The Elizabethans' portrayal of history is a mixed bag—some parts shine with meticulous detail, while others take wild liberties for drama's sake. I adore how they nail the lavish costumes and the political intrigue of Elizabeth I's court; the gowns, the ruffs, the sheer opulence feel ripped straight from portraits. But then you get subplots like the secret romance between a fictional stableboy and a lady-in-waiting, which screams modern fanfiction more than Tudor chronicle. The show's strength lies in its atmosphere—it feels Elizabethan, even when it isn't strictly accurate. If you want textbook precision, this isn't it, but for vibes? Immaculate.
That said, the liberties grind my gears sometimes. They compress timelines, exaggerate rivalries (looking at you, Mary Queen of Scots scenes), and invent dialogue no self-respecting 16th-century noble would say. But hey, it's TV! I forgive a lot because the actors
Chew scenery so gloriously, and the set design makes me want to time-travel. Just don’t cite it in your history essay.