MovieChat Forums > Elizabeth R (1972) Discussion > Best episode?

Best episode?

posted 8 years ago by melj
1 reply | jump to latest

How would you rate the six episodes?

Overall, I would say:

1. The Marriage Game (episode 2) - hard to fault really.

2. The Lion's Cub (episode 1) - the only complaint is that it covers so many events and characters that I think that it must be quite tricky for those who are unfamiliar with the facts; otherwise, great.

3. The Enterprise of England (episode 5) - very witty, literate, accurate, and moving, but some of it is a bit too much of a "history lesson" - it was this episode more than any other that made me think of Blackadder II.

4. Shadow in the Sun (episode 3) - sensitive and entertaining - the scene between Elizabeth and Sussex is beautifully handled - but far less accurate than the other episodes.

5. Horrible Conspiracies (episode 4) - Vivian Pickles does her best, but is miscast as Mary; for some inexplicable reason, Burghley is written out of this section; the overwritten last scene is really quite unpleasant; nobody is likeable! However, it is well-paced and has some fine moments.

6. Sweet England's Pride (episode 6) - a disappointing and underwhelming finish. Good points: Elizabeth's failure to connect with the new generation is captured; her final speech and death scene are both very well done; Robert Cecil comes across as a particularly interesting character. Apart from that, it is sadly a bit lacking.

[–] MsEmmaFrost 8 years ago

I'm very fond of Sweet England's Pride if only because it is a great portrayal of Robert Cecil and he is my absolute favourite during Elizabeth's reign. Hugh Dickson is wonderful as Cecil and he makes me smile and snicker every time. I do think the show loses some steam towards the end and Essex is profoundly annoying. Yet again, I've never seen a charismatic Essex, they all are entitled, whiny brats. (And Robin Ellis here makes me think of Will Ferrell in Superstar).

As you say, The Marriage Game is pretty perfect. Leicester is absolutely charming in it and the whole episode is heartbreaking.

My only criticism to The Lion's Cub is that Philip acts like a perv and I have a hard time seeing him like that from the books I've read. Otoh, he is very well cast and so is Mary. Similarly, I'm not fond of how he is portrayed in The Enterprise of England but the rest of the episode makes up for it. And Tregannon's scenes are a gem.

I agree with you about Mary of Scotland being poorly cast in Horrible Conspiracies, she lacks that warmth that made people follow Mary. Otoh, Elizabeth's hipocresy is well played when she berates Paulet for not killing Mary and yet is enraged when her order is fulfilled.

<i>Shadow in the Sun</i> is both fun and sweet.

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