Still Star-Crossed
| Still Star-Crossed | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Period drama |
| Based on | Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub |
| Developed by | Heather Mitchell |
| Starring |
|
| Composer(s) | Photek |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 7 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
|
| Producer(s) | José Luis Escolar |
| Location(s) | Extremadura, Spain |
| Cinematography | George Steel |
| Editor(s) |
Gregory T. Evans Scott Ashby Matt Ramsey |
| Running time | 42-43 minutes |
| Production company(s) |
ShondaLand ABC Studios |
| Distributor | Disney–ABC Domestic Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Picture format | 1080i (16:9 HDTV) |
| Original release | May 29 – July 29, 2017 |
| Website |
abc |
Still Star-Crossed is an American period drama television series created by Heather Mitchell and based on the book with the same name by Melinda Taub.[1] The series is produced by Shonda Rhimes's ShondaLand and ABC Studios, and aired on ABC during the 2016–17 television season.[2] The series premiered on May 29, 2017. [3] ABC cancelled the show after one season in June 2017.[4]
Plot
Following the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, Rosaline Capulet is betrothed against her will to Benvolio Montague. As the two try to prevent the marriage and the destruction of their warring families, a secret society known as "The Fiends" attempts to depose the beleaguered Prince Escalus by inciting war between the two families.
Cast and characters
Main
- Lashana Lynch as Rosaline Capulet, Juliet's cousin and Lord Capulet's niece who become House Capulet's heiress following Juliet's death.
- Wade Briggs as Benvolio Montague, Romeo's wastrel cousin and Lord Montague's nephew who becomes House Montague's heir following Romeo's death.
- Ebonée Noel as Livia Capulet, Rosaline's sister and Lord Capulet's niece who seeks to marry into a wealthy family, unaware that her aunt plans on using her to legitimize Paris' rule over Verona.
- Torrance Coombs as Count Paris, the heir to Mantua and the leader of "The Fiends". After being wounded by Romeo and taken in by Lady Capulet, he plans to annex Verona to Mantua by taking a Capulet bride.
- Medalion Rahimi as Princess Isabella, Escalus' sister and confidant and the Princess of Verona whose primary concern is solving Verona's domestic problems.
- Sterling Sulieman as Prince Escalus, the Prince of Verona who struggles to maintain control over his beleaguered city and project an image of strength and unity to the world.
- Zuleikha Robinson as Lady Giuliana Capulet, Silvestro's wife and Juliet's mother who aligns House Capulet to the Fiends in exchange for their help in orchestrating House Montague's destruction.
- Anthony Stewart Head as Lord Silvestro Capulet, House Capulet's patriarch and Juliet's father who desires Lord Montague's wedding dowry in order to keep his family from going into bankruptcy
- Grant Bowler as Lord Damiano Montague, House Montague's patriarch and Romeo's father who seeks to increase his family's prestige by any means necessary, even if it means undermining House Capulet.
- Dan Hildebrand as Friar Lawrence, a Franciscan friar who married Romeo and Juliet on orders from Lord Montague.
- Susan Wooldridge as The Nurse, Juliet's former nurse and a loyal servant to House Capulet.
Recurring
- Lucien Laviscount as Romeo Montague, Lord Montague's only son. He secretly married Juliet, but committed suicide after Juliet faked her death. His body is desecrated by the Fiend in an attempt to incite the Montagues to war, which Prince Escalus covers up.
- Clara Rugaard as Juliet Capulet, Lord and Lady Capulet's only daughter. She marries Romeo in secret and eventually commits suicide when Romeo kills himself. Her ghost continues to haunt her parents.
- Gregg Chillin as Mercutio, Romeo and Benvolio's friend and a kinsman of the Prince, slain by Tybalt.
- Shazad Latif as Tybalt Capulet, killed Mercutio and was slain by Romeo, who was in turn sentenced to death, which caused Juliet to fake her own death.
- Llew Davies as Truccio, a peasant ostensibly in service to House Montague, who turns out to be an agent of the conspiracy.
