Is it just me, or is "The White Queen" getting better and better with every episode? I'm actually feeling really engaged in the episodes now. The characters are richer, the storyline is developed, and the drama is very real and tangible. Even the deaths and losses are more emotional than I expected them to be. Put simply, I'm really loving this show now!
Impressions:
-Edward is a pushover, don't you think? It took about 0.2 seconds for him to forgive Anne Neville after her traitorous marriage to Prince Edward of Lancaster. Not that I'm complaining - I'm a big fan of Anne Neville, and I don't actually think she was a traitor. But her marriage did go against Edward's crown, and I'm shocked that he is so quick to forgive and move on. It's a fantastic quality in a human being, but an unwise one for a king who lives in such a precarious position.
-Isabel Neville has become the royal b*tch that I envision her - and I have to admit I kind of love it. She has turned into Anne's enemy and is following her husband's command to keep Anne imprisoned and under his hawk-like eye. I feel awful for Anne, but I'm loving the sibling drama.
-Jacquetta's death made me so sad. I liked the sweet "No one is ever ready" quote, and the fact that she died while holding Elizabeth's weak newborn was even more touching. It was definitely the most emotional loss of a character, in my opinion. Rest in peace, Jacquetta! We'll miss you!
-Alternatively, Margaret Beaufort's mother also passed away - and it was not nearly as sweet. Margaret instead cruelly brushed off her mother's comment about crying, insisting that the air smelt putrid and stale. She left her mother's bedside muttering about her divine purpose and practically throwing a "talk to the hand" kind of vibe at the bed. Ouch.
-Interestingly enough, Margaret makes another attempt at scheming by remarrying and heading to court - now to serve the Yorkists. It's hard to tell where her mind is right now, but it's an interesting new angle to look at Margaret - serving and feigning submission.
Favorite Characters:
-Richard! His sweet scene with Anne in the garden had my heart melting. I love how chivalrous and kind he is - he is the brother that stays out of trouble. He seems to stay on everyone's good side and is seeking his own happiness in the process.
-Anne is also quickly becoming a favorite of mine. She has finally demonstrated having a backbone and really developing a feisty and independent personality. She's making a name for herself and looking for happiness, just like Richard is. So begins their romance!
-I'm a little sad that Margaret of Anjou is no longer in the picture, but I understand that since this is a miniseries, they can only show so much of the story in a short time. However, I loved her personality and miss her spunk. I'm now left wondering what she's doing and how she's passing her time while life is moving on without her at Edward's court!
Final Thoughts:
-I know we're approaching George's death soon, and soon after I'm sure Edward will die. Within just a few episodes we'll be out of Edward's reign and into Richard's, which I honestly can't wait for! I'm really feeling like Edward's and Elizabeth's story has gotten stale and all the excitement is lying with the Nevilles and other York brothers.
-I'm having trouble accepting that this is only a miniseries. Why, oh why, can't it be a full series so we can dig into more juicy Plantagenet drama?!