King Charles II is a fascinating monarch and his life is a perfect story for a great period drama. This BBC series of 4 episodes is a good example and follows the life of the king since his father execution until his own death.
Charles is portrayed by the brilliant and talented (also sexy !) Rufus Sewell, who show us a rather witty and good natured king who wanted always to do the best for everyone and was deeply marked by his father trial and execution. It’s impossible not to be drawn by his charm and intelligence but it’s obvious his good nature and generosity fueled many intrigues and animosities.
Being Portuguese, of course we were waiting anxiously for Catherine of Braganza. Shirley Henderson makes a magnificent job with this discreet but loyal queen who was always overlooked and shadowed by his husband many mistresses and even neglected by the king himself. If she seems to be responsible for introducing tea to the English court, it seems rather odd that she would ask for it when meeting her husband surrounded by all the court. Her hairdo arises also some doubts…
Charles mistresses are just as we would imagine them to be! Castlemaine (Helen McCrory) is sleazy, thirsty for power, manipulative, wicked and the worst you could think of. It’s almost a delight when she is on the screen. Nell Gwyn (Emma Pierson) is refreshing, daring and sparkling as the scene where the people stop her carriage accusing her of being the “Catholic’s whore” (mistaking her for Charles French mistress Louise de Kéroualle) shows us. Louise de Kéroualle (Mélanie Thierry) with her baby faced beauty and her hidden strong temper is just perfect and her constant weeping manages to annoys us even more than the king…
Charles II best friend, Georges the Villiers (Rupert Graves) is conniving and ambicious. The best friend and the worst traitor, all in one. This is one of those characters who will make your skin crawl over the episodes and his relationship with Castlemaine doesn’t arrange anything.
We also need to mention the great work of other supporting actors: Ian McDermid as the always practical Sir Edward Hyde, Charlie Creed-Miles as Charles brother and heir, Christian Coulson as the reckless Monmouth or even Anne-Marie Duff as the charming Minette are only a few names of this cast truly fit for a king!
The opening scene is extremely powerful and we understand right away this scene will mark Charles II reign and his rather instable relationship with Parliament. The duality of the religious confrontations and the quest of more earthly pleasures by the king and his court show us a conflicted England aroused by the political intrigues, the Fire of London and the Plague.
The Restoration is cleverly captured and the costumes and settings easily surround you. Those who like a good costume drama will not resist this 4 episodes about one of the most cherished English kings.
