TV MINI SERIES REVIEW
A Very Royal Scandal
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 3 x 60m episodes
Director(s): Julian Jarrold
Writer(s): Jeremy Brock
Cast: Ruth Wilson, Michael Sheen, Alex Jennings, Joanna Scanlan, Éanna Hardwicke, Thomas Arnold
Where To Watch: available on Prime Video on September 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: A VERY ROYAL SCANDAL packs a dramatic punch, unraveling one of modern journalism's most explosive moments with a unique perspective that captures the personal stakes and the broader implications. With standout performances from Ruth Wilson and Michael Sheen, the series revisits the well-known interview that rocked the royal world but refocused it with an eye on the human stories behind the headlines. It’s not just the interplay of questions and responses that grabs you; it's the intense buildup, the behind-the-scenes experiences, and the palpable tension that transforms this from a simple dramatic reenactment to a compelling exploration of truth, power, and responsibility.

As Emily Maitlis, Wilson delivers a riveting portrayal of a journalist at the pinnacle of her career, facing a professional gamble that could alter her life's trajectory. The portrayal of Maitlis is a fortress of integrity, grappling with the massive implications of her actions on her own life and public perception. Sheen’s Prince Andrew is a contradictory study: entitled yet isolated, powerful yet precarious. Their combined performances craft a narrative that’s both nuanced and powerful, bringing to the screen dialogue that’s engaging and thought-provoking.

Julian Jarrold's directing and Jeremy Brock's writing expertly guide the series, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and unknown (even if you already know the story.) Every scene is carefully paced to draw viewers deeper into the three parts of the unfolding drama, emphasizing the pivotal interview and the critical moments that lead to it. This isn’t about laying out the facts; it’s about drawing the audience into the intricate web of circumstances surrounding this pivotal historical moment.

Supporting performances by Joanna Scanlan, Alex Jennings, and Éanna Hardwicke add complexity to the story, portraying the broader network of lives impacted by the scandal. Their characters are paralleled perfectly with the main cast, highlighting the ripple effects of the interview through the royal corridors and beyond. These portrayals enrich the main narrative, providing a fuller picture of the enduring impact on personal, professional, and political fronts.

At its core, A VERY ROYAL SCANDAL confronts themes of power and privilege with a sharp, critical eye. Sheen’s portrayal of Prince Andrew as both a defender and a symbol of inherited privilege challenges the audience to reflect on the real-world dynamics of power: how it’s used, justified, and can be dismantled when challenged by the truth. This exploration sets the series apart, making it not just a historical tale but a relevant, timely critique of how power is navigated in public life, especially as the Epstein scandal haunts our world daily all these years later.

The series offers intelligent commentary on the often-elusive nature of accountability in the upper echelons of power. In an era where the actions of the powerful are scrutinized yet often remain unchecked, A VERY ROYAL SCANDAL serves as a resonant reminder of journalism’s role in upholding the truth and challenging the status quo. This blend of personal drama and political inquiry makes the series a compelling watch for anyone fascinated by the intersections of media, power, and history.

A VERY ROYAL SCANDAL is a powerful dramatization of a watershed moment in media history. It invites its audience to think about the mechanisms of truth in our society. Whether you’re a history buff, a journalism enthusiast, or simply a lover of well-crafted drama, this series promises to engage and provoke thought, making it a significant addition to the landscape of historical dramas.

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[photo courtesy of PRIME VIDEO, AMAZON MGM SUDIOS]

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