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 <span style='color:blue'>?Tell the King the Sky is Falling?</span> 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??
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With the year now 1917 we open once more with Barry Foster?s German Kaiser, however his appearance this time clearly reflects his character?s tiredness and the countries continued participation in the First World War. The passing of the years in this twelfth <span style='color:blue'>?The Secret War?</span> episode also makes David Collings Milyukov character speaking in the Duma virtually unrecognisable. I was pleasantly surprised to see, here playing fat cigar smoking Doctor Alexander Helphand was Michael Gough whom I recall from his Blake?s Seven season three ?Volcano? story appearance as planet Obsidian leader Hower. As an officer of the Russian Army John Rees (Doctor Who stories ?The War Games, Fury From The Deep & The Seeds of Doom) also appears. Although some way into the episode I was delighted to once again watch Patrick Stewart?s convincingly resolute performance as Lenin whom we first see, surprisingly, in a rowing boat, with his wife, apparently now somewhere in Switzerland. When news of the revolution reaches the couple (best signified by General Ruzski?s dramatic train carriage request that Nicholas abdicate) then a meeting is convened regarding how best to safely return to Russia and to a triumphant welcome for the exiled communist leader. At this meeting, a very young looking John Rhys Davies is almost unrecognisable, appearing here as Zimoviev. I personally best remember him from his regular appearances in the sci fi series ?Sliders?. Once more important historical ground is covered in a highly engaging manner with yet again some excellent dramatic performances on offer, not least from Stewart whose older Lenin once again captivates each scene in which he appears in.
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