Well, once again, STARZ has set history Twitter aflame once again. And I’ll be brutally honest, I think STARZ counts on that for free publicity and people play into it every time. Very few networks and producers set out to tell a factually accurate period drama. Quite frankly, I am stunned that any historian thinks that they are. But alas- the trailer for The Serpent Queen was released this week. Focusing on Catherine de Medici, it is based on a 2004 biography by Leonie Frieda. And I have got to say, I am actually excited for The Serpent Queen…
Why Do I Want to Watch The Serpent Queen?
Catherine de Medici led one of the most absolutely bonkers lives that I have ever come across. And it works well for a heightened and dramatic story. Am I watching this to learn something about Catherine? Absolutely not. Will I be entertained? I can guarantee I will. Samantha Morton is an incredible actress, and I will watch anything she is in. The trailer is giving me The Great vibes, and I am here for it! (Full admission: I will probably wait for the whole season to air before watching, I tend to watch STARZ shows over a weekend.)
Once Again, Inaccurate Period Dramas Are Good For Historians
And I will yell that louder for those in the back: INACCURATE PERIOD DRAMAS ARE GOOD FOR HISTORIANS! I understand that when you have studied something in-depth, it is difficult to see inaccuracies perpetuated. However, that inaccurate period dramas are going to bring more new “customers” to your subject matter than any academic book or article ever will. That is reality. And if even 5% of the people that watch The Serpent Queen go on to do further reading on Catherine, that’s thousands and thousands who may never have given her a second thought.
Also, if you know you dislike inaccurate period dramas- why are you even thinking about a STARZ drama, let alone watching it? As a dancer, I find it irritating to watch most dance movies. Realistically, most people don’t know that much about it, and I find it exceptionally infantilising when people ask dancers if they “twirl”. However, that is on me to not watch them, and I do not. In 2022, life is too short and stressful to spend time on things we actively hate.
Whether or not you will be watching The Serpent Queen, I hope there is a period drama out there for you!
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
