Charles II: The Power and the Passion is a four-part television miniseries, broadcast on BBC One from 16 November to 7 December 2003. The series depicts the reign of Charles II, covering the period just before his Restoration in 1660. It focuses on his conflicts with Parliament, his relationships with his mistresses—particularly Barbara Villiers—and his efforts to restore England after the Civil War. When shown in the United States, as The Last King: The Power and the Passion of King Charles II, nearly an hour was removed for broadcast by the A&E Network. The edits often make little regard for either the full product's continuity or coherence.
CreatorJoe Wright
Part One
Nov 16, 2003
In 1660, after years in exile, Charles II is restored to the throne of England but is abandoned by his friend, the Duke of Buckingham.
Part Two
Nov 23, 2003
A fiery comet in the sky is rumoured to portend doom on Charlie's reign.
Part Three
Nov 30, 2003
A plot is unearthed against the King. Anti-Papist fury threatens the King's position.
Part Four
Dec 7, 2003
As Protestant dissent rises, the king tries to silence his enemies once and for all.
