REVIEW: ‘Still Star-Crossed’ needs work but encourages diversity
William Shakespeare’s legacy has been poked at, torn apart and reassembled for centuries. With every new adaptation of his works comes the responsibility of living up to the classic tragedies.
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” is the latest to take on the Shakespearean classic “Romeo and Juliet.” While acting only as its executive producer, Rhimes’ new ABC primetime drama “Still Star-Crossed” had much to live up to.
The series, based on the novel “Still Star-Crossed” by Melinda Taub, takes place during and after the poisonous death of star-crossed lovers Romeo (Lucien Laviscount) and Juliet (Clara Rugaard). For anyone vaguely familiar with the classic Shakespearean tragedy, the first half hour of the premiere episode rings familiar.
However, while this familiarity is sensed, it takes time to get an idea of what exactly is going on. Various characters are introduced in a span of a few minutes and without a cast list handy, one can become quickly confused.
Once one finally establishes how the characters are connected, the show becomes more tolerable given it premieres during a time where period dramas are continuously being released.
For the remainder of the first episode, “Still Star-Crossed” begins to flesh out the characters of Rosaline Capulet (Lashana Lynch), Prince Escalus (Sterling Sulieman) and Benvolio Montague (Wade Briggs). While the show highlights a brooding love triangle amongst the previously mentioned trio, it also continues to ignite the rivalry of House Montague and House Capulet.
Throughout the episode, Rosaline carries about an inner struggle between wanting love and wanting escape. Prior to her former lover Prince Escalus’ return to the city of Verona, the Capulet handmaiden sought to become a nun.
Meanwhile, before the king dies and his son, Escalus, takes the crown, a proclamation is signed. The new decree establishes that if anyone murders another, the killer will be executed without trial. In turn, this further escalates the rivalry between the Montagues and the Capulets.
Aside from the work in progress plot, “Still Star-Crossed” excels in terms of casting and visual appeal.
The sets are well done and the costumes add to the characterization of the cast. For Princess Isabella (Medalion Rahimi), the dark black and purple dresses she wears reflect the regal and serious disposition her personality exudes. On the other hand, Rosaline is shown wearing light blue and white, which coincides with her depiction of being the show’s level-headed leading lady.
As for the scenes where violence takes place, it becomes clear that “Still Star-Crossed” has much to work on in order to live up to the notoriously grittier 9 p.m. network timeslot.
In a time where swords and daggers were the sources of weapons, it’s odd watching a sparring where no bloodshed is strongly shown. Given Rhimes’ previous shows which feature heavy usage of theatrical blood, “Still Star-Crossed” stands out as more of a History Channel reenactment.
While never spoken of within the dialogue of the premiere, the characters’ portrayers are of various races. No family presented in the series, thus far, has one racial look. This strong showing of diversity amongst the cast goes on to establish the producers’ focus on talent rather than appearances.
Whether it be the sibling squabbles of Escalus and Isabella, the coldness of Lady Capulet (Zuleikha Robinson) toward Rosaline, or the igniting of a foreshadowed love triangle, each actor performed the script given to them in a convincing way.
The acting is strong, which gives this adapted continuation of “Romeo and Juliet” at least one leg to stand on. However, if one has grown accustomed to the heavy violence, bloodshed and sexual nature of shows such as “Game of Thrones,” “Still Star-Crossed” will be a tougher potion to swallow.
“Still Star-Crossed” airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on ABC.
Also published on Medium.
