In this episode of the Fully Booked podcast, we dive into the world of alternate history with the 2022 Amazon Prime series My Lady Jane, based on the 2016 novel of the same name. The show offers a whimsical and fantastical retelling of the life of Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Days’ Queen” who briefly ruled England in 1553.
While we typically dip our toes into science fiction and dystopian themes, My Lady Jane allows us to explore a different aspect of speculative fiction through the lens of historical events.
Note
The following is an editorialized transcript of our weekly literary podcast. If you would like to listen to the podcast, click the play button above orlisten on your favorite platform with the links below.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate the creative liberties taken by My Lady Jane, it’s important to understand the real-life history behind the story. Lady Jane Grey was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII and the cousin of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. In 1553, a dying Edward VI named Jane as his successor, removing his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth from the line of succession due to their illegitimacy and Mary’s Catholicism.
Jane was proclaimed queen on July 10th, but her reign was short-lived. Mary, with the support of the Privy Council and the public, was declared queen just nine days later. Jane and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were convicted of treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Although Mary initially spared Jane’s life, she was eventually executed on February 12th, 1554, at the age of 16 or 17.
A Fantastical Twist
My Lady Jane takes this historical framework and weaves in a magical element: the existence of “Ethians,” or shapeshifters, who live secretly among the population. In the show, many of the key players in Jane’s story, including her husband Guildford and the royal family themselves, are revealed to be Ethians. This fantasy aspect allows the showrunners to explore themes of prejudice, self-acceptance, and the consequences of power in a fresh and engaging way.
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The series also plays with history by imagining different fates for its characters. Rather than succumbing to illness, Edward VI fakes his death to escape assassination attempts by his power-hungry sister Mary. Jane, portrayed as a reluctant but strong-willed queen, must navigate court intrigue and her own blossoming romance with Guildford while coming to terms with the existence of Ethians.
Modernizing History
One of the most striking aspects of My Lady Jane is its anachronistic approach to storytelling. Like other recent period pieces such as Bridgerton and The Great, the series infuses its historical setting with modern sensibilities and aesthetics. The costumes are more colorful and fanciful than strictly accurate, the dialogue is peppered with contemporary phrases, and the soundtrack features pop and rock music.
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This playful approach to history allows My Lady Jane to comment on issues of gender, power, and identity in a way that feels relevant to today’s audiences. By presenting a diverse cast without drawing attention to their racial identities, the show normalizes representation in a genre that white actors have often dominated. Similarly, the casual inclusion of queer characters like Edward, who is portrayed as gay, reflects a more inclusive vision of the past.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletterThe Power of Alternate History
At its core, My Lady Jane is a testament to the storytelling potential of alternate history. By asking “what if?” and imagining different paths for well-known figures and events, the series invites us to reconsider our assumptions about the past and the factors that shape our world. The Ethians serve as a metaphor for any marginalized group fighting for acceptance and equality, making Jane’s journey feel both personal and universal.
The show also highlights the enduring fascination with the Tudor period and its larger-than-life personalities. From the tyrannical Henry VIII to the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I, this era of English history has inspired countless adaptations and reinterpretations. My Lady Jane manages to find a fresh angle by focusing on a lesser-known figure and imbuing her story with humor, romance, and a dash of magic.
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Despite its untimely cancellation, My Lady Jane stands as an entertaining and thought-provoking example of alternate history done right. By blending fact and fantasy, humor, and heart, the series creates a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s a shame we won’t get to see more of Jane’s journey or explore the implications of the Ethians in future seasons, but the show’s first outing offers a satisfying and self-contained story.
Ultimately, My Lady Jane proves that there’s still plenty of room for creativity and innovation within the well-trodden paths of historical fiction. By taking bold risks and embracing a more inclusive, anachronistic approach, the series breathes new life into a centuries-old tale. Whether you’re a die-hard Tudor history buff or simply a fan of imaginative storytelling, My Lady Jane is well worth a watch. Here’s hoping that its premature end doesn’t discourage other creators from exploring the rich potential of alternate history in the future.
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