Critic Reviews

Its three episodes (all of which were available for review) have a distinct Prestige TV seriousness, but while it’s clear its take on the (pardon the pun) scandalous central interview is what people will likely tune in to see, the show itself, to its credit, does try to push beyond being a mere recreation. In fact, while Sheen and Wilson are dynamite together in the few scenes they share, A Very Royal Scandal’s most interesting elements are found outside those familiar moments.

It is not perfect, but it is highly entertaining and, in my opinion, a better piece of television than Scoop.

Ms. Wilson gives her [Emily Maitlis] an unceasing energy that is quite convincing. .... Prince Andrew, who in Mr. Sheen’s hands becomes a contemptible yet pitiful figure. .... And all moral arguments aside, this is simply great television. It justifies itself.

Though the interview is the turning point in the narrative, and takes place in Episode 2, it’s not what’s most intriguing about the show. Instead, amid the muted tones of the palace and the haunting sounds of a clock ticking in the background, “A Very Royal Scandal” offers a master class in perception.

A Very Royal Scandal is much better than Scoop. Like Gillian Anderson as Scoop’s Maitlis, Wilson delivers a distractingly deep voice, but unlike Anderson she doesn’t go the full Beeb-ordained Darth Vader. Wilson also brings light and shade to a complicated woman in an ethically complicated situation.

While it’s a far more satisfying version of this story than the one retold in Scoop, A Very Royal Scandal may suffer from coming out second and relitigating (very recent) history.

While nothing in “A Very Royal Scandal” is particularly eye-opening (except for what happened to Maitlis after that interview), it’s worth the watch to see two actors at the top of their game.

A Very Royal Scandal does a good job of showing all perspectives and putting this specific situation into a greater context that questions right and wrong. Ultimately, it leaves the drawing of conclusions to the viewer.

For two hours, A Very Royal Scandal is tightly cut and smartly observed and strategized without being revelatory, despite Maitlis’ direct involvement. .... The final hour, the one meant to reflect on the significance of the cultural moment and its aftermath, is faultier in its approach.

A Very Royal Scandal takes an event from the very recent past and gives it some fascinating context, aided by good performances from Sheen, Wilson and Scanlan.