She became one of the most powerful and longest-serving rulers in French history. The series revolved around Catherine’s life story, where history has not been kind to her, perhaps because she was smarter than a woman should have been at the time, but it was her wit that saved her when her lack of beauty failed.
Samantha Morton as Catherine de’ Medici. Series based on Leonia Frieda’s book “Catherine Medici. Queen of the French Renaissance” by Justin Haight.
While Catherine de’ Medici holds the reins of power in France, Elizabeth I Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, rules in Great Britain. The historical series “Becoming Elizabeth” depicts her youth, before her 45-year reign, which is also called the “golden age” of Great Britain, and Elizabeth herself – one of the brightest monarchs in the history of England.
However, there are also pages in Elizabeth’s life, about which the general public knows very little, and these are her early youth. Henry VIII has just died, Elizabeth’s half-brother Edward VI has ascended the throne, but she herself is drawn into the unpredictable and dangerous politics of the English court. Solving court intrigues is a difficult task even for experienced courtiers, how will a teenager with little experience in life cope with it?
Alicia von Rietberg in the role of Elizabeth I, the series was created by Anja Reis.
The three very different stories about the queens of European countries and their way to the throne will be a great relief in autumn evenings and maybe make other eyes look at the royal courts with their brilliance.
The series “Queen of Snakes” and “Becoming Elizabeth” are offered by LMT in cooperation with Duo One. All three series are already available to viewers of LMT Smart Television.
The article was written in cooperation with “LMT Viedtelevizija”.
The Witty Queens: A Royal Review of “Catherine de’ Medici” and “Becoming Elizabeth”
Ah, autumn evenings! The perfect time for snuggling up with a blanket, a hot cuppa, and the enthralling tales of queens who ruled with as much cunning as they did with crowns. Today, we delve into some historical drama that proves the past was not just about dusty old books. Oh no, it was brimming with court intrigues sharper than a royal dagger!
Catherine the Clever: A Queen’s Tale
Let’s kick off with the formidable Catherine de’ Medici, portrayed by the endlessly talented Samantha Morton. Now, history hasn’t exactly rolled out the red carpet for her. Why? Because she was apparently smarter than your average lady of the 16th century, which, frankly, was quite a feat! Picture this: a time when opinions about women were less about brains and more about being pretty. When your best asset was a good mirror, Catherine decided to play the long game of intellect. Talk about a strategy!
Her reign wasn’t just about looking fabulous at court balls (though, let’s face it, she certainly rocked those gowns). No, it was about wit, intelligence, and outsmarting her dimwitted counterparts. Given that her beauty didn’t quite hold up to the likes of a Renaissance masterpiece, it was her quicksilver mind that kept her on the throne. So, if you’re in the mood for a reminder that smarts can slay when looks can’t, you won’t want to miss this historical series based on Leonia Frieda’s exploration. It’s classy enough to make you feel sophisticated while you secretly guffaw at the ridiculousness of royal life!
Elizabeth I: The Enigmatic Tudor
Now, swinging across the channel, let’s talk about the dazzling Elizabeth I Tudor, a queen known for her fierce reign and, let’s be honest, an eye for fashion that would make any designer weep with envy. This lady felt more like a mythical figure straight out of a legend than the product of a royal family tree. The series “Becoming Elizabeth” catapults us into her earlier years, just before she transformed into the glittering beacon of the “golden age.”
But wait—before she was the iconic monarch, she was just a teen with big dreams, caught in the ruthless game of the English court. How charming! It’s like watching a Shakespearean drama, only with more eyeliner and less death by poison. Much like Catherine, Elizabeth had to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics. Imagine a teenager trying to manage social media in today’s world; it was that kind of chaos! With Alicia von Rietberg stepping into her shoes, we get a front-row seat to her unpolished, rollercoaster ride of a life. Intrigue? Check. Backstabbing? Double check. It’s like your favorite high school drama, but with way more at stake!
Why These Stories Matter
What’s truly delightful is how these royal tales from history—like some spectacular twisted fairytale—wrangle wit, wisdom, and audacity. Sure, the thrones shine, but they also come with a lot of serious baggage. The series “Queen of Snakes” and “Becoming Elizabeth” give us a perfect autumn distraction while reminding us of the brilliance and brilliance lost in those hallowed halls of power.
So grab your popcorn, settle into your plush couch, and lose yourself in the brilliance of these monarchs’ lives brought to light by LMT and Duo One. And remember, next time someone tells you to “know your place,” just think of Catherine and Elizabeth. Empowerment has never looked so good—and so cheeky!
This article was written in cooperation with “LMT Viedtelevizija”.
