My Lady Jane is a British fantasy romance series based on the novel of the same name by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows. The series is directed by Jamie Babbit and Stefan Schwartz, while Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. There are 8 episodes with a runtime of 40-50 minutes.
The cast of the series includes Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey, Edward Bluemel as Lord Guildford Dudley, Jordan Peters as King Edward VI, Anna Chancellor as Lady Frances Grey, Rob Brydon as Lord Dudley, Dominic Cooper as Lord Seymour, Jim Broadbent as Lord Leicester, Will Keen as Duke of Norfolk, Kate O’Flynn as Princess Mary, Máiréad Tyers as Susanna, Robyn Betteridge as Margaret Grey, Abbie Hern as Bess, Harry Trevaldwyn as George, Jason Forbes as Scrope, and Michael Workeye.
My Lady Jane is a fresh take on English royal history, where King Henry VIII’s son Edward miraculously survives tuberculosis, Lady Jane Grey avoids execution, and her husband Guildford escapes a grim fate. At the heart of this exciting new narrative is the intelligent and determined Jane, who unexpectedly becomes queen and must navigate treacherous obstacles in order to protect her crown (and her life).
My Lady Jane Review
While history remembers Lady Jane Grey as the 9-day Queen, who only ruled from 10 to 19 July 1553, the Prime Video series puts a spin on her ill-fate and re-imagine what it would be like to have her as the ruler. Not only do they save her from getting beheaded but also save the man, who put her on the throne – Edward VI. However, it’s not just a historical drama with some details tweaked but turns out to be a fantasy series, where some humans have the power to transform into animals.
Referred to others as ‘Ethians,’ those who can change at their will, while those who can’t or ordinary folk are called ‘Veritys.’ Thus, another layer of the narrative is added where animosity between the ethians and verities plays a crucial role in Lady Jane’s life. When Jane is first introduced, she is shown to be treating her maid’s private part with a herb mixture she prepared.
Or one could say that she wants to be a herbologist and wants her extensively researched book to be published. Although the pressure of marriage is always hanging on her as a young, single lady, she wants nothing to do with it. But as society has proved itself time and again, she is forced to marry Lord Guildford Dudley, to save her family from getting broke.
Apparently, ever since her father died, the Grey family had been struggling financially and at the mercy of their uncle, who eyes the Grey ladies pervertly. Her mother puts forward the choice – Either Jane marries Guildford or her sister will have to marry their uncle. As expected, Jane complies for everyone’s sake and marries Guildford, known for his notorious reputation.
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Since the story is written in Jane’s favor, the forced marriage proves itself to be not that bad, as Jane gets attracted to him at first sight and his personality isn’t as people say. However, he holds a big secret that stands in the way of their relationship ever blooming. He is an ethian, who gained this power when his mother was murdered. But the issue is that he can’t change himself whenever he wants. Instead, he turns into a horse as soon as the sunlight hits the ground and can only turn back after sunset.
With ethians declared the enemy of the Kingdom, it puts not only the Dudley family but Jane as well, in danger. Hiding or supporting an ethian is considered treachery and will eventually lead to death punishment. On the other hand, in the Royal family, King Edward VI is shown to be dealing with a mysterious disease, often called affliction. His demise is inevitable and eyeing the high seat is his half-sister, Mary I. And if you have watched enough historical dramas, then you would instantly know the cause behind King’s deadly disease, ie Mary.
While Jane is tasked with curing her husband’s magical transformation with her herbs, things get complicated when the King dies in mysterious circumstances and she is asked to take his place. Hiding Guildford’s secret while stepping foot in the palace full of enemies in every corner, Jane is conflicted. Meanwhile, war brews on between the King’s guards and ethians. No matter whose side Queen Jane takes, repercussions are to follow her head.
Thoughts on My Lady Jane
At first, it looked like any other period drama but soon it exceeded expectations when Jane’s maid flies away as a bird. Adding comedic elements to the story was definitely a wise choice, especially the narrator’s witty remarks. Also, the use of modern music in a period setting is somehow amusing to watch. One would assume classic Renaissance music to play, instead, some rock and pop tunes take over, as Queen Jane goes frolicking around in her flowy gowns.
Another binding element is the chemistry and romance between Jane and Guildford. It could easily have been an ambition-ridden story, to take the throne regardless of whatever happens. Instead, it presents an intricate side of the characters. They might be one of the most sort-out fictional couples on any period show.
It also shows how power often changes people. Even though Queen Jane is sought out to be a savior, at times the show hints how Jane is no better than power-hungry Mary, who would do anything to get what they want. Additionally, if you are versed in history, you might know that the main reason for the conflict between Mary and Jane was actually religion.
Edward chose Jane over his Catholic half-sister Mary because Jane was a staunch Protestant who would continue to uphold the reformed Church of England, which Edward had helped establish. Meanwhile, Mary was a Catholic and wanted to reverse the English Reformation. Changing the ideological conflict into a fantasy war between Ethians and Veritys gives you a different perspective and provides something for everyone – from history, and drama to fantasy.
My Lady Jane is available to watch on Prime Video.
Rating: 4/5
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