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By
BILL CONIFF
This is an irresistible
series, propelled forward by the exquisite
winking-at-the-camera performance of Ian
Richardson. Francis Urquhart provides a
once-in-a-lifetime role for Richardson and he,
exceptional actor that he is, makes the very most
of it.
In fact, he makes a truly evil character so
attractive that you find yourself rooting for him
against your better instincts. At least, that's
true for the first episode, before the extent of
his monstrous nature becomes apparent. One gets
entirely caught up in the behind-the-scenes
machinations of this
man-who-would-be-prime-minister.
The tone set by the first episode's shocking
finish continues in "To Play the King," a fine and
exciting sequel. Francis Urquhart (his initials
are used to comic effect in the drama's newspaper
headlines) goes head-to-head with the king,
obviously modeled on Prince Charles.
The DVD for this installment has a bonus: An
interview with writer Andrew Davies on the BBC.
Much of the audience is hostile to Davies -- who
did extremely good work here (as he did on his
more popular "Pride and Prejudice") -- because
they entirely miss the show's ironic stance. It's
great to have this extra feature, although a
commentary track with Davies or Richardson (or
both) would have been even better.
Finally, the trilogy ends with "The Final Cut."
The tone really shifts in this one, and I have to
say it's the least successful installment.
Richardson no longer seems to be enjoying himself
as much, although perhaps it's just that he's
portraying a much more tired Urquhart. The pace is
slower, the suspense is a bit more contrived, and
the new characters are less interesting. Still, it
succeeds in bringing the series to a suitably
dramatic close.
If you're a fan of British drama or politics (or
great acting, for that matter), don't hesitate.
Snatch up this DVD set. |
