Speaking with Collider, Bluemel and Bader explained what it was like filming the execution scene in My Lady Jane, discussing the anticipation leading up to the moment. The pair share how stressful and emotional filming that day was, especially because of the connection they’d made as actors throughout filming the series. Check out what Bluemel and Bader had to say below:
Emily Bader: I remember that day very clearly, and it was not hard to act that day. We shot in this immense location, with hundreds and hundreds of supporting artists there, and fire. I felt like the pressure of it helped me so much, in that moment, because it was very daunting. You look back at the Delaroche painting of her awaiting her execution, that’s very famous, and it definitely touched me, shooting that.
Edward Bluemel: Watching you being taken to the chopping block was really shocking for me. I’d become very attached to you by then – Edward to Emily, and also Guildford to Jane. It’s interesting when those feelings spill over a little bit. It was a really dark thing to watch and it suddenly made you feel the gravity of the moment.
Why The Execution Scene Was The Perfect Ending For My Lady Jane Season 1
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Luckily, Jane and Guildford make it out of their attempted execution alive, as flying Ethians end up rescuing them from their guaranteed fates. Even so, the attempts on their lives during the season finale shows how strong the divide between the animal shapeshifters and Verity – regular humans – really is. The fact they were both almost killed despite the marriage originally being arranged means society sees no exception to their betrothal, willing to condemn both of them to an early grave regardless.
However, the fact they ended up being saved sets up an intriguing possibility for My Lady Jane season 2 if the series ends up getting renewed. With Queen Mary still on the throne, a continuation could see the titular protagonist trying to take it back, despite being in hiding with Guildford. A continuation of the show could dig deeper into the bigotry surrounding Ethians, alongside Jane’s attempts at making them accepted members of English society. This would continue exploring the show’s themes while offering a new lens for the story.
However, since My Lady Jane‘s cast includes plenty of memorable characters, an additional season would be able to emphasize their roles within England’s current anti-Ethian state. Jane and Guildford’s escape from execution is just one reflection of this, with other important characters like Fitz, Edward, and Susanna able to further emphasize different attributes of society with their stories. While the execution scene provides the perfect ending for season 1, it also emphasizes a new type of story should season 2 ever come to fruition.
