‘My Lady Jane’ Recap: ‘Who’ll Be Next in Line?’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey in Episode 101 of ‘My Lady Jane’ – ‘Who’ll Be Next in Line?’. (Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Prime/Prime Video.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘My Lady Jane’.
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If there is one particular truth about history that we can all easily recognize, it would have to be that it is quite tragic in nature. Because it is wrought with ugly moments and darkness, and not to mention… those moments ended a lot of lives early, and history is also peppered in with the strangest deaths imaginable for people of note. Since some burned at the steak because they were smarter than others and/or didn’t believe in religion, while others were subjected to the angry whims of others before they could do anything wondrous. Such was the case with Lady Jane Grey. Who was Queen of England for a supremely brief period in time when King Edward named her as successor, before the dark part of history claimed her life.

All of which leaves us wondering… what would have happened if there were brighter moments in history where the darkness didn’t win and where lives that were ended were given the chance to thrive. Well thankfully, sometimes we can ponder upon such matters in a healthy and creative way, wherein we can see that person shine, and stories tend to help with this, as evidenced by the delightful new Prime Video series, My Lady Jane. Which takes the time in ‘Who’ll Be Next in Line?’ to rewrite history to benefit dear Lady Jane Grey. All because, she is afforded the chance to live, because Edward lives.

Granted, he is slightly ill when we meet him, but his survival as King of England allows for Lady Jane to survive and learn, what an unfortunate life women had to lead back in that era. For the death of her father, puts her uncle in the driver’s seat of her family’s fate. Which of course, prompts her to decide that living in her household is a bad idea, when she learns she is to be married off to Lord Guildford Dudley. Because… well that is in fact, gross, and not at all what she wants in life, and that prompts her and her maid Susannah to attempt an escape to evade such nightmares. A move that brings forth, a very unique journey for Jane. In part because, this divergence in timelines also gives rise to more imaginative moments within the story.

Such as the fact that magical, human hybrids known as Ethians exist in this world, and that they are feared and hated in this universe, and that there are those who wish to seize power and use a new leader to control the fate of this group of beings. Which is why… there are parties harming the King, since dear Edward learns that he is slowly being poisoned, which leaves him in a vulnerable spot. One that he hopes to rectify. And while the King worries about how best to escape death, Jane grapples with her future. Simply because, the word ‘attempt’ was used to describe that escape, and it didn’t work for Jane. In fact, every effort she makes here to be free of a ball and chain fate fails miserably. Putting her in a tough spot, wherein she decides to feign illness rather than say ‘I do’ to a man that while she finds attractive, will be her husband without her desire for that to be the case.

All of which brings forth… a grand and sweeping series premiere that quite frankly… is just plain fun. Because at no point does this story take itself too seriously, it instead plunges us into a magical world of fantasy and a joyous game of ‘what if?’. One that really does grab hold of you and leaves you wondering what will come next. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it features a little modern commentary on equality and the ugliness of misogyny, but that is not the focus. This is just an incredible story that offers two historical figures a chance a living the life they never got to enjoy. With a fantasy twist to add to the fun, and truly, it will be fascinating to see what other amazing and vibrant moments await us as this story continues along. Until next time.

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