The first of two sequel series to 1990's 'House of Cards' (mandatory viewing for anybody who has not seen it yet), the other being 'The Final Cut', 'To Play the King' is every bit as good.Perhaps not quite the superlative piece of television or one of the best dramatisations of the 90s like 'House of Cards' was, but what made 'House of Cards' so good remains still in 1993's 'To Play the King'. A daunting task to follow and take on and it didn't seem like anybody involved was daunted by such an undertaking. Whether it's a good or faithful adaptation of the source material feels completely insignificant, deviations are numerous and some are major but the spirit and attention to character and mood detail are present.'To Play the King's' ending scenes don't quite have the explosive punch they could have done, not quite as moving or as shocking as with 'House of Cards', and perhaps a little too neatly wrapped up) while still remaining interesting.Visually, 'To Play the King' looks wonderful, full of elegance and atmosphere in the design and class and style in the way it's filmed. It's also beautifully scored by Jim Parker with a very memorable main theme, and the direction lets the atmosphere and drama breathe but still never undermines the momentum.Andrew Davies once again also deserves a lot of the credit. The script has dry cynicism, sharp wit, dark bite and class, with some deservedly iconic lines that have since become part of popular culture. The nation's mood is brilliantly captured and the political elements are handled so truthfully and don't feel shoe-horned (it's actually essential here) or heavy-handed. The storytelling is ceaselessly compelling, and just as deep and rich as before (perhaps even more so), throughout the whole four one hour episode duration, hooking one in and never letting go despite not being a series that deliberately and wisely doesn't move "fast".Once again the casting is perfect. Can imagine nobody else in the role of Francis than Ian Richardson, demonstrating why the role is his best-known one and bringing everything that made his acting in 'House of Cards' career-best work of a distinguished career.Diane Fletcher also like in 'House of Cards' impresses as a modern Lady Macbeth-like character that sees a side of her one wouldn't associate with her, and Michael Kitchen shows how well he excels in understated but commanding roles that he did even better with 'Foyle's War'. Colin Jeavons was simply born for his character and David Ryall shows a lot of enthusiasm.In summary, excellent and just as good. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This is great and fascinating. You should watch it! Not sure is it an action or a crime-thriller? Maybe adventure.Actually in this show I have learned what is parliament politics. The owner of this serial are British - it explains why it is so good. This is real - the ways in the politics... What to do, to survive. Actors are so fine in this movie. No complains. All scenes are great. King is King - his role is the best.I have open my brain to maximum when I was watching it.I give my full ten points for this movie.Best, D

This mini-series is the second in the three adapted by Andrew Davies from Michael Dobbie's books. It is less of a romp than the first, `House of Cards', in which Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) gets to the top of the slippery pole by various underhand means; in fact he is now secure as prime minister and leader of the conservative party. He has, however, a problem with the king, a Prince Charles-type figure, who is not prepared to be a mere figurehead but aspires to be the conscience of the nation. This of course simply will not do and Francis and the king are soon on a collision course. The result is inevitable, and once again `F U' leaves bodies in his wake. The king's angst is wonderfully realised by Michael Keaton, though he does seem a bit intelligent for a member of the present British royal family. Again, the supporting actors are delightful, with Colin Jeavons, the man born to play Uriah Heep, creepily unctious and then coldly furious as Stamper the Whip, who Francis rejects for higher office. Diane Fletcher as Elizabeth Urquhart continues smoothly in her Lady Macbeth role and there are some great clown characters such as the two princesses (not a million miles from Diana and Fergie) and the gallant Sir Bruce, editor of the `Daily Muckracker,' played with boozy enthusiasm by David Ryall. Towards the end the show weakens a bit, and the final explosions are rather contrived. It is interesting, though, how an able, ruthless character like `F U' attracts supporters – there are plenty of people more than happy to carry out his orders, like Corder, his security man (Nick Brimble). The King, on the other hand, is supported by nice people, but like him, they become victims. The relationship between hereditary monarch and elected prime minister is an important one, and Dobbie has to be commended for drawing attention to it; his bleak conclusion is that the King, who once could do no wrong, can now do no good. That's a pity, for someone needs to exercise some supervision over the `F U's' of this world. Once again, this is good entertainment, if not such a romp as the first series.

This entire BBC series is well worth watching. The screenplay is literate and hilarious. All the actors are wonderful, the script is great, and they've spared no expense with locations! This is an exciting series and I can't recommend it highly enough. Too bad in the United States we don't have actors talented enough to pull of a series such as this one. Diane Fletcher and Ian Richardson are perfect! All the actors in this were first rate and I certainly hope to see more of all of them in the future.