Mary & George

While the series can sometimes feel like you're seeing out the long game with our protagonists, there's no denying this is a totally moreish watch that'll leave you suitably obsessed with (or fearful of) the Villers in no time.

A look at the reign of James I is welcome – apart from the Gunpowder Plot, this isn’t a period of history that gets too much attention – but much of what happens is pure conjecture. A stylish drama, but with little substance.

The sexual politics (and sexual politicking) of Mary & George will come to define the show for most viewers, but underneath the heaving buttocks, there’s an interesting depiction of life at the advent of modernity. It’s a shame, then, that in trying to be so modern, the show forgets to take a punt on having an identity of its own. Risqué, perhaps, but risky? Not so much.

Handsomely shot and well-performed, Mary & George starts out edgy and refreshing — but ends up falling into a more familiar, though still interesting, rhythm.

It drips with attitude, wit, and archness, which can sometimes work — see “The Great” — but fails to provide enough character and narrative to back it all up. It doesn’t build so much as tread water.