Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The White Queen is a gripping British series set in pre-Tudor England that's marked by intense war drama, steamy romance, and devious manipulation among royal family members. Based on a book series by Philippa Gregory, the story pays homage to the gritty, drawn-out battles for the British throne during the Lancastrian/Yorkist conflicts, but it does so without a lot of gore, since most war scenes cut away just before the slicing and dicing begins. This isn't a series for teens, if for no other reason than multiple bedroom scenes with full nudity (only genitalia are obscured) and realistic simulated sex. Also concerning is how the characters use and misuse the affections of others, usually to their own gain and with little concern for the fallout for the victims. For adults, though, the story is an enticing blend of action, human drama, and love stories of varying degrees.
Sexual
Content
Full nudity in bedroom scenes shows everything but genitalia, and sex is graphic and steamy. Bedroom romps have couples tangling in the sheets, and simulated sex seems very real. In most cases, it's a tender and mutually enjoyed experience, but there are some occasions of men forcing themselves on unwilling partners.
Violence
Battle scenes are brief, and most of the violence is implied rather than shown. A woman dreams of her husband's death by sword, but the scene cuts away before he's actually struck. The same is true for a series of beheadings; the victims are shown being forced onto the chopping block before the executioner raises his ax, and the scene ends. Even without the graphic violence, though, the story is very intense.
Language
"Goddamn," "bastard," "damn," "slut," and "whore" are heard, but not often.
Social
Behavior
The series offers viewers a fascinating (if fictionalized) glimpse into the workings of politics and power in medieval England. Women take center stage, and the story is told mostly from their points of view. Gender roles are predictably traditional, but as the story progresses, it illustrates the power women wield over men - and thus over politics - behind the scenes. No character is above reproach, and some are downright diabolical, but most resort to manipulation only on behalf of their families' interests and their children's futures.
Consumerism
Not applicable.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Adults drink ale at meals, but there aren't any ill effects.