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "In Fair Verona, Where We Lay Our Scene" | Michael Offer | Heather Mitchell | May 29, 2017 | 2.29 / 0.5 demo[5] |
|
Romeo and Juliet secretly marry, witnessed by Benvolio and Rosaline. That night however, Romeo kills Tybalt and is sentenced to death, while Juliet is promised by her father to Count Paris. Romeo and Juliet each commit suicide, and Paris is left wounded by Romeo. Prince Escalus, who had a previous relationship with Rosaline, returns to the city after years in Venice. He hopes to make peace between the Capulets and Montagues to prevent the city being conquered by its powerful neighbors. His calls for unity at Romeo and Juliet's funeral fail when a statue of Juliet commissioned by the Montagues as a gift to the Capulets is vandalized with the word "Harlot" by an unknown agitator. The two sides come to blows, which spirals into a city-wide riot. Title Reference: Romeo and Juliet (Act I, Prologue) | |||||
| 2 | "The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth" | Jonathan Jones | Raamla Mohamed | June 5, 2017 | 1.97 / 0.5 demo[6] |
|
Despite Escalus and Rosaline's feelings for each other, he orders that she marry Benvolio to ensure peace in Verona. Lord Capulet is secretly deeply in debt, which Lord Montague learns and plots to turn to his advantage. Guiliana becomes convinced that Rosaline masterminded Juliet's death. Livia takes desperate measures to heal Paris' wounds. Title Reference: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Act I, Scene I) | |||||
| 3 | "All the World's a Stage" | Jonathan Jones | Rebecca Kirsch | June 19, 2017 | 1.61 / 0.3 demo[7] |
|
With the eyes of Verona's neighbours on them, Rosaline and Benvolio play the part of a lovestruck couple. However, a mysterious faction threaten the public betrothal ceremony. Meanwhile, a rift begins to develop between Escalus and Isabella. Lord Montague plots to undermine the Capulets by taking over the financing of a grand cathedral. Guiliana descends deeper into madness, and Lord Capulet begins to lose his own grip on reality. Livia and a recovering Paris grow closer. Title Reference: As You Like It (Act II, Scene VII) | |||||
| 4 | "Pluck Out the Heart of My Mystery" | Ericson Core | Linda Gase | July 8, 2017 | 0.92 / 0.2 demo[8] |
|
After their betrothal ceremony is attacked by a masked Truccio, Benvolio and Rosaline realise a conspiracy is attempting to foment war. However, in the course of their investigation Benvolio is framed for murder. Lady Capulet discovers the potion Juliet used to fake her death among Rosaline's belongings. Friar Lawrence flees the city after hearing the Nurse's confession. Title Reference: Hamlet (Act III, Scene II) | |||||
| 5 | "Nature Hath Framed Strange Fellows in Her Time" | Ericson Core | Brian Stampnitsky & Christina M. Walker | July 15, 2017 | 0.93 / 0.2 demo[9] |
|
A desperate Benvolio chases Friar Lawrence to a monastery two days from Verona, believing the friar has evidence that will prove his innocence. Rosaline accompanies him, and their feelings towards each other soften during their time together. Meanwhile, in Venice, Isabella attempts to get the hedonistic Doge to formalise his alliance with Verona without trading her virginity. Title Reference: The Merchant of Venice (Act I, Scene I) | |||||
| 6 | "Hell is Empty and All the Devils Are Here" | Tom Verica | Curtis Kheel | July 22, 2017 | 0.88 / 0.2 demo [10] |
|
Back in Verona during the events of the previous episode, Paris re-emerges and sets his plans to become Prince of Verona into motion, while the Fiends step up their campaign of terror. Benvolio is assumed to have kidnapped Rosaline, and Escalus leaves the city to personally rescue her. Meanwhile, Lords Capulet and Montague struggle for control of the cathedral. Title Reference: The Tempest (Act I, Scene II) | |||||
| 7 | "Something Wicked This Way Comes" | Clark Johnson | Heather Mitchell | July 29, 2017 | 0.88 / 0.2 demo[11] |
|
Benvolio is captured and accused of Paris' crimes. Rosaline is forced to bear witness against Benvolio when Paris threatens Livia's life. Title Reference: Macbeth (Act IV, Scene I) | |||||
Production
Development
On October 22, 2015, it was announced that Grey's Anatomy and Scandal writer Heather Mitchell was developing a new drama for ABC billed as a sequel to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.[12] Still Star-Crossed is based on the book by Melinda Taub. Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers executive produce the series with ShondaLand, ABC Studios and Michael R. Goldstein's The MrG Production Company.[12] On January 21, 2016, ABC ordered the pilot for the 2016-17 television season.[13]
Michael Offer, who directed the pilot episode for ShondaLand's How to Get Away with Murder, has been tapped to direct Still Star-Crossed.[14] The pilot was filmed in Salamanca, located in the province of Castile and León, north-western Spain, from April 18, 2016 to May 2, 2016,[15] and Plasencia and Cáceres, located in the autonomous community of Extremadura, western Spain. On May 12, 2016, ABC ordered the pilot to series.[16][17]
Casting
Casting advertisement began in March 2016. On March 2, 2016, it was announced that Zuleikha Robinson, Lashana Lynch, Torrance Coombs, Wade Briggs and Ebonée Noel were cast in series regular roles.[18][19] British actress Lashana Lynch was cast as the series' lead character, Rosaline Capulet, Juliet’s cousin. Robinson plays Lady Capulet, Briggs plays Rosaline' male lead, newcomer Noel plays her sister, and Coombs plays antagonist.[18][19] On March 15, 2016, it was announced that Medalion Rahimi, who debuted on ShondaLand's The Catch, was cast as Princess Isabella.[20] On March 18, 2016, Sterling Sulieman joined the pilot as Prince Escalus.[21] On March 22, 2016, Dan Hildebrand was signed to play Friar Lawrence.[22] On April 7, 2016, it was announced that Grant Bowler will play Lord Montague,[23] and a day later Anthony Head was cast as Lord Capulet.[24] Danish actress Clara Rugaard and British actor Lucien Laviscount were cast in guest-starring roles as Romeo and Juliet.[25][26]
Reception
The first season has received mixed reviews. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes the series has an approval rating of 39% based on 18 reviews. Its critical consensus states: "Still Star-Crossed stumbles out of the gate, dishonoring its Shakespearean roots with lavishly staged but ultimately empty melodrama."[27] On Metacritic, the series has a score of 45 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[28]
References
- ↑ Taub, Melinda (2013). Still Star-Crossed. New York City: Delacorte Press. ISBN 978-0385743501.
