With many well-known and respected British actors included in the cast, and, those who would go on to make their names nationally, some internationally, the casting is exceptional. Remarkably, not only were actors cast with a striking resemblance to the character they portray, but also between actors portraying the same character at different ages. When Helen Ryan appears on screen as Alexandra, following Deborah Grant's portrayal of the young Alex, the switch could almost go unnoticed. The most notable likeness of actor to character must be that of Charles Dance as Prince Eddy, Michael Osborn as Prince George and Michael Billington as Tsar Nicholas II.
When Michael Billington first appears as young Tsar Nicholas II, for me, he is not such a likeable character. Although Mike displays his beautiful smile, it's accompanied by arrogance; young Nicholas appears to value his own importance above the needs of his people. In one scene, Edward confides in Nicholas to believe it right for British subjects to have some input in how Britain is governed. Nicholas disagrees. I couldn't help thinking, had Nicholas considered such reform for his own subjects, history books might well have a very different story to tell!
It's to Mike's credit as an actor, when Tsar Nicholas is seen again, he is a very different man. The smile gone and in its place a nervous, chain smoking, frightened man. Having apparently made some unfortunate decisions and alliances, his cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm, attempts to take advantage of his vulnerable position persuading him that his Uncle Edward's actions have caused his predicament. I could see the possibility then acceptance of the suggestion written on the Tsar's face! Mike's ability to say so much with mere expression is displayed to perfection in this scene.
Mike portrays the Tsar later, with the worst of his external troubles behind him, as a loving family man again at peace with his Uncle Edward. Mike's winning smile here gives the Tsar a much more likeable gentler demeanour while still showing his ability to etch on the Tsar's face the effect of responsibility and position. Between the smiles the signs of anxiety show through, domestic troubles still haunting the Tsar.
The role of Tsar Nicholas II is by no means a large role, but, in depicting the Tsar at such different times in his life, Mike had quite a challenge and the opportunity to display his acting abilities with great effect. It's a pleasure to see Mike perform in such an outstanding series from the days where the writers left a little to the viewers imagination and didn't feel the need to use graphic detail to show what was happening behind every closed door.
Although the focus of Edward the Seventh, in the main, is on Edward and his relationship with family, friends and enemies, there is also some insight into the wider issues of the times. The cause and effects of domestic social reform, power struggles in Europe and the American civil war, to name just a few, are viewed through the eyes of Edward, the British Royal family and Government. However, what makes Edward the Seventh such an enjoyable series to watch is that it concentrates on the human aspect and not the politics. Not only are relationships between Edward, his family and friends seen but also the friendships and ties between those around him. You could almost be watching a nineteenth century soap opera, but these were real people, and the squabbling extended family the rulers of Europe!
