Catherine Tate is truly monstrous in her new BBC sitcom
An Unconventional Royal
In her latest venture, comedian Catherine Tate has proven once again her talent for portraying borderline sociopaths. In the highly watchable series, “Queen of Oz,” Tate takes on the role of Princess Georgiana, a hard-partying spare to the throne of England. Georgiana’s unbecoming antics are lapped up by the tabloids, making her a constant source of scandal and intrigue.
Punishment in Australia
When Georgiana’s disgraceful behavior reaches a new low – projectile-vomiting over a child monarchist – her parents, the king and queen, decide that enough is enough. They seize the opportunity to send her away as punishment, abdicating the throne of Australia and giving her a chance at redemption in a foreign land. Whether this decision holds up constitutionally is of no concern to the creators of “Queen of Oz.” The premise is confidently delivered and sets the stage for a fish-out-of-water comedy.
A New Life Down Under
Stripped of her usual staff, Georgiana arrives in Australia accompanied only by her clueless lady-in-waiting Anabel and an urbane private secretary named Bernard. Together, they navigate the challenges of Georgiana’s new life in Australia, which include dealing with a fledgling staff, cultural differences, and the relentless pursuit of the ruthless Australian media mogul, Richard Steele.
A Monstrous Princess
Tate’s portrayal of Georgiana is truly and refreshingly monstrous. Drawing on her gift for playing borderline sociopaths, Tate creates a middle-aged version of her famed character, Lauren ‘Am I bovvered?’ Cooper, infused with elements of savage Nan and Princess Margaret. Georgiana is not a shrill harpy that we are often asked to accept as an awful female character. Instead, she is a horror born, her tumultuous upbringing as the overlooked child exacerbating her natural inclinations. This approach adds a layer of complexity and makes Georgiana a delightfully entertaining character to watch.
Well-constructed, Yet Not Spectacularly Funny
“Queen of Oz” is a solidly written show, with well-constructed episodes that include callbacks and well-drawn relationships among the characters. However, while the show is highly watchable, it does not reach the level of being spectacularly funny. The true highlight of the series is Tate herself, whose commanding presence on screen, coupled with strong supporting performances from Rob Collins and Robert Coleby, keeps viewers captivated. The occasional landing of well-executed gags serves as a cheerful bonus, but the show’s true strength lies in its intriguing characters and their interactions.
Editorial: Monstrous Transformation
A New Approach to Awful Female Characters
In “Queen of Oz,” Catherine Tate’s portrayal of Princess Georgiana offers a refreshing departure from the often two-dimensional representation of awful female characters. Georgiana’s monstrosity is not derived from cliché traits such as shrillness or pettiness. Instead, she is a character driven by her upbringing and natural inclinations, resulting in a multifaceted and intriguing personality. This approach challenges traditional gender stereotypes and creates a more nuanced and engaging portrayal of a flawed female protagonist.
The Power of Conviction
Tate’s performance as Georgiana is a testament to her talent and skill as an actress. Despite the character being a one-and-a-half note part, Tate’s portrayal is delivered with utter conviction, elevating the role to feel more substantial than it initially appears. Her ability to fully embody the character and bring her to life on screen is commendable and adds depth to the overall viewing experience.
Advice
Giving Monsters Depth
“Queen of Oz” serves as a reminder that there is value in exploring the complexities of monstrous characters. By delving into their backstories and motivations, storytellers can create more captivating and engaging portrayals. This approach not only challenges stereotypes but also allows for a more profound exploration of human nature.
Embracing Nuance in Comedy
While humor is an essential component of comedy, it is important to recognize that it can take many forms. Not every comedy needs to aim for constant hilarity. “Queen of Oz” demonstrates that even without being spectacularly funny, a show can captivate viewers through intriguing characters, well-constructed narratives, and the sheer talent of its actors. Embracing nuance and exploring different comedic styles can lead to unique and memorable viewing experiences.
In conclusion, Catherine Tate’s portrayal of Princess Georgiana in “Queen of Oz” showcases her ability to bring monstrously entertaining characters to life. With a well-constructed premise and strong performances from the cast, the series captivates viewers despite not being uproariously funny. Tate’s transformation into this monstrous princess challenges stereotypes and serves as a reminder of the power of conviction in acting. “Queen of Oz” offers valuable lessons for storytellers in giving depth to monstrous characters and embracing nuance in comedy.
<< photo by Ruca Souza >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
