themselves and have a good time on the internet which is why I would not encourage correcting other people regardless of your intentions. If you really do want to help others with their spelling or grammar, I would highly recommend you to help via messaging privately because not only will you not embarrass anyone, you can also go more in-depth with your explanation which I'm sure the other person will greatly appreciate if they want help, but I digress. I know that I've written a bit of an essay, but I hope I've made my points clear. Anyways, here is the comment I wanted to make: shid And coom,
Sorry, your anime inserta are louder than your show. Im trying to listen to your calm voice and then its ramdomly a super loud random bunch of anime noices. Sorry, this have me a auditory anxiety attack. I realy wanted to sit though it too🥺
Ah, fresh Cavalier vid in the morning. You know, old sport, Starz reminds me of the bratty kid that likes to leave doggy bags on fire on your doorstep. According relatively low amount of your person getting seasick, this time time he was caught, his parents gave him a good thrashing and make him bring to your door nice Sorry-for-trolling-you nice basket with flowers and some chocolate. But due to him staying true to his nature, he's got in on fire too. Still waiting for last season of "The Tudors" Rant) Cheers. God save King Charles III.
So if you could not guess from the meme at the end then, yes, Becoming Elizabeth got cancelled due to low viewing figures as we suspected: twitter.com/anya_reiss/status/1572616333409554439
In spite of everything and all my complaints, I am a bit sad (that I can't make any videos ripping apart a season 2 ;) ) since I really did want to at least see what they would do with Jane and Mary. Ah well, we still have that 'Firebrand' movie coming out next year and Season 2 of Wolf Hall at some point as well.
In other news, whilst I did already talk about this on the Community Tab, this is the first video where I can state this. I have relaunched my Patreon. It is monthly and only has one tier at £3, there aren't any special perks or anything. It is more just a way to help support the channel if you so wish. Who knows though? If it is a success, I may consider expanding on it in the future: www.patreon.com/TheLaughingCavalier
Which means... ...that Starz's days in the Tudor (show)business are done.
(And there was much rejoicing)
Isn't wolf hall like 10 years old and that show got cancelled to
I hated this series the way they portrayed a historical grooming and probable rape of a child as a romance, but my god, I fell in love with how Mary I is portrayed. I wish we had seen this as Becoming Mary because Romila is so confident and ballsy in this, she's the woman who you cheered for when she led a revolt against Henry Grey and won her crown, it would make for such a good Shakespearian tragedy to see Mary's rise, the triumph of the men who had been oppressed by Henry VIII and Edward VI, to the Marian Persecutions and her lonely death.
Still, I'll take what I can get.
I would've loved to see this Mary story!!!! And she is known to history as "bloody Mary" so it's not as if she is unknown.... Instead of another Elizabeth' story (and not a good one for her) we could have gotten an in-depth depiction of a complex and traumatic character in Mary...
It was portrayed pretty negatively.
"Anne Bolyen's daughter...is the daughter of Anne Bolyen." 😅🤣😂
*DUN DUN DUN!!*
I looked forward to all the scenes with Mary - she was the star for me tbh. Elizabeth definitely whispered almost ALL the time and it made it difficult for me to follow her or look forward to her scenes but Mary was phenomenal .. I literally also felt like it was more of a "Becoming Mary" show haha
I kept moaning in despair when we left Mary and Edward scenes in favor of Elizabeth. We're supposed to care for the character the show's named after and I want to see more of her siblings 😫😫😫
Mary was brilliant and i liked Edward. he was my favourite.
Buddy,. Thank thee so ever much. I´ve been tempted to watch this for some time. Albeit, I´ve watched pieces of it pertaining to Mary mostly (that´s how I found out about this to begin with - I had completely lost faith in Starz in what regards to tudor dramas, but...) I felt i needed to know more before I embarked. Now, YOU just allowed me to make the decision on the negative. THANK YOU. New loyal fan. Good job. Loved the odd anime cutscene materials btw.
