Aside of being villains in the tragedy of Joan of Arc, the dukes of Burgundy has not been that present in historical dramas on film and tv. Hence, one must welcome this story that takes place some 45 years later, focusing on the power struggle after the last male duke's death in 1477 and the love story between his daughter - the rich but threatened duchess Maria - and the poor but assertive archduke Maximilian of Habsburg.
The result is so-so. Lots of conspirations are being plotted in dark chambers, but that never gets very exciting. I don't mind the lack of great action scenes per se - Wolf Hall managed beautifully to create suspense without them - but there's just not enough nerve here. The love story works a bit better but still comes across as rather stiff and clichéed. A romantic sidestory, although a bit silly, really manages to add som spice. The cinematography is beautiful, but not overwhelmingly so.
Furthermore, there are historical inaccuracies that are far from marginal. Most importantly, the marriage between Maria and Maximilian were decided years before the series begin and was - of course - not an improvised solution. They were already bethrothed when Maria's father died, and the States General - although in conflict with her - approved of their wedding. One more example: The burgundian troops were vastly superior to the french in the final battle, according to the sources i have found, and not the other way around.
The result is so-so. Lots of conspirations are being plotted in dark chambers, but that never gets very exciting. I don't mind the lack of great action scenes per se - Wolf Hall managed beautifully to create suspense without them - but there's just not enough nerve here. The love story works a bit better but still comes across as rather stiff and clichéed. A romantic sidestory, although a bit silly, really manages to add som spice. The cinematography is beautiful, but not overwhelmingly so.
Furthermore, there are historical inaccuracies that are far from marginal. Most importantly, the marriage between Maria and Maximilian were decided years before the series begin and was - of course - not an improvised solution. They were already bethrothed when Maria's father died, and the States General - although in conflict with her - approved of their wedding. One more example: The burgundian troops were vastly superior to the french in the final battle, according to the sources i have found, and not the other way around.