The White Queen

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.

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.

"Goddamn," "bastard," "damn," "slut," and "whore" are heard, but not often.

Adults drink ale at meals, but there aren't any ill effects.

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.