I wanted this to carry on. It was far better than Spanish princess or reign. I don’t understand how they had more than one season and Becoming Elizabeth didn’t.
Maybe the nightmare that was the second season of Spanish Princess just turned everyone off from even giving this a try.
Maybe the disastrous reaction to turning Elizabeth's abuse into some sort of romance turned the production off. There was so many good beats and characters in the series though. They just kind of fucked up the beat the show was supposed to be about: Elizabeth herself. She was such an interesting person and most likely a child prodigy, yet they showed... none of that. I kept waiting for her to pop off and show some proficiency, but instead she slept with her abuser willingly.
Give us becoming Mary.
@@jessjess23brooks89 the problems begin with casting a near 30 year old woman to pretend to be a 14 year old girl. It was gross and it made the show unbearable. The only thing that stood out was what a badass Mary was and how well casted she was.
You were spot on should have been becoming Mary.
She and Edward VI were the show Elizabeth and Jane were underused.
I really enjoyed The Spanish Princess, though my sister and I couldn't get through the first episode of Reign
With Becoming Elizabeth season 2 being cancelled, hopefully we will get a spin-off series with Romola Garai as Mary. Perhaps 'Mary Begins' or 'Mary: Origyns'.
YES!!!
I wish, but I doubt it. She's not as popular a historical figure as Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII or Elizabeth I.
The J-Pop in the background was very appropriate for the time period very well done Laughing Cavalier
After now having seen all the scenes of Mary, I can say I would definitely enjoy a Becoming Mary.
I am looking forward to Series 2 of _Wolf Hall_ .
It's not a perfect historical series but far better than the other modern Tudor stories I've seen. I respect it far more for being the first Tudor series to cover Edward VI's reign. Edward VI usually gets overlooked in favor of Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. This series alluded to covering not only Edward VI's reign but also the succession crisis with Lady Jane Grey, Mary I accession to the the throne, Mary I's reign, and how Elizabeth grew into a fierce Queen. There was so much potential for this series. I was excited for all the possibilities. I'm tired of seeing adaptions based on the other Tudors. Again, the show was far from perfect and I have some major issues with it (mainly the portrayal of Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour's relationship/interactions). But, it was refreshing to see an adaptation go beyond the usual, overused narratives from the Tudor period.
I wanted to see more.
Sadly, Starz did not renew the show for a second season. So, for now, my only hope is the upcoming adaptation of Catherine Parr's life.
I hope another studio takes up the reigns and makes a proper, full-fledged Tudor series beginning with either Henry VII (who's always overlooked as well) or Edward VI.
I know I'll be waiting a long time.
Elizabeth I, nickname: The Virgin Queen.
Starz: Ooooh.... nah.
It's not incredibly creepy and wrong if we just pretend the enormous age-gaps never existed and deny all knowledge of them. Right? Riiiight??
Thank you for the Morecambe and Wise reference, it made my day ;) xx
I hated the F word and the fact they showed Elizabeth in love with that pervert. It will be the same to watch a modern fictional series tbh.
I loved Romola Garai as Princess Mary! Season 2 should be about her becoming Queen Mary and her marriage to Philip II of Spain. I want a historical show about Princess Mary and her marriage to Charles Brandon!
In our darkest hour of historical drama's, our savour returned to us, at the turning of the tide.
To this day the worst headdress from these shows was the one worn by Anne Boleyn in The Tudors when she’s waiting with Henry for Wolsey to report and bring the news on the divorce. It looks like a 3rd place crown from Toddlers and Tiaras. I’m personally offended by it it’s so wrong. 😂
The only thing I liked about the series was the Mary and Jane grey future plot and now that's gone. Because we have never really had a good Mary I story and Romola Garai is such a good actor
I'm sad about it being cancelled.... I really dislike everything they did with Elizabeth (and t Seymour and c parr) but everyone else I really enjoy! Particularly Edward and Mary, I wish we could have seen more of them... Edward would have probably died in the first or second episode of S2, but to see this Mary reach her breaking point and become more cruel, would have been awesome
Ah, yes. My favorite UA-camr is back.
