Warning: Spoilers Ahead

For most of my readers here, you know Rupert Penry-Jones  as the sword-wielding half-breed strigoi, Mr. Quinlan, on FX’s The Strain who’s on a relentless quest to track down and kill his father AKA “The Master” even if it means the end to his own life. Unless you were fortunate enough to see Rupert’s brief stint on STARZ’s Black Sails, you may have never seen the man and immensely-talented actor underneath all that vampire make-up. However, if you’re curious about the actor’s other projects and would like to see just how broad a range he has, you’re in luck as Rupert stars in the Hallmark Christmas movie, “Crown for Christmas,” which is set to premiere tonight.

Much like The Strain’s Mr. Quinlan, Rupert’s character in “Crown for Christmas,” King Maximillian of Winshire, has a sad backstory as well. After having lost his wife at an early death, he has the task of raising his daughter, Theodora (Ellie Botterill), on his own but at the same time reign as King as well. To make matters worse, Theodora is acting out as a result of her mother’s death, which makes keeping a Governess around a pretty difficult task with the latest one quitting after only 2 days on the job.

But as it so happens, the stars had aligned perfectly and fate was hard at work because after hotel maid, Allie Evans (Danica McKellar), is fired just a week before Christmas, Max’s butler sees an opportunity and offers Allie a job as the new Governess. All she would have to do is travel to Europe where she would have her own apartment, her own maid, and a very generous salary. Of course, it takes about 5 seconds for her to accept.

However, as we all suspected, Princess Theordora is a little devil in the making. Snowballs at Allie’s window, rubber snakes in her chest of drawers — and she’s just getting started. Luckily, Allie had to raise her 2 younger siblings after her parent’s deaths, and they were equal terrors, so she’s not scared off. Plus, there’s her handsome employer, King Maximillian, who appears to have a strange initial connection with Allie but at the same time, is already promised to Countess Celia (Alexandra Evans), someone whom he’s not ready to commit to.

But, does that cause Allie to give up hope? Well, of course not because after all, she’s an Evans, and no Evans gives up. It also helps that by the time Lady Celia shows up for the annual Christmas Gala where her and Max’s engagement is expected to be announced, Theodora is already 100% on Allie’s side. She doesn’t want her Dad to marry Celia because she’s already found her perfect new Mom, and that’s Allie. And, with Theodora being Max’s entire world and Celia’s suggestion to send the girl to boarding school, honestly the Countess didn’t stand a chance.

In a post-modern Cinderella-type story but with a twist, “Crown for Christmas” is about hope, perseverance, not giving up regardless of the obstacles, and it’s about true love.  Of course, the tale is somewhat cliched, but it’s funny, lighthearted, and a fantastic movie to cuddle up to after 2 long, boisterous days of food, family, and shopping. It’s a must-watch for this holiday season.

“Crown For Christmas” premieres tonight at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel.

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