The first of two sequel series to 1990's 'House of Cards' (mandatory viewing for anybody who has not seen it yet), the other being 'The Final Cut', 'To Play the King' is every bit as good.
Perhaps not quite the superlative piece of television or one of the best dramatisations of the 90s like 'House of Cards' was, but what made 'House of Cards' so good remains still in 1993's 'To Play the King'. A daunting task to follow and take on and it didn't seem like anybody involved was daunted by such an undertaking. Whether it's a good or faithful adaptation of the source material feels completely insignificant, deviations are numerous and some are major but the spirit and attention to character and mood detail are present.
'To Play the King's' ending scenes don't quite have the explosive punch they could have done, not quite as moving or as shocking as with 'House of Cards', and perhaps a little too neatly wrapped up) while still remaining interesting.
Visually, 'To Play the King' looks wonderful, full of elegance and atmosphere in the design and class and style in the way it's filmed. It's also beautifully scored by Jim Parker with a very memorable main theme, and the direction lets the atmosphere and drama breathe but still never undermines the momentum.
Andrew Davies once again also deserves a lot of the credit. The script has dry cynicism, sharp wit, dark bite and class, with some deservedly iconic lines that have since become part of popular culture. The nation's mood is brilliantly captured and the political elements are handled so truthfully and don't feel shoe-horned (it's actually essential here) or heavy-handed. The storytelling is ceaselessly compelling, and just as deep and rich as before (perhaps even more so), throughout the whole four one hour episode duration, hooking one in and never letting go despite not being a series that deliberately and wisely doesn't move "fast".
Once again the casting is perfect. Can imagine nobody else in the role of Francis than Ian Richardson, demonstrating why the role is his best-known one and bringing everything that made his acting in 'House of Cards' career-best work of a distinguished career.
Diane Fletcher also like in 'House of Cards' impresses as a modern Lady Macbeth-like character that sees a side of her one wouldn't associate with her, and Michael Kitchen shows how well he excels in understated but commanding roles that he did even better with 'Foyle's War'. Colin Jeavons was simply born for his character and David Ryall shows a lot of enthusiasm.
In summary, excellent and just as good. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Perhaps not quite the superlative piece of television or one of the best dramatisations of the 90s like 'House of Cards' was, but what made 'House of Cards' so good remains still in 1993's 'To Play the King'. A daunting task to follow and take on and it didn't seem like anybody involved was daunted by such an undertaking. Whether it's a good or faithful adaptation of the source material feels completely insignificant, deviations are numerous and some are major but the spirit and attention to character and mood detail are present.
'To Play the King's' ending scenes don't quite have the explosive punch they could have done, not quite as moving or as shocking as with 'House of Cards', and perhaps a little too neatly wrapped up) while still remaining interesting.
Visually, 'To Play the King' looks wonderful, full of elegance and atmosphere in the design and class and style in the way it's filmed. It's also beautifully scored by Jim Parker with a very memorable main theme, and the direction lets the atmosphere and drama breathe but still never undermines the momentum.
Andrew Davies once again also deserves a lot of the credit. The script has dry cynicism, sharp wit, dark bite and class, with some deservedly iconic lines that have since become part of popular culture. The nation's mood is brilliantly captured and the political elements are handled so truthfully and don't feel shoe-horned (it's actually essential here) or heavy-handed. The storytelling is ceaselessly compelling, and just as deep and rich as before (perhaps even more so), throughout the whole four one hour episode duration, hooking one in and never letting go despite not being a series that deliberately and wisely doesn't move "fast".
Once again the casting is perfect. Can imagine nobody else in the role of Francis than Ian Richardson, demonstrating why the role is his best-known one and bringing everything that made his acting in 'House of Cards' career-best work of a distinguished career.
Diane Fletcher also like in 'House of Cards' impresses as a modern Lady Macbeth-like character that sees a side of her one wouldn't associate with her, and Michael Kitchen shows how well he excels in understated but commanding roles that he did even better with 'Foyle's War'. Colin Jeavons was simply born for his character and David Ryall shows a lot of enthusiasm.
In summary, excellent and just as good. 9/10 Bethany Cox