Charles II: The Power and The Passion

6.2
20031h

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.

Production

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Seasons

4 Episodes • Premiered 2003

A dramatisation of Charles II's reign, 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.

Still image for Charles II: The Power and The Passion season 1 episode 1: Part One

1. 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.

Still image for Charles II: The Power and The Passion season 1 episode 2: Part Two

2. Part Two

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

Still image for Charles II: The Power and The Passion season 1 episode 3: Part Three

3. Part Three

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

Still image for Charles II: The Power and The Passion season 1 episode 4: Part Four

4. Part Four

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

Cast

Photo of Rufus Sewell

Rufus Sewell

Charles II

Photo of Rupert Graves

Rupert Graves

George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham

Photo of Charlie Creed-Miles

Charlie Creed-Miles

James, Duke of York

Photo of Christian Coulson

Christian Coulson

James, Duke of Monmouth

Photo of Shirley Henderson

Shirley Henderson

Catharine of Braganza

Photo of Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman

Lord Shaftesbury

Photo of Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory

Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine

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