Charles II: The Power and the Passion Episode Guide

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

  A plot to murder the king leads to an atmosphere of panic and increased anti-Catholic feeling, and Charles finds himself powerless to defend the innocent people, including the Queen, whose lives are ruined by the ridiculous claims made by Titus Oates. The monarch faces another crisis when Shaftesbury tries to exclude James from the throne, and has to use all his political cunning to ensure his brother remains his heir. Last in the series of the lavish historical drama, starring Rufus Sewell, Martin Freeman, Shirley Henderson and Eddie Marsan

• Season 1 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

  The Great Fire of London and gossip about Barbara's depravity cause Charles's popularity to wane, but the monarch soon finds comfort in the shape of his new mistress, streetwise actress Nell Gwynn. The king takes a further risk when he grows tired of endless wrangling with Parliament and starts negotiating with Louis XIV in the hope of obtaining extra funds, inviting his beloved younger sister Minette to act as an envoy. Lavish historical drama, starring Rufus Sewell and Emma Pierson

• Season 1 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

  A fiery comet is rumoured to portend doom and after Sir Edward Hyde fails to stand up to the shrewd Lord Shaftesbury, Charles is forced to sacrifice his minister, advising him to flee into the night to escape impeachment, imprisonment and execution. Despite his defeat, Charles asserts his loyalty to the childless Queen Catherine and heir James, although his roving eye fixes on demure Frances Stewart. Rufus Sewell and Shirley Henderson star

• Season 1 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

  Rufus Sewell heads the cast of this lavish four-part drama, charting the flamboyant life of Charles II. The opening episode sees Charles Stuart restored to the throne after years in exile from republican England. Having been abandoned by his oldest friend, the Duke of Buckingham, Charles II is at his lowest ebb : when the sudden death of Oliver Cromwell galvanises the Royalist cause. He embarks on a hedonistic reign, winning the adulation of the people and fathering a slew of illegitimate children