About
The reign of Elizabeth I of England and her relationships with the Earl of Leicester and the Earl of Essex.
Cast
Helen Mirren
as Queen Elizabeth I
Jeremy Irons
as Earl of Leicester
Hugh Dancy
as Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
Ben Pullen
as Sir Walter Raleigh
Simon Woods
as Gifford
Charlotte Asprey
as Frances Walsingham
Diana Kent
as Lady Essex
Geoffrey Streatfeild
as Sir Anthony Babington
Martin Savage
as Stubbs
Douglas Reith
as Jude
Douglas Reith
as Judge
John McEnery
as Jesuit Priest
Toby Salaman
as Dr. Lopez
Eddie Redmayne
as Southampton
Erick Deshors
as Jean de Simier
Ann Firbank
as Lady Anne
Will Keen
as Francis Bacon
Barbara Flynn
as Mary Queen of Scots
Patrick Malahide
as Sir Francis Walsingham
Ewen Bremner
as King James VI
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Part 1
Focuses on the relationship between Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester, her admirer and trusted advisor. They agree they cannot marry because of strategy and politics, but Leicester remains on intimate terms with her and her advisor. He feels threatened by the Queen's interest in the Duke of Anjou as a suitor and does what he can to disrupt the courtship. The Queen also has to deal with threats posed by Mary Queen of Scots, culminating in the latter's execution after involvement in plots against Elizabeth, as well as war with Spain. There is victory over the Armada and Spanish threat, but Elizabeth's joy at this is overshadowed by the death of Leicester.
Part 2
Deals 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.
Similar Shows
Shows like this one
Recommended for You
Based on this series
