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.

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.

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.

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.

Like Maitlis, A Very Royal Scandal handles itself with comportment and class, but as a drama, it is too frictionless for its own good.

Most absent from the drama is a proper discussion about, firstly, the impact of the allegations on the victim, Giuffre, and, secondly, the myriad other victims of Epstein’s abuse. Only in the third episode does it transition from journalistic cat and mouse to an introspection on one of the most shocking abuses of power in modern history.

This is the second recreation of the 2019 encounter that proved so disastrous for the Duke of York, and it definitely feels like one too many. .... She [Emily Maitlis] is played by Ruth Wilson, who is less fun in the role than Scoop’s Gillian Anderson.