The Tudor period is so interesting...why aren't there any dramas that are historically accurate?
Yay! "Man With Dog" returns
all the spy family clips have truely shown that you're a man of culture
Behold! He hath returned to once again salt the earth of Tudor dramas. Look on Cavalier's Works, ye Directors and Writers, and despair!
I loved how they were actually hods for french hoods and not just headbands
Daphne Slater is still my pick for the best Mary, but Ms. Garai gives a good portrayal as well. Glad to see you back Cavalier. I was getting worried.
My issue with casting mary this is the first time she was the right age.
Typically they cast a woman near 50 but she 30s when she became queen and was in her early 40s when she died
According to Alice of Sherwood there’s not going to be a second season. I’m mostly upset because this show could have been better‼However I wish the cast of Becoming Elizabeth the best of luck and happiness in their careers‼
The writer also basically confirmed it on Twitter.
I watched it because of the portrayal of Mary I. I always wonder, why writers would add or change events of historical figures like Elizabeth I. or Marie Antoinette, or even Mary Stuart, bc the facts are interesting and dramatic enough, but for some reason historical facts are used as "inspiration", so a writer can have their turn to tell a story. And that is very sad, bc good writing does not necessarily need to change history - it could enrich it via dialogue to make it more understandable to a modern audience that doesn't have a degree in history.
I do have it tho and the despair I feel, when history gets altered to fit a narrative, is beyond comprehension.
Thank you for this excellent critical review of this missed opportunity of a series. Undoubtedly the whole series belongs to and is owned by Romola Garai's Mary Tudor. Mary was written (and played) much better and much more accurately than the mess that was the fictional 'Elizabeth' (note to people who write/make historical dramas: Your drama is much better served when it feels ACCURATE, when it can create a world that smells of the past rather than be nothing more than a costume ball in which the contemporary voice of the participants drowns everything that is NOT the present. I am not asking for a historical essay on post-Henry VIII Tudor England, but when your drama completely lacks a basis in the world it tries to imagine, it fails as a DRAMA).
The handsomeness and good acting skills of Tom Cullen were channeled into portraying the very dangerous (politically) and sexually predatory Thomas Seymour as an alluring lover, who is reckless in the style of habitual revellers and people who had one too many. Seymour's recklessness bordered on the psychotic. He was a berserker who was more interested in bringing down his older brother than claiming power for himself (as his actions evince). He went to such irrational and mad ends to destroy his brother's influence that we can only conclude he was not all that interested in winning power for himself (where he would have been far more cunning and careful in the planning). Once the makers of the series decided to portray Thomas Seymour as a loveable and sexy rogue, the rest followed and the falsification (and utter unbelievability) of Elizabeth was complete.
They wanted us to believe that the cautious and precautious Elizabeth, who may have been flattered by the attentions of a much older charmer (not unlikely given the rejection of her own father) when she was 13, would have not guarded herself against such an obviously irrational and dangerous man? It is far more plausible that her cautious character would have intensified, had she found him attractive, rather than thrown all caution to the wind and become reckless and indulgent herself, revelling in scandalous behaviour. She was brought up in a hostile environment, always on the cusp of illegitimacy/legitimacy and a few steps from the executioner's block, with her many enemies constantly watching her, and they want us to believe that she would jump into bed with her beloved step-mother's husband? The direction in which they took their fictional 'Elizabeth' defies all belief and colonises the figure of Elizabeth with an anti-Elizabeth character. I could well believe a story claiming that Elizabeth, once queen, and Robert Dudley consummated the love they had for each other. Such a story would be at least plausible (although there is no evidence of it), but a 'love story' between Seymour and Elizabeth is not only not plausible, it also contradicts what little evidence there is about this chapter of her life. As it is, the makers of the series, in their rush to deflower the Virgin Queen (their infantile attempt at 'myth debunking', I suppose) ended up in hushing up her possible sexual harassment by Seymour, presenting the latter's designs on a 13 year old (and not a word about the real Seymour's attempts to contract a marriage with either Elizabeth (then 10) or Mary (then 27) while Henry VIII was still alive) as a 'love story'. Did they think a frightened and confused 13 year old Elizabeth trying to navigate the dangerous Tudor court did not make for good drama?
