by Chantal Ashford, Contributing Writer
I love a great melodrama set in a historical period, and in Mary & George,we get the “facts,” before the show creates chaos from the first scene until its closing credits.
Mary & George is a unique historical melodrama that delves into the intriguing affair between King James VI and I (Tony Curran) and George Villiers, 1st Duke of Birmingham (Nicholas Galitzine). The series is not just about their romance, but also about the power struggles and personal ambitions that surround them, particularly the relentless pursuit of power by George’s mother, Mary Villiers (Julianne Moore).
The mother-and-son duo of Mary and George is one to not mess with; the Villiers can’t be trusted, as they have their agendas to make their way to the top. In the beginning, George doesn’t seem to care about his mother’s games, but when he finally gets his taste, he becomes his mother, but better.
Galitzine’s portrayal of George is a journey of character development. He starts as a naive young man, but as the series progresses, he rises to nobility and establishes his own identity. His transformation is evident when he finally enters his chambers, becoming the manipulative force behind the King. This is a man who evolves without relying on his mother.
Moore is deliciously sinister as Mary, whose life wasn’t the crème de la crème, but she knew how to make her impression. She may be invited, but the woman who is never welcomed doesn’t let anyone’s disgust for her stop her from ascension. Mary always wants to be ahead of everyone, but sometimes, she struggles to keep power in play.
The miniseries never loses steam, as each episode seems to have a twist to make your head spin, down to the last 10 minutes of the series finale. Everyone has their agenda to make their way through royalty ties, never caring who they have to get out of their way.
The twists and turns first appear in the second episode, “The Hunt,” when Mary’s identity is revealed and she has to take matters into her own hands. And her actions aren’t pretty, and they mostly aren’t throughout the season.
The finale, “War,” stands out in the series, bringing the Villiers’ story to a bloody close. Years have passed, and we watch how Mary and George seem to be doing well for themselves, along with the schemes, lies, betrayals, and bodies they leave behind. Their ascension keeps them afloat until their luck runs out. The mother-and-son duo falls, only to be built up, before it crumbles yet again. The last 10 minutes still have me reeling. I had the instinct to know what would happen, but I wasn’t expecting how I would receive the ending.
I wanted to know what happens after the screen goes black, but the despondent expression Mary leaves us with before seeing George in those last seconds makes me wonder what Mary does, or will do, next.
Sadly, we only received seven episodes of chaos and corruption. Mary & George could’ve been a little longer, but why drag out an already good thing?
Rating: Liked It
Mary & George is currently streaming on Starz
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