7.0109 minSeason 1 • Episode 2
LatestDeals with the final part of Elizabeth's reign and her relationship with the young and ambitious Earl of Essex. Her obvious affection for him causes concern to Walsingham, Cecil and Burghley, and as Essex becomes increasingly demanding, disobedient and ambitious, Elizabeth ultimately has to deal with him as a potential threat to her throne and position.
The reign of Elizabeth I of England and her relationships with the Earl of Leicester and the Earl of Essex.
Acting
Mirren's eyes alone deserve an Emmy category.
Costume
The aging makeup across decades is devastatingly subtle.
Writing
Dialogue that stings like a courtier's whispered insult.
Helen Mirren
Queen Elizabeth I
Jeremy Irons
Earl of Leicester
Hugh Dancy
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
Ben Pullen
Sir Walter Raleigh
Simon Woods
Gifford
Charlotte Asprey
Frances Walsingham
Diana Kent
Lady Essex
Geoffrey Streatfeild
Sir Anthony Babington
Martin Savage
Stubbs
Douglas Reith
Jude
Douglas Reith
Judge
John McEnery
Jesuit Priest
Eddie Redmayne
Southampton
Erick Deshors
Jean de Simier
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Helen Mirren had played Elizabeth I before on stage; this miniseries let her age the character across 44 years. The makeup took 4 hours daily by the final episode.
Historically, Elizabeth and Leicester's relationship remains debated—some scholars believe they secretly married. The series chooses ambiguity, letting Mirren's performance suggest truths documents cannot.
GB
