“Mary & George”: Power, Ambition, and Homosexuality in the British Court

Long before Kris Jenner schemed to monetise Kim Kardashian and encouraged the release of that tape, there lived Mary Villiers – a ruthless 17th-century ‘momager’ who used her son George to advance her family’s fortunes in the most unconventional of ways.

The scandalous story of the Villiers forms the plot of “Mary & George” – a 2024 limited series historical drama that explores the Machiavellian world of 17th-century England and the court of King James, where Mary manipulates circumstances and breaks through the limitations of her social standing, using every tool at her disposal – including her son’s beauty.

Unwilling to be confined by the expectations of her gender or class, Mary is cunning, ambitious, and fully aware of the power her son wields through his looks. Using this, she sets George on a path to gain influence in the English court by placing him in King James’ bed. This scandalous, strategic move opens the doors to a world where alliances are fragile, and betrayals are inevitable.

Like any good historical drama, the show is visually rich in stunning costumes and elaborate sets, and narratively rich in the dark realities of power games.

From bribery and blackmail to murders and affairs, “Mary & George” showcases the brutal lengths people will go to climb the social ladder. The star-studded cast, including Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, and Tony Curran, breathes life into this scheming world, delivering powerful portrayals of narcissistic, flawed characters.

What sets “Mary & George” apart from other period dramas is its portrayal of a beautiful young man navigating court life while engaging in a same-sex relationship with the King. Homosexuality is something rarely depicted in historical dramas – especially so, when it involves a British monarch.

Adapted from Benjamin Woolley’s non-fiction book “The King’s Assassin” (2017), “Mary & George” weaves fact and fiction to create a rich and engaging narrative.

While the Villiers’ story is true, the show does take creative liberties: the court’s hedonism, the ever-shifting power plays, and the constant betrayal create a world that feels both grounded in history and thrillingly modern.

Unlike the refined manners of the Jacobian era, the court portrayed in “Mary & George” is anything but polite. The show shocks with its explicit language, open discussions of sex, and lavish orgies, stripping away any illusions of genteel behaviour in the court.

It is unapologetic and unashamed in its depiction of ambition, portraying a cutthroat royal court where power is gained through any means necessary, and no one cares about the rules.

Stylistically, “Mary & George” bears some resemblance to “The Great”, another historical drama known for mixing dark humour and biting dialogue. But, while “The Great” leans heavily into satire, “Mary & George” brings a gritty, shocking portrayal of power and sexuality.

In the end, “Mary & George” is not just about history or sexuality – it’s about how far people are willing to go to survive and thrive, regardless of the costs.

“Mary & George” is available to stream on TVNZ+ (New Zealand), Binge (Australia), Starz, Apple TV, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Philo, Sling TV in other parts of the world.

Last Updated on Oct 2, 2024