Charles II: The Power and The Passion

Charles II: The Power and The Passion

2003
1 Season
6.2
Drama

Charles II: The Power and the Passion is a four-part television miniseries, broadcast on BBC One from 16 November to 7 December 2003. The series depicts the reign of Charles II, covering the period just before his Restoration in 1660. It focuses on his conflicts with Parliament, his relationships with his mistresses—particularly Barbara Villiers—and his efforts to restore England after the Civil War. When shown in the United States, as The Last King: The Power and the Passion of King Charles II, nearly an hour was removed for broadcast by the A&E Network. The edits often make little regard for either the full product's continuity or coherence.

Episodes

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E1Nov 16, 200351m

Part One

In 1660, after years in exile, Charles II is restored to the throne of England but is abandoned by his friend, the Duke of Buckingham.

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E2Nov 23, 200351m

Part Two

A fiery comet in the sky is rumoured to portend doom on Charlie's reign.

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E3Nov 30, 200351m

Part Three

A plot is unearthed against the King. Anti-Papist fury threatens the King's position.

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E4Dec 7, 200352m

Part Four

As Protestant dissent rises, the king tries to silence his enemies once and for all.

Top Cast

Rufus Sewell

Rufus Sewell

Charles II

Rupert Graves

Rupert Graves

George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham

Charlie Creed-Miles

Charlie Creed-Miles

James, Duke of York

Christian Coulson

Christian Coulson

James, Duke of Monmouth

Shirley Henderson

Shirley Henderson

Catharine of Braganza

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman

Lord Shaftesbury

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory

Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine