Elizabeth I

★ 7.2 · 2005-09-29 · 1 Season · PG · Drama

Cast

Helen Mirren

Queen Elizabeth I

Jeremy Irons

Earl of Leicester

Hugh Dancy

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

Ben Pullen

Sir Walter Raleigh

Simon Woods

Gifford

Charlotte Asprey

Frances Walsingham

Diana Kent

Lady Essex

Geoffrey Streatfeild

Sir Anthony Babington

Martin Savage

Stubbs

Douglas Reith

Jude

Douglas Reith

Judge

John McEnery

Jesuit Priest

Episodes

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.

111m

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.

109m