- ↑ Lesley Goldberg (12 May 2016). "Shondaland's 'The Catch' Renewed, 'Still Star-Crossed' Ordered to Series at ABC". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
- ↑ Petski, Denise (April 13, 2017). "‘Still Star-Crossed’, ‘Battle Of the Network Stars’ & ‘Gong Show’ Reboots Get ABC Summer Premiere Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/torrancecoombs/status/878458041149956096
- ↑ Porter, Rick (May 31, 2017). "‘Gotham’ adjusts up: Monday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
- ↑ Porter, Rick (June 6, 2017). "‘Bachelorette,’ NHL and ‘Gotham’ adjust up: Monday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
- ↑ Porter, Rick (June 20, 2017). "‘Still Star-Crossed’ adjusts down: Monday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
- ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (July 11, 2017). "Top 150 Saturday Cable Originals & Network Finals". Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (July 18, 2017). "Top 150 Saturday Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
- ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (July 25, 2017). "Top 150 Saturday Cable Originals: 7.22.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
- ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (August 1, 2017). "Top 150 Saturday Cable Originals: 7.29.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
- 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (October 22, 2015). "Romeo & Juliet Drama From Shondaland & ‘Scandal’s Heather Mitchell Set At ABC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (January 21, 2016). "Romeo & Juliet Sequel ‘Still Star-Crossed’ From Shondaland Gets ABC Pilot Order". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (February 5, 2016). "Shondaland’s ‘Still Star-Crossed’ Romeo & Juliet Sequel: Michael Offer To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Marca España". Retrieved 13 May 2016.
- ↑ Elizabeth Wagmeister. "‘The Catch’ Renewed for Season 2; Shondaland’s ‘Still Star-Crossed’ Greenlit - Variety". Variety. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (May 12, 2016). "Shondaland's 'The Catch' Renewed, 'Still Star-Crossed' Ordered to Series at ABC". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
- 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (March 9, 2016). "‘Still Star-Crossed’ ABC Pilot Casts Zuleikha Robinson, Finds Female Lead". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
- 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (March 9, 2016). "‘Reign’s Torrance Coombs Departs To Join ABC ‘Star-Crossed’ Pilot, 2 Others Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
- ↑ Petski, Denise (March 15, 2016). "Kevin Zegers Joins ABC Pilot ‘Notorious’; Medalion Rahimi In ‘Still Star-Crossed’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
- ↑ Petski, Denise (March 18, 2016). "Matt Murray Joins ‘What Goes Around’ & ‘Eyewitness’; ‘Hail Mary’ & ‘Still Star-Crossed’ Add Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
- ↑ Petski, Denise (March 22, 2016). "Tom Stourton Joins ABC Pilot ‘Hail Mary’; Dan Hildebrand In ‘Still Star-Crossed’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 7, 2016). "‘Still Star-Crossed’: Grant Bowler Joins Romeo & Juliet Sequel ABC Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 8, 2016). "‘Still Star-Crossed’: Anthony Head Joins Romeo & Juliet Sequel ABC Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
- ↑ Nellie Andreeva. "‘Still Star-Crossed’: Romeo & Juliet Sequel ABC Pilot Finds Its Romeo - Deadline". Deadline. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 15, 2016). "‘Still Star-Crossed’: Romeo & Juliet Sequel ABC Pilot Finds Its Juliet". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
- ↑ "Still Star-Crossed: Season 1 (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ↑ "Still Star-Crossed: Season 1". Metacritic. CBS. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
