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It is a superb look at one of England's most interesting
kings and has acting and production values second only to
a big budget movie.
Charles II was the son of the executed Charles I and was
exiled by Oliver Cromwell. After the death of that dictator,
Charles II returned and did his best to heal the religious
rifts between the ruling Protestants and Catholics.
There was hatred on both sides and the Protestants did not
want to see a return to the bad old days of Papacy and rule
by priests and the Pope.
Charles managed to walk the tightrope very well and at the
same time created an environment in which the arts flourished.
He was also the poor bloke on the throne at the time of the
Plague and the Great Fire of London.
While a good (but ruthless) king, Charles couldn't produce
a legitimate heir to the throne. Oh he was not found wanting
in the trying stakes - he had mistresses by the hotel full
- and lots of children, but none with his Queen.
In this series Rufus Sewell plays Charles II and it is the
best role I think I've seen him in. He is perfect and shows
Charles the man, warts and all.
One of the leading ladies is the royal trollope Barbara Villiers
(Helen McCrory) who is not only Charles mistress, but is bedded
by just about every other major character in the series. McCrory
is fantastic as the scheming tart and while the character
is odious, you admire the actress.
Charles' queen Catherine of Braganza is played by Shirley
Henderson, who continues to come up with new roles in which
to surprise audiences. Once again she is marvelous as the
loved but cheated-on queen.
Rupert Graves plays Charles oldest mate George Villiers,
the Duke of Buckingham, and often presumes too much when chatting
with the king and is a bit dubious when putting loyalty ahead
of self-interest.
A fantastic cast and an excellent script makes Charles II:
The Power and the Passion riveting viewing. Top quality British
drama.
Conclusion: Movie 90% Extras 60%
Continued:
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