Shannon Coffey

One of the worst period pieces ever produced—actually the entire series based on Ms. Gregory’s works are among the worst ever filmed, and for a plethora of reasons, from casting, directing, repetitive score (music), costumes, and (most egregiously) the complete lack of adherence to facts. All beg the question as to why produce the show at all. At a time when many (most?) people are vastly ill-educated in their own past, tv shows have an opportunity to educate along with to entertain, and yet so frequently fall short. Time and budget constraints aside, it is still possible to create a piece that can at least pique interest in the subject and offer a rough idea of what truly occurred, but this series doesn’t even come close. What is mystifying is why Gregory remained involved in the production when the final show bore so little in common with her work and reality. If only those responsible would quit dumbing everything down to the lowest common denominator and assuming that could enough is, well, good enough. A missed opportunity on all accounts.