Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of Charles II: The Power and the Passion, we are introduced to the flamboyant and charismatic King Charles II, who has just been restored to the English throne after years of exile. The episode takes place during the summer of 1660, as Charles makes his triumphant return to London to be crowned king.

We see Charles as a man who loves to indulge in all the pleasures life has to offer. He is a lover of women, gambling, theatre, and fine wine. His court is full of debauchery and excess, as he encourages his subjects to enjoy life to the fullest. However, we also see that Charles is a savvy politician who knows how to navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue.

The episode begins with Charles returning to England from his exile in France. He is met with crowds of adoring supporters who welcome him back with open arms. We see him meeting with his advisors and plotting his next moves. He is determined to make England a great power once again, and he knows that he must first solidify his own power.

One of the main conflicts of the episode is the tension between Charles and the Puritans, who are a powerful political force in England. They view Charles's hedonistic lifestyle as a threat to their moral values and fear that he will lead England down a path of debauchery and sin. Charles, on the other hand, sees the Puritans as a threat to his own power and will stop at nothing to neutralize their influence.

Another important storyline in the episode is Charles's relationship with his mistress, Barbara Villiers. We see Charles showering her with gifts and attention, and it is clear that he is deeply in love with her. However, we also see that Barbara may not be as loyal to Charles as he thinks. She is involved in her own intrigues and is using her position as Charles's mistress to further her own ambitions.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the larger political landscape that Charles must navigate. England is still reeling from the years of civil war and the execution of Charles's father, and there are many factions vying for power. Charles must make alliances and play his cards carefully if he wants to stay in power.

Overall, the first episode of Charles II: The Power and the Passion sets the stage for a thrilling historical drama. We see Charles as a complex and fascinating character with many flaws and strengths. The show is beautifully shot and features an incredible cast, led by Rufus Sewell as Charles II. Fans of historical drama will not want to miss this gripping series.