TV Deep Focus: “Mary & George” Season Review

Mary & George is a British period piece drama that follows George and his relationship with King James I based on the 17th-century historical story.

It stars Academy Award-winning actress Julianna Moore as Mary Villiers and the newly popular-rising star Nicholas Galitzine as George Villiers.

The show’s overall theme is raunchy and sexual as Mary's ultimate goal is to try to push her son to seduce the King and gain power and riches for the family.

Moore controls the space like no other and fully takes on this manipulative, power-hungry mother. Galitzine is able to play off of Moore’s character brilliantly and they truly showcase outstanding chemistry as mother and son.

Nicholas Galitzine is also able to play this evolving character of George beautifully as first we see him in a very fragile and melodramatic state of mind. Throughout the show and as his character gains more power he grows into this corrupt and commanding presence.

Tony Curran who plays King George is the unsung star of the show. His comedic timing and absurd personality bring in a vibrant atmosphere that the story needs.

The most admirable part of the show is how they are able to actually display the queer love stories that were unwritten from history.

The relationship between Mary and Sandie, a sex worker who becomes Mary’s confidante and bedfellow, is one of the most complex yet sweet lesbian narratives we’ve seen on television.

Similarly, Curran’s and Galitzine’s chemistry has you absolutely rooting for the King and George despite the toxicity and origin of the relationship.

The actors' performances allow the audience to feel and see the depths of these characters and ultimately carry the storyline along.

The costume design is beyond immersive and allows for the characters' personalities to really come through.

One of the best details in the show is how George's iconic pearl earring gets bigger in size once he gains more and more power. It is such a subtle decision that many may not notice but it truly just shows the amount of care and thought the costume designers have put into this show.

However, the pacing of the show does fall flat toward the ending and almost requires the viewer to be overtly engaged to get to the final episode.

The beginning sucks you in easily and quickly but as the show continues the audience will be waiting for a jaw-dropping moment to happen that won’t happen until the last episode.

Nevertheless, what lacks in pacing is made up for by the unexpected comedy of the show. Period pieces are notoriously drama-filled- and this is no exception- but the humor of the show is a fun twist to the classic tropes.

Mary & George certainly has something for everyone and will be finally released to United States audiences on April 5th streaming only on Starz.

Rating: 4/5

Madison Rush is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.