‘Mary & George’ Recap: ‘The Second Son’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers in Episode 101 of ‘Mary & George’ – ‘The Second Son’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Mary & George’.
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One wondrous aspect about living in the modern world, is the sheer fact that we can reinvent our lives at any given moment. For instance, if we’re not happy with our living situation, we can easily move to another town and give that a shot. If we’re not happy with our job, we can change that quickly and if we feel as though the time has come for us to be in the spotlight, the internet can bring us into notoriety with a little effort. Simply because freedom is the thing in the 21st Century, and we can do whatever we like, whenever we like and well… it is safe to say that this reality is something we do indeed take for granted and don’t give much thought to. But we should, because… it truly could be worse.

For freedom isn’t everywhere in the world and it wasn’t that long ago in human history that freedom was reserved for only certain classes and peoples. To the point where people were so desperate to enjoy freedom and agency that they would have done anything to have it, anything, as evidenced by a brand-new limited television series on STARZ entitled, Mary & George. Which happens to have elements of a very real story that took place long ago, regarding one woman’s quest to scheme her way to the top of the Royal Court. But not because she was filled with evil or eager to topple a government. It was because quite frankly, she had no freedom in life, no agency. She was a product of a thankfully bygone era, where women were property and best seen and not heard and well, that wasn’t enough for her.

In fact, ‘The Second Son’ goes into great detail about how that lifestyle left Mary Villiers in a place filled with disdain for the ways of the world. Since when we meet her here, years after giving birth to her darling son George… she’s in a tough place. For her awful and violent husband is dead, he has left her nothing from a financial perspective. Prompting her to do what must be done and marry and surrender agency and herself again to the whims of the world. But her new husband happens to be friendly with King James I, and that gives Mary quite the wild idea. One where she comes to realize that if by chance… the once and horny king and his desire for beautiful men could be directed toward her darling George, then perhaps… fortunes could change. Which is why she sends George off to learn about the world, explore his desires and steel himself in the process. To prepare himself for the plan ahead.

All of which brings forth, a fascinating and twisted story. One that deeply explores how the life of the era, really did break Mary, beyond the point of no repair seemingly and that… draws us into this world. To better understand the lack of agency for women back in this era and it helps us to better understand why Mary is so desperate and so eager to enact her plan. Because she truly is desperate and feels empty within and that brings forth a sorrowful premiere. One that engenders cautious pity from the viewer. For while we do indeed feel bad for Mary, one cannot condone manipulating one’s son in this manner nor can one rightfully say that going after a King in any capacity is a healthy plan. For a great many dangers accompany that, as evidenced by George’s first encounter with King James. But this is the path she’s chosen, dangers be damned.

If anything, this really is… quite the solid and engaging series premiere. One that does a wonderful job of plunging us into this grandiose story and one that truly informs us that we are in for quite the unique ride. One that is twisted, sultry, sexy, and downright sad. Because no one should have to resort to this kind of plan and this kind of trickery to find a little slice of peace. But sadly, Mary and George most certainly did, and we are now on this journey with them. One that is indeed intriguing courtesy of the quality writing and acting present here. Since both elements sell the moment and the emotion through and through and well, now that we are in Mary and George’s stead, it will be interesting to see if their plan works or whether or not it will be the last desperate act of a mother with nothing to lose. Until next time.

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