To say that My Lady Jane is historically inaccurate would be an understatement. Inspired by the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey, this fictional spin on the lesser-known and short-lived monarch doesn’t exactly qualify as groundbreaking. It will remind you of Bridgerton, Dickinson, The Great, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and every other similar English period history-reimagined trope. That said, My Lady Jane is a standout in its own right.
This series is simply a lot of fun. Balancing light-heartedness with a moving narrative, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, while still managing to touch your heart. Its predictability, despite the supposed high stakes, adds to its charm, making it a wholesome tale that irresistibly draws us in.
The cheeky narration, humorous dialogue, and wildly nonsensical plot just gel. The comedic timing of both newcomers and prolific actors is brilliant. Most notably, the burgeoning romance between Jane and Guildford is wholly endearing and serves as the heart of the series. Together, these elements combine to create a perfect recipe for a delightful escapist treat.
In an era oversaturated with origin stories of villains, it is refreshing to spotlight the perspective of a heroine often painted as a damsel in distress. Based on a book by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows, this alternate version portrays the infamous “Nine Days’ Queen” as anything but helpless. Although the most significant difference from real-life events would be the existence of the oppressed, shape-shifting Ethians, and the prejudiced normal folks, the Verities. The series happily diverges from its historical roots by including and absurdist X-Men like twist.
Despite such absurdities, My Lady Jane remains a tale about a young woman caught as a pawn in other people’s ambitions, and chronicles her somewhat clumsy navigation of the intricate power dynamics within the Tudor court.
One of the best things about the series is Lady Jane herself. Despite being wise beyond her years, her privileged and sheltered upbringing fostered a naiveté that initially shielded her from the harsh realities of the world. Ironically, her carefree upbringing meant she could not afford to live that way. Holding no actual power or control over her own life, we watch as she starts out trying to escape her fate but eventually, willfully, surrenders to it.
What the series has achieved is a distinctively modern take on Lady Jane Grey, while still retaining the unjust circumstances she faced. It takes absolute liberties with historical context but ultimately leads Jane down the same path. In essence, My Lady Jane serves as a rather bittersweet tribute, endeavouring to grant her agency after being mainly remembered (or forgotten) for so long only for her tragic ending.
Jane’s decision to forgo escape to prioritise her loved ones imbues her execution with meaning, rather than it being a senseless consequence of others plotting at her expense. Her finding true love and friendship with Guildford provides a glimpse of happiness amidst an arrangement imposed by political maneuverings. And her efforts to amplify marginalized voices establish a legacy, despite her brief and reluctant reign for only nine days.
All in all, this highly outlandish retelling of Lady Jane Grey’s story indirectly rescues her from a narrative that reduces her to merely a sympathetic figure. Instead, it breathes colour into her character, allowing her to have strengths and flaws that lead to both her downfall and triumph.
The series explores her contrasting yearning for independence with a genuine desire for love, especially given the transactional nature of marriage that was prevalent during her time. Her growing ability to take charge of her emotions while still fulfilling her expected duties and obligations also showcases increasing maturity.
My Lady Jane traverses these complex sentiments while joyfully embracing its whimsical elements. Rather than simply retelling history, it transforms Jane from a tragic footnote into a spirited heroine of a fantasy tale about the timeless struggle of good versus evil. Long live Queen Jane — forever etched in our minds and hearts as the one monarch who truly deserves a happily-ever-after.
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