Emily Watson is fantastic in this tremendous British political drama. As the wife of an ambitious politician played by David Tennant, she gives what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime. Ms. Watson exudes sexuality and her quiet beauty and stunning eyes are completely mesmerizing. In several sequences she virtually sets the screen afire with her volcanic but subdued passion. It is amazing to watch her create a character that is incredibly desirable and stunningly sensual while at the same time being strong willed and seemingly made of steel. Speaking volumes with just those magnificent eyes, she conveys more emotion in a glance than 50 pages of exposition. This is a character who is all woman and then some and there is no doubt regarding her prowess in the bedroom. However, she is equally adept in the cabinet room and her strength as a leader even surpasses her carnal appetites. Watson is the only actress who could manage this and it's wondrous to see. It is no wonder she is so acclaimed as an actor and after so many superb performances that she remains the most respected actress of our time. It doesn't seem possible that she could exceed herself with every role but she does so in film after film as her career continues to astound.

"The Politician's Husband" is a 2013 miniseries out of England, starring David Tennant and Emily Watson.I'm unclear if this is supposed to be a series or just a miniseries - certainly the ending indicated it's a miniseries.Anyway, it's the story of Aiden Hoynes (David Tennant), a senior cabinet minister who shoots himself in the foot politically with a leadership bid, and his friend Bruce Babbish (Ed Stoppard), another higher-up, does not support him.Hoynes' wife, Freya, has always stood in her husband's shadow and concentrated on the family, a severely autistic son and a daughter.When Freya has a chance to become a cabinet minister, Aiden is all for it, believing that at the right opportunity, she can support his immigration bill, a stab in the back to the government.After getting a taste of power, however, Freya goes on television, the perfect opportunity to say she agrees with her husband, and doesn't agree with him.Very good drama about politics behind the scenes, with both Tennant and Watson giving excellent performances. I have to say in most instances, I don't think times have changed that much, and that the miniseries is realistic in that the husband would definitely mind being overshadowed by his wife in the same profession.The rest of it is more the stuff of drama, and I did like it, as Aiden becomes more convinced that his wife has aligned with his now-enemy Bruce both politically and physically. What looked like a strong "fairytale" marriage starts to unravel, with Aiden exhibiting sexual violence toward Freya, and there are accusations of infidelity that hit the press.I found Tennant especially good as the manipulative husband; in a way, it's a stronger part.Highly recommended.

I love political drama. The West Wing was absorbing, and Borgen, the brutally realistic depiction of the first woman P.M of Denmark, including the breakup of their marriage and rather genuine depiction of lust was brilliant.This series that we watched in one sitting on Netflix, did have some structure of political reality, yet there was a single scene, one of sexuality as assaultive hatred, of the husband brutalizing his wife, that certainly was "realistic." Yet, there was no warning, nor was there any realism that was consistent with their status and relationship.It was just thrown in to attract a certain audience who considers this as being edgy I write this review to warn others that this is not an "adult" themed film, but excess in the form of realism. I'm no prude, but this scene was sickening and destroyed the film for myself and my wife.

Short story long:Aiden Hoynes and his wife Freya are both ministers in the same political party. Aiden tries a leadership bid which is foiled by his supposed best friend and finds himself left out in the cold as his wife becomes a member of the cabinet. He feels emasculated and doesn't deal with this very well. The main storyline is Aiden's increasingly tangled web of deception and corruption and the effect on his marriage. He also has an ailing father and a son with Asperger's which he has to contend with.Review:Emily Watson and David Tennant are incredible. They're portraying people with very different temperaments which complements them well. Emily Watson's Freya is rather quiet and unassuming yet very smart, she seems distant at times and then just has things figured out. Brilliant performance. David Tennant's Aiden is suitably dark and twisted. His performance is much more vocal than Emily's. Gradually gets more and more horrifying until you're left clutching your face.Lots of plot twists and unexpected turns as political views change and people switch allies. I assume it's typical of parliament.Verdict: If you like gritty dark political drama watch this and if you want to see Tennant do some proper seriously dark acting watch this. A bit too gritty and dark for me, I prefer lighter fare. This is entirely personal taste though and I can still appreciate the brilliantly crafted story lines and acting talents.Warnings: Scene of sexual violence. Advised not to watch if you like Doctor Who and want to see any of his Tenth Doctor adventures again. If you're like me and prefer light action and comedy type shows then I would avoid it if you think you can't stomach it. Or just make sure you've got a fun comedy series or movie lined up for afterwards. Not a show for just before bedtime.