** SPOILER ALERT: Proceed at your own risk **
Creator:
Mark Schwahn
Network:
E! Entertainment Television
Premiered:
March 15, 2015
The Hook:
Shows about royalty, or things royal-like, story lines always grabs my attention. It’s not because I’m smitten with the idea of a court or with the glitz and glamor. It’s always because I’m curious to see how royalty will be depicted. Will it be serious? Will it be funny? Will it be somewhat realistic? I mean, I know it’s fiction so things will get exaggerated, but I can’t help but wonder what the truth of that exaggeration might be, you know? So the hook for me is simply because it’s a show about a fictional family of royals and the ups and downs of be caught among fame, duty, and individuality.
Th Premise:
So, considering the title of the show, I’m sure you can guess what the baseline story arch of the show is. Royalty and the drama that follows. The show focuses on the royal family, of course, but I also like that the show teases out the security detail and, it’s too soon for me to tell (I only really watched one episode so far), I’d imagine the servants as well.
Cast of Characters:
Prince Liam (William Moseley) – The future king. Having assumed this title and responsibility rather suddenly, and very much unexpectedly, Liam is has to quickly figure out what kind of king he wants to be (or at least the direction he’s aiming for) while figuring out how to keep true to himself while doing what’s best for his kingdom.
Queen Helena (Elizabeth Hurley) – The queen and mother of Liam. Boy, do I like her character. She’s not my favorite (I don’t thin I even have a favorite yet. No, wait. I do. I do have a favorite) and, you know, I’m not even sure if like her (I need to watch more of the show to decide where she stands with me), but I do respect her character. She’s fighting all kinds of battle fronts. Firstly, keeping her family out of the tabloids. Then ruling her kingdom. Then trying to be a mother. She’s got all kinds of things going on I can’t help but appreciate her. Elizabeth Hurley is really doing a good job with her portrayal.
Princess Elenor (Alexandra Park) – Liam’s twin sister and, of course, the princess. I like her. While Queen Helena is the iron fist of the family, Elenor can be seen as the black sheep. She’s the Queen Helena is trying to keep out of the tabloids the most because Elenor doesn’t make things easy. Every family has one, but I like the energy she brings to the show. The vulnerability clashing with anger, bitterness, and bite. Or at least bark.
King Simon (Vincent Regan) – The king, of course. And poor Simon! I mean, he’s suppose to be king and the head of household, but often takes a backseat to, well, everyone.
Ted Price (Oliver Milburn) – Head of security and my favorite (as of episode one)! I love what his character brings to the show. Well, since I’ve only seen the pilot, what I see him brining to the show is that other layer of perspective. He’s that behind the scenes person, but an important person, and I love how that works. His position would make things interesting to see how that influences his life.
Ophelia Price (Merritt Patterson) – Daughter to the Head of Security and Prince Liam’s love interest. Because of course we need a love interest who would be known as a servant or a daughter of a servant or a commoner. You know what I mean. I may be a bit sarcastic, but I do like the idea of these two. They’re about the same age so they more or less grew up together (in the castle of course, not like having playdates with each other). It’ll be interesting to see where this may go.
I think that’s pretty much the main cast, as of episode one. I’m sure I’m missing characters and will learn who they are as I make my way along season one (like Marcus, for example. Liam’s bodyguard).
Continuing on:
The pilot episode introduced some interesting plot lines I wouldn’t mind seeing played out. Liam and Ophelia for one. Ophelia and her father is another. What happened to Ophelia’s mother? Why is Elenor the wild child? I think there is a lot of potential with a setting and atmosphere like the royal family so I’m curious.
And because I’m curious, I think I’ll give season one a shot. At least season one. We’ll see if it’s worth sticking it out. Since they’re still on air, I am assuming they’re doing well enough so that’s a plus. It’s listed as a drama, but I find it entertaining as well.