Here's a picture of Dan Jones looking menacing;) to plug his new show.
Monday, 24 November 2014
'Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty'
Britain's Channel 5 will start showing a new documentary series on the Plantagenets this week. Presented by Dan Jones, it will tell the story of 'Britain's bloodiest dynasty - the real life Game of Thrones'. Here's the blurb - The Plantagenets . I've read Dan Jones book on the Plantagenets and wasn't that impressed with it, particularly comments about Edward II and Piers Gaveston. I'm not holding out much hope for the TV series. I also don't like the comparison with Game of Thrones. Anyway, the series kicks off with Henry II and his troublesome sons, on Thursday, November 27th, at 9pm. And talking of his troublesome sons, how refreshing to see a more accurate portrayal of King John in Channel 4's 'Walking through History' with Sir Tony Robinson. He demolishes the Robin Hood myths, and whilst admitting John was a failure, and ruthless, cruel and greedy, he was no different from his predecessors. As for Magna Carta, it was addressing grievances since 1066, and it was after John's death that it took on more significance. Which anyone who bothered doing the most minimal of research would know.
Here's a picture of Dan Jones looking menacing;) to plug his new show.
Here's a picture of Dan Jones looking menacing;) to plug his new show.
I was planning to purchase Dan Jones's book, but after reading the first chapter via Amazon, I gave up the idea. I can't remember now, but I wasn't quite happy with Mr Jones's description of the White Ship sinking (BTW, today marks the anniversary :-)). I received the impression that the author introduced his own interpretations of the chroniclers' accounts as if they were facts :-) I hate when historians do this.
ReplyDeleteNot really looking forward to the TV series, I have to admit. I found his book, the parts of it I've read, to be well and vividly written but far too judgemental for my taste.
ReplyDeleteI see we're in agreement - I will watch and give feedback on it. Let's just hope I'm tutting and shaking my head, rather than shouting at the TV :)
ReplyDeleteJust looking at his picture sums it all up........
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Anerje. The photo is awful. Close resemblance to Jonathan Rhys-Meyers from one of the The Tudors posters :-(
ReplyDeleteLOL Kasia - Dan is trying too hard! Jonathan Rhys Meyers was hilarious in the Tudors! I've no respect for an actor playing Henry VIII who refuses to wear padding!
ReplyDelete:-) :-) :-) I didn't know that :-)
ReplyDeleteBut I noticed... Jonathan as the elder Henry was far too slim :-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously Kasia, when Michael Hirst gave an interview and addressed the criticisms about The Tudors, he said JRM would not wear padding or colour his hair. Vanity, eh? In contrast, Natalie Dormer, who played Anne Boleyn, was blonde when she got the role, and dyed her hair black, and was questioned by the production team as to why she had done it!
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