From the Queue // Period Dramas

So. I have a new entertainment love. It’s one that comes and goes, but right now the love is here and it’s strong: period dramas.

It probably helps that I have a friend who also loves period dramas and is always there when I want to gush about what I’m watching. I could see this love sticking around for awhile.

Here’s what I’ve watched lately (both of which are on Netflix).

WHEN CALLS THE HEART

That’s right! I now count myself as one of the #hearties.

When I told a friend (a different one) that I’ve been watching this show, she was surprised. I was too. A Hallmark Western doesn’t really scream Crystal. I basically discovered this show when I was scrolling through Netflix to find a show to watch when I was sick a couple weeks ago. And I was hooked. I really don’t know why I like it, but let’s see if I can figure it out as I type.

I was hooked as soon as they panned the scenery and I saw mountains, because you all know that after my trip to Montana last year I’m all about the mountains. (Mountains all the time please, I say from a mountain-less state.) I love that the community represented is filled with women who do what needs to be done to take care of themselves and their families. Sure, there are some women who always seem to descend into gossip and cattiness, but the awesome female characters always manage to turn that negativity into a life lesson for the perfect Hallmark moment. And since this is a drama and Hallmark, I love that it doesn’t turn away from depth and that the stories have emotional impact.

Oh, and I like the mountie.

Now, for things I don’t like… to be honest, I’m not sure there’s anything. If you watch this, go in knowing that it’s a cheesy, sappy Western and take it for what it is.

That being said, there is one thing that perplexes me: Elizabeth. Sometimes she shows so much strength and then the littlest thing happens and she’s falling into the mountie’s arms. But I guess we all have our moments and there are probably some who would think the things that make us falter are small things. And they needed to get her to fall into his arms somehow.

Seriously though, she perplexes me sometimes.

REIGN

I started watching this show when it first aired and loved it, but forgot about it after a few episodes. I wanted another period drama to watch once I was caught up on When Calls the Heart and I pulled this one up, since I’ve been planning to get back into it.

I don’t know why I stopped watching. I love it! It has a lot of drama and I’m not sure how historically accurate it is, but I love it anyway.

I loved watching Mary’s character develop in the first season. I love that she is willing to make hard decisions to protect her country, but that she struggles with it too, especially when her decision is bad for another person. I love Francis–although to be clear, I love the actor and because of that, Francis is one of my faves. I just love his acting and think he’s fantastic. If I’m painting while watching the show, I’ll stop when Francis is on screen just to watch him. I also love watching Francis’s internal struggle as he tries to find the perfect balance between doing what he needs to for his country, but also being there for his friends and family. I love that just when you have him figured out, he does something that surprises you. I love Bash and Nostradamus and even Catherine. I just… I love everything.

I watched the first season really quickly and once I reached the end I was actually happy that I did. The first few episodes were still fresh in my mind and it was really cool to see how each character’s story had developed and how much each character grew throughout the first season, but it didn’t feel rushed or unbelievable.

I started watching season two late last night and I’m excited to watch more!

HAVE YOU WATCHED EITHER OF THESE? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
WHAT PERIOD DRAMA SHOULD I WATCH NEXT?

[Tweet “In the mood for a period drama? Check out these! #tvshows #perioddramas #reign #hearties”]