Queen Charlotte

Writer Shonda Rhimes delves into the necessities of self-efficacy in a spin-off miniseries complementary to the original programme, revolving around the character of Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom, a play off of the historical canon. Extremely clever, emotionally honest, the six-episode prequel captures the imagination with fearless narrative driven ideas. Through language, and the constant use of euphemism in Georgian Era romantic fantasy England, Rhimes’ confident writing explores unerasing erasure in a world where anyone aware of the rules of play stands a chance. Power dynamics, artful tactics and coming to terms with who you are populate the very good plot lines and consequently, rising into power translates into something creative. We centre the young queen’s ascent to the throne and making it through the steps of her own rise into to power—how do you survive in a world not innately disposed to consenting your attendance? The princess’ very first action is one of protest, shattering to the ground a bust of marble when overhearing the news of her newly sealed fate of betrothal to King George III, at only seventeen. Taking a character and moving backward to figure out how that person would start out, what she felt needed to be accomplished in order to fully step into herself makes for a layered narrative, celebrates the potency of soft powers required to being an agent of change, and playfully explores the inner lives of spirited personages rendering dreams of grandeur most appealing.