A Review of ‘My Lady Jane’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey in ‘My Lady Jane’. (Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Prime/Prime Video.)

If there is one particular perspective, we all share in when it comes to history, it would have to be… what’s done is done, and it makes sense as to why we all hold to that. For we cannot go back and change the past, we can only learn from it and move forward and yet… despite knowing this… we often ponder upon what would happen if the past was different. Sometimes we think big and wonder what might have been if history’s worst monsters never rose to power and the good ones didn’t die along the way. Or we simply think upon our own lives and our own mistakes and wonder what could have been if we asked that person out or said the right thing in that one particular moment that haunts us. 
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But even then, those are exercises in futility. Because once again, we cannot change the past and we cannot go back and fix those mistakes. Which is why we often turn to stories to satiate our minds when we wonder ‘what if?’ in that manner and well, that itch and what scratches it is top of mind today, simply because there is a new series out on Prime Video tomorrow… that showcases what could have been for a tragic historic figure if she perhaps survived longer in life in My Lady Jane. Which is a story based off of the novel by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand and Jodi Meadows, and revolves around Lady Jane Grey, who back in the day of the Tudors, found herself caught up in quite the wild ride. Since she was granted the chance to be queen and well, didn’t last long on the throne before an ugly fate befell her. 

However, this series immediately wipes that away and plunges us into a world, where Lady Jane gets to fight another day. Where her brother is still King long after Henry VIII passed into the great beyond and well, that alone… is worth the price of admission. Because it gives us a far more jovial and warmer world over the one that Jane inhabited in reality, and of course, by giving her a new lease on life, the story can create a character that is dynamic and fascinating and able to live a life that is equally in that vein. Which gives rise to a unique story that keeps your interest from beginning to end, thanks to this alternate history that harbors so many other surprises. Some of which, are fantastical in nature and we won’t spoil here so you can enjoy them. But those elements work and add to the mystery and wonder of a world where anything can clearly happen.

Which in turn also allows for this story to just have some outright fun as well, because why not? If you’re going to play with history and bring forth some epic ideas, you may as well let loose and that too gives rise to some quality comedy. Nothing that is ever over the top mind you, but there are definitive moments that leave you in stitches and/or just plaster a smile on your face. Which speaks volumes to the great writing present here, from Gemma Burgess and her amazing team of writers, and of course, it also doesn’t hurt that there is some great acting to be found here as well. Since this cast just lets loose and has fun and revels in the wonder of being part of an offshoot history, with Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel leading the charge with their electric performance as Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley, respectively.

Plus, being able to change up history, allows for fine commentary to come into place on our modern world as well. Since there are echoes of our world present here regarding class warfare and equal rights, which adds depth to this story and makes it a must-watch. In large part because of how original and how much fun it is. But this is also worth your while, because this really is a refreshing series that is whip-smart, funny and just an outright delight through and through, and the best news of all, is you don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy it. For tomorrow will see all eight episodes of My Lady Jane drop on Prime Video and we cannot wait for you to enjoy the wonder of the show, and the interviews with the cast and crew that will we drop tomorrow and Friday to celebrate the arrival of this original and magnificent new series!

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