TV Gold

The tense situation in Russia centering around Charles Kay and Gayle Hunnicutt?s characters continues to be the main focus of the series as we open the eleventh ?Tell the King the Sky is Falling? episode. Although a lot of historical ground centering around 1914-1915 is covered it is comprehensively and engagingly covered with some outstanding dramatic performances offered by the assembled cast. The continuing interaction between Kay (character?s rather weak leadership) and Hunnicutt (whose character offers a forceful and determined influence on her husband) is a good example of this. I also liked the use of a splendid period motorcar in a couple of scenes. Although a highly enjoyable episode there is however the negative point of the use of wholly inappropriate overly dramatic music used on a couple of occasions. Undoubtedly leading the guest list for this episode we have Charles Gray, Hugh Burden and Michael Aldridge. Gray certainly brings his noble distinguished level of restraint to the character of Duma president Rodzianko. Despite wearing a ?handle bar? moustache Burden?s features and performance on offer here as Protopopov is very similar to his Doctor Who role. Once again we have the same haunted undead look that he brought to the memorable Channing character in Pertwee?s opening ?Spearhead From Space? story. Lastly of our high profile guest stars Aldridge gives a convincing wide eyed interpretation of the ?mad monk? and the Tsar and Countess?s ?friend?, Rasputin. I did however spot two other familiar faces popping up during the episode. Firstly as the Tsar?s General, Alexiev we find Nigel Stock, an actor who has the dubious distinction of playing ?The Prisoner?, No. 6, towards the end of the series run, the episode being the intriguing ?body swap? story ?Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling?. Secondly, I believe that the lady who in a couple of scenes talks with Alexandria, Miriam Margolyes playing Anna Vyrubova appeared in ?I, Claudius?. If you might recall in one of the episode the sequence where Lydia is talking with a ?local poisoner??