S2.E1

Chapter Five

Name: Chapter Five
Genre: Drama
Released: 1994-01-16
Duration: 54 min
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Ian Richardson, Michael Kitchen, Kitty Aldridge

Episode aired Jan 16, 1994
TV-Y
54m

IMDb RATING

7.9/10

278

YOUR RATING

Ian Richardson and Kitty Aldridge in To Play the King (1993)

Drama

Frances Urquhart is now Prime Minister and is somewhat haunted by what he has done in the past. A newly crowned King presents him with more of a challenge that he may have expected. The King... Read allFrances Urquhart is now Prime Minister and is somewhat haunted by what he has done in the past. A newly crowned King presents him with more of a challenge that he may have expected. The King has a conscience and to Urquhart's distress, wants to 'make a contribution'. Urquhart doe... Read allFrances Urquhart is now Prime Minister and is somewhat haunted by what he has done in the past. A newly crowned King presents him with more of a challenge that he may have expected. The King has a conscience and to Urquhart's distress, wants to 'make a contribution'. Urquhart doesn't stand by idly and the King's interest in a major urban renewal project means curtains... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.9/10

278

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos

Storyline

Edit

Did you know

Edit

Quotes
Elizabeth Urquhart: [Finding her husband absentmindedly remembering the death of Mattie Storin] Francis?
Francis Urquhart: A little debris from the past, that's all.
Elizabeth