Samantha Morton is continually wicked and wonderful as Catherine de Medici, who became Queen of France by marriage to Henry II. Her influence continues as her sons assumed the throne. The entire cast is full of deliciously depraved characters and evil machinations, personal and political. Minnie Driver is especially fun as Queen Elizabeth. The story is told on a grand scale with the sumptuous visuals and lovely costumes. This series is a historical drama at top of the form. (4 / 5)