Reimagining History’s Tragic Heroines

In the latest Prime Video series, My Lady Jane, history’s most tragic heroines are reimagined with an optimistic twist: the damsel in distress saves herself, and then the kingdom. This bold take on the traditional narrative is a refreshing change of pace, and one that will leave you rooting for the protagonist from the very beginning.

The real Lady Jane Grey’s story is reimagined in this fantasy series.

After watching My Lady Jane, I found myself drawn to the real Lady Jane Grey’s Wikipedia page, curious to see how the show had tweaked her story to fit into the world of fantasy and humor. It’s no surprise that the show takes creative liberties with the original narrative, but what’s impressive is how seamlessly these changes are woven into the fabric of the story.

The show’s optimistic twist on traditional heroines is a breath of fresh air.

The show’s voiceover at the beginning sets the tone for the rest of the series, announcing that this story serves as a big “fuck you” to the history of the Nine Days Queen because it isn’t satisfied with it. My Lady Jane wants to rewrite Jane’s fate to reaffirm that sweet message: Love conquers all.

The chemistry between Jane and Guildford is lacking, but other characters shine.

Emily Bader steps into the shoes of Lady Jane, and her performance comes across as competent, but not particularly memorable. The same holds true for Edward Bluemel, who, as Guildford, does his task like a professional 9-to-5 office worker. Their romance is devoid of an erotic spark, and their kiss or near kiss fails to raise the room temperature.

Anna Chancellor exudes a sexual spark that makes her character hard to ignore.

The real stars of the show, however, are the supporting characters. Anna Chancellor, as Lady Frances Grey, exudes an intense sexual spark that makes her character hard to ignore. Robyn Betteridge and Isabella Brownson have a lovely, gentle presence, and Henry Ashton brings energy to his caricature-like manners. Dominic Cooper, as Lord Seymour, is the epitome of the handsome devil whose good looks sugar-coat his evil shenanigans.

Kate O’Flynn’s portrayal of Princess Mary is a highlight of the show.

But the real standout performance comes from Kate O’Flynn, whose Princess Mary is a cartoon villain who has not lost her menace. Her portrayal of a tyrant as a devilish joker should be included in the list of most memorable performances of the year. Mary’s cartoonish gestures make you chuckle, but they don’t completely hide her terrifying nature.

Despite its flaws, My Lady Jane is an enjoyable watch.

In the end, My Lady Jane comes across as pretty straightforward. The jokes aren’t insane enough, and the show’s length can make it feel exhausting. However, it’s still an enjoyable watch, and one that will appeal to fans of fantasy and humor. If you’re looking for a lighthearted take on traditional heroines, My Lady Jane is definitely worth checking out.