The new miniseries “Mary & George” is a bold and groundbreaking work. A British series that stands out on strong storytelling and for its LGBTQ+ theme in the England of James I
We are set in 1592 England, and it follows the events of Mary Villiers-a woman of humble origins but very ambitious-who manages to maneuver her second son George into the good graces of King James I of England by becoming his lover.
The miniseries “Mary & George” explores in depth the complex relationship between Mary and George, as well as their journey to gain the power they coveted.
William Haines the LGBTQ icon who did not bow to Hollywood
The main characters of the SKY-produced TV miniseries “Mary & George”.
Mary Villiers: played by Julianne Moore, is the centerpiece of the series. Her ambition and determination will succeed in securing a position of power for herself and her second son George.
George Villiers: played by Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue). The charismatic and second son of Mary Villiers, whose beauty and cunning make him both a complex and endearing character.
James I: Played by Tony Curran. King of England, Ireland and Scotland, married to Queen Anne and at the same time lover of George Villiers.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal: the first openly gay man of the French Fifth Republic
The miniseries “Mary & George” consists of seven episodes, each of which delves into different aspects of the story and characters, keeping the viewer glued to the screen.
Episode 1: The Second Son
Episode 2: The Hunt
Episode 3: Not so much for love as for fear
Episode 4: The wolf and the lamb
Episode 5: The City of Gold
Episode 6: The Queen is dead
Episode 7: War
Ferdinand Grimm: the third brother forgotten because he was gay
The series is inspired by the book “The King’s Assassin” by Benjamin Woolley, which tells the true story of George Villiers, lover of King James I, and his mother Mary Villiers, the director behind their rise to power in the English Court.
Let’s get to know Mary and George.
Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham was born in 1570 to Anthony Beaumont and Anne Armstrong. In 1587 she married Sir George Villiers (her cousin) by whom they had four children-John (1590-1658), George (1592-1628), Christopher (?-1630) and Susan (?-1651). And from early on Mary understood the potential of her second son George, whom she sent to study in France and then helped him in the social climb that would lead him to King James I of England. After her husband’s death, Mary would marry twice more-Sir William Rayner and Sir Thomas Compton. She would die four years after George’s passing.
George Villiers, First Duke of Buckingham was born in 1592. After his French period he returned to England, where within a few years he managed to become one of the most powerful men in the English Crown. In 1619, in fact, he will obtain the office of Lord Admiral then that of Viscount, then that of Earl, and that of Marquis, and in 1623, he will become the Duke of Buckingham. He will marry on August 16, 1620, Katherine Manners, daughter of Francis Manners, 6th Earl of Rutland, and the couple will have three children-George, Francis, and Mary. Despite the marriage, George was the favorite lover of King James I of England, who protected him until the end of his days; in fact, the King himself called himself George’s “father and husband.” He would come to a tragic end; in fact, George Villiers would be murdered on August 23, 1628 (when he was only 35 years old) at the hands of John Felton, a fanatical sailor who was convinced that with the Duke of Buckingham’s death England would rise again.
Both are buried in Westminster Abbey.
“Mary & George” is not just a historical drama, but a journey into the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for acceptance and recognition, themes that also resonate deeply in today’s LGBTQ+ community. With a narrative that defies convention and a stellar cast, this miniseries is bound to leave an indelible impression on viewers’ hearts.
A Breeze In The Darkness: A collection of seven short stories. An unexpected call for help from a youthful friend will plunge you into a haunted house. A woman desperate to find her true life will take you to the dark side of madness. Small warning: never anger the ladies in black. Not every book was written to be read. One, in particular, was meant to remain hidden in the flames of Hell. The mirror symbol of vanity, love, and revenge. A road. A community. An avenger returned to purify the place of his youth. Seven short stories to be read like a breeze from the darkness.
Ebook 0.99 $ Buy it!