It is also a great pity that the stupendous portrayal of Mary Tudor by Romola Garai will be forever associated with this atrociously misconceived series. I hope some more competent and imaginative team takes over the story and brings back Romola's Mary this time not as a season 2 of this disaster but as a new series, 'Mary Tudor'. They must also cast another actress in the part of Elizabeth, for the relation between these two sisters (that goes far beyond the familial), if written by a competent writer, should make for terrific drama.
Super excited to finally hear your opinions on this one. It was very odd in my opinion
I agree with most of your review, didn't dig the portrayal of Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour at all, but LOVED Mary. I want more Mary!! Loved the soundtrack actually 😂 I'm really into the modern sound on a period piece (Peaky Blinders is a good example, although it's not instrumental music), I think it gave the series an edginess that resonated with me. But I also love the music from Wolfhall a lot, from The Virgin Queen (2005) and they are way more classical, "adequate" music for a Tudor drama 😉
The music in The Tudors is also very good.
The Virgin Queen 2005 really had a GREAT soundtrack. I love that it included more modern elements but also things taken from the period, like using lines from a poem Elizabeth wrote on one of the tracks. And it's so epic and memorable.
I agree on many things, but the grooming stuff was really accurately depicted (not historically, but psychologically). The victim is not always a reluctant girl, who fights back. In fact grooming is often about manipulation and deceit. Victims are tricked into such "relationships" and only realise how terrible and inappropriate it is later. And it was done well in the series. Yes, it probably didn't happen to Elizabeth in real life, but as fiction it's a good depiction.
My only quibble with it was that I wish it had been portrayed accurately, but I am not that fussed either because, as you said, it was an accurate depiction of grooming. I wonder at their decision to take that angle vs. the accurate angle of showing Elizabeth as basically being the only one with sense to know that this was bad (TS's behavior) and then being blamed for it later ~ I am wondering if that is just supposed to allude to her never marrying.
Yay a new video!
Thanks for your latest review. U made me laugh. I was wondering if you have seen "The Serpent Queen". It is a satirical look at Catherine de Medici. It doesn't take itself seriously and some of the lines are hysterical. I would love your review of this new Starz drama.
The Great Cavalier returns!! Shall I get the extra salt?
No Elizabeth wouldn't beheaded Jane. They'd bare-knuckle box in the rain at Tower of London before Mary shoots Jane and says, "It's just been revoked!"
i get the feeling if they stuck a ginger wig on bella ramsey it would have worked better
Mary actually became a favorite of mine. I want a spinoff show with Romola Garai as Mary.
earlier this month it was announced that there would be no second season of this show that would cover the rule of mary.
I really enjoyed it, Im gutted that it’s not getting a season 2.
Seriously writers, what the frick with Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour? I don't know why I have to say this but I guess I do; most young teenage girls do not want to be in a relationship with their creepy 40-year-old stepfather. It should also be noted that Elizabeth was quite distressed and disgusted by his advances that Catherine Parr had to send her away, probably for her own protection.
New Tudor Drama on the horizon. Disney is going to adapt CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake novels. I've read all of them. Lamentation is my favorite. This almost happened once before, but Kenneth Branagh changed his mind and decided to do Wallander instead. Whatever happens, I'll be here to watch you rant about it!
Just reading the deadline article. The Forge (who made Becoming Elizabeth for Starz) are doing it, and they also have Justin Chadwick as a director, who also directed BE.
I've never heard of the series before but, as it is about a fictional detective, it sounds like it is at the limit of what I would term a 'Tudor Drama' , although it sounds like some historical figures will be there briefly. I'll keep an eye out on it, I've already recorded the next upcoming Tudor Dramas video so this news won't make it in there.
Alicia von Rittenberg isn’t what I imagined young Elizabeth to be like at all. Not only did she whisper or whimper a lot of her lines, she also didn’t really resemble Elizabeth imo. Didn’t Elizabeth have dark eyes like her mother and a narrow face? And wasn’t she charming and confident from a young age? Alicia’s Elizabeth lacks charisma.
I don't think we will ever, ever, get a truly authentic, accurate historical drama, unfortunately. They always have to add, or change things for dramatic effect. History is dramatic enough, no need to change anything.
Cavalier, Darling! I have finally been able to locate you! I am SO PLEASED!
Someday, we will get the perfect Elizabeth I show/movie-- Oh, right, Dame Helen Mirren did it in 2005!
Niope, Glenda Jackson did in the 70s
@@lilymarinovic1644 Yes. Glenda Jackson was the best. If she is able to it would be interesting to see her play Elizabeth II too.
that opening though would have been epic. one must give his soul to reach fterosis!
gud vid never the less
also at least the equipment in cromwell was rather realistic ... well not in color but at least in eqipment. This ones war scene made me cringe so much especialy with the crossbow melee.
9:48 my exact reaction to that🥹🥹
Why is it series focusing on the young Elizabeth so often seem to have much more interesting characterization and acting of Mary? It was the same issue with 'The Tudors' where Sarah Bolger really brought the young Mary to life and Elizabeth was... also there.
Modern music: 🤮🚫 😴
Pastime with Good Company: 😝💃 👌
Even tho this series is very inacurate and how I hated the portrayal that Elizabeth Loved thomas when she hated him in real life. I still did enjoy watching it. What couldn't get past me tho was definitely the age of lady Jane Grey and King Edward. The would have both been 9 turning 10 in 1547 when they look in there teens. Like last time I checked a 9 year old didn't have a broken voice. The Age of both of them would have been perfect for when Edward died and Jane Beheaded.
21:47 why did the adult cover the child’s face at the execution. They have literally gone to see a man get his head chopped off. It was the reason they went, you don’t go to a football match and they cover your face when they score the goal.
Well the child in question happens to be Somersets son...
did not like how the actress who played Elizabeth whispered all her lines. Felt it might be a directors choice but the lady who inspired love would no be like that. Also the gross romance between Seymore and Elizabeth is degusting no wonder it was cancelled
For the music I think a show that did the whole “contemporary music” with a period piece great was The Knick. It was super synthy I think but it felt like it fit the shows vibe.
I’m surprised Cavalier that you haven’t reviewed the 1998 duology of Elizabeth
With all of the glorious Tudor music, I was really furious that hey had that crap music in this series.
I had an extremely hard time getting through even the second episode. Normally, I check out of Tudor history during Edwards reign. I was just beyond baffled though how careless they portrayed her and Thomas Seymour’s relationship. Absolutely ruined the whole show for me. I’m sorry but Elizabeth would NOT so carelessly put herself in the kind of position or scandal that would come with a relationship let alone a relationship with Thomas Seymour. And the wicked witch of the west ole Catherine parr was straight out of Cinderella.
Do they just absolutely disregard the accounts of those around elizabeth such as Kat Ashley? I just. I don’t understand why the creators of these show treat their audience like they aren’t smart enough to do their own research. The history is interesting enough on its own. But nobody wants to take the time or the care in these shows anymore. Everything’s like some sort of bootleg game of thrones
Dammit Caviller now i imagine Biggie Smalls or something like that playing while Sir Thomas gives his final speech in court.
@5:48 having an actress who looked younger but was 18 or near that age, would probably be controversial. I dont think you could have an actor who is obviously in their 30s, do sex scenes with an actress who looks 14/15 even if its historical. I know why the producers chose an actress who looked like a 30 year old. Its so they could s3x up Becoming Elizabeth and turn Thomas Seymours harassment of her into some sort of love story.
Wish they had a love story between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth instead and actually showed Thomas Seymour to be the abuser that he was.
The actress was miscast and her whispery voice means there is no strength in most of her scenes. Her performance was mainly weak imo. The supporting actors were brilliant. Loved Edward the most and of course Mary and her 'servant'? Pedro? Cant remember his name.
At the time what was going on around her was more interesting. Wish this series was about Edward. Loved of that plotting and palace intrigue
Will you be covering the new Anne Boleyn docudrama on netflix? I had to turn it off after Anne turned to the camera to laugh about that fact her sister was "banging the king of France" (her words).
Please check the community tab, I've left a few posts about it there.
Incidentally REMAIN INDOORS
It is currently raining heavily at the minute so I will do that!
@@The_Laughing_Cavalier unrelated but just out of ongoing interest, has there been any further news you've heard about Ridley Scott's "Napoleon"? 🙂
@@1IbramGaunt Nothing yet, other than it won't be coming out till next year. There was a rumour that it was getting released soon so it would be in the running for the Oscars but they have come out and said no, it won't be till next year.
The way you mixed in Spy x Family clips made me decide that I'd rather watch that again than watch Becoming Elizabeth.
You might enjoy this series by Claire ridgeway that talks about the season and all the things that they got historically right and wrong
other than the anime you are based God save Charles the First!
Cavalier, I got one questions for you: would you like to see A drama on Ferdinand VII of Spain or Philip II of Spain ?
Definitely would love one on Phillip, here in the UK the only one that was sort of sympathetic to him was Elizabeth R back in 1971 in the Armada Episode.
@@The_Laughing_Cavalier I think you would laugh after hearing about Ferdinand VII of Spain's wedding night to his third wife.
Mary 10000% was the best part of the show Roma 100% deserves a becoming Mary show he’ll maybe they wanted a Mary show but had to pitch it about Elisabeth because Roma stole and I mean stole the show !!!!
Im so mad it got cancelled as soon as edward vi gets sick..darn!!!
Well hello, your absence has been missed. Never seen this series, didn’t have the channel but trust your criticism completely. Still, has to be better than Reign doesn’t it? Anything had to be better than that. 👍👍👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺
The actual history is actually more interesting. Why do they have to sex it up. And especially when it’s so inappropriate and contrary to actual history.
Starz has also released a new show based on catherine de Medici
Jessica Raine was Wasted as Catherine Parr in this.
I actually really like the way Elizabeth in this. I think alof of times she is portrayed as a perfect Mary Sue. I like the different take where she is a stupid teenager.
It is not on my Hulu Starz add on
As I understand it, a few months ago, Lionsgate (who own Starz) took it off Starz (cost cutting measure they claimed) but apparently it is on their Lionsgate app or something.
Here in the UK, it is actually airing on Channel 4 and is on their catch-up service.
I had to push myself to finish the series. The pacing was just bad and the natural lighting in first episodes was distraction.
Elizabeth was a cautious person as she knew her life was at risk. This Elizabeth was "mild" (modern girl in a long dress) and a bit of a mean girl.
She knew this behavior would have been fatal
Who is Headrue(sp)??
Not enough money in the world for me to see this crap. So tired of modern story telling, "romanticizing" what really happened. Seymour molested a 14 year old girl, and yes I'm aware of the "times" however, I'm sure Elizabeth was scared to death and didn't fall head over heels with that pig. Same goes with Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemming. Though the actress who played Mary 1 should have her own story. We all know about Elizabeth, would love to see the moment Mary I turned into Bloody Mary.
Hello, may I ask why u choose Richard Neville as ur channel “character”? Just out of interest that’s all.
I like the portrait, that's the main reason really!
@@The_Laughing_Cavalier Got it, I must say I like his pose
Anything by Starz is rubbish. I’m still recovering from the absolute horrors of The White Queen. So I’ll give this codswallop a miss, thanks.
I still cannot go past Glenda Jacksons portrayal and the writing for that series. Elizabeth comes across as smart, careful, measured when she speaks, and when she snaps we see the Great Henry's temper channelling through his daughter. I found the full on sexual affair between Seymour and Elizabeth revolting and really unnecessary. I kept thinking how young she actually was at the time they portrayed and yeah, YUCK!
Elizabeth actress was just awful. Mary I was great.
This depiction ticked me off. The soft porn peeved me.
The Serpent Queen , I definitely want more!
Wolf Hall I want even more. 😊
Seriously 🤷🏻♀️
At last
Before I begin my actual comment, I would like to apologize in advance for my inadequate level of English proficiency. I am not a native speaker of the world's current lingua franca which unfortunately leads to me making numerous embarrassing mistakes being made whenever I attempt to communicate using this language. Whenever I am reminded of how I lack the ability to convey my thoughts in an eloquent manner, I feel as though I have committed a cardinal sin, as though every English teacher in the world is simultaneously shaking their head and sighing due to how utterly disappointed they are at me.
Although I know that saying sorry to those of you who are reading my comment will not change the fact that I fail miserably to write and speak perfect English, I am writing this as a way to deter a certain type of people who cannot stand poor English (Also known informally as Grammar Nazis) from mocking me by posting unwanted and unnecessary comments detailing my every blunder. In my humble opinion, making grammatical errors should be perfectly acceptable as native speakers should not expect non-native speakers to be able to communicate in their second or third languages eloquently. If you are able to completely understand what the other person wrote, is there really a problem with what they've written? No, because the entire concept of communication is the exchange of information between other intelligent beings, which means that no matter how the exchange of information is made, as long as the information is accurately shared there is not a fundamental issue with their ability to communicate. To see it in another way, remember that someone who isn't fluent in English is fluent in another language. When you think about it this way, isn't it impressive for someone to speak a second language in any capacity? Having empathy and respect are qualities that are sorely missing for far too many people these days, especially on the internet.
That being said, I am aware that not all netizens who correct others are doing it to ridicule and shame. There are some who do so with the intent to help others improve and grow. However, displaying the failures of other people publicly will cause the person who is criticized to feel negative emotions such as shame and sadness due to the fact that their mistake has been made obvious which severely undermines the point they were trying to make in spite of their unfamiliarity with the English language. In most circumstances people are not looking for language help when they post anything online. Most people just want to enjoy themselves and have a good time on the internet which is why I would not encourage correcting other people regardless of your intentions. If you really do want to help others with their spelling or grammar, I would highly recommend you to help via messaging privately because not only will you not embarrass anyone, you can also go more in-depth with your explanation which I'm sure the other person will greatly appreciate if they want help, but I digress. I know that I've written a bit of an essay, but I hope I've made my points clear.
Anyways, here is the comment I wanted to make:
shid And coom,
Sorry, your anime inserta are louder than your show. Im trying to listen to your calm voice and then its ramdomly a super loud random bunch of anime noices.
Sorry, this have me a auditory anxiety attack. I realy wanted to sit though it too🥺
Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes.
But together we can stop that...
Philippa Gregory is a horrible author.
The Glidus-Simpsons reference had me shooketh, though rejoining all the same 🤌🏻
Ah, fresh Cavalier vid in the morning.
You know, old sport, Starz reminds me of the bratty kid that likes to leave doggy bags on fire on your doorstep. According relatively low amount of your person getting seasick, this time time he was caught, his parents gave him a good thrashing and make him bring to your door nice Sorry-for-trolling-you nice basket with flowers and some chocolate. But due to him staying true to his nature, he's got in on fire too.
Still waiting for last season of "The Tudors" Rant)
Cheers.
God save King Charles III.
I absolutely hate The Other Boleyn Girl. It is atrociouslly horrible. All fantasy, no facts, and poorly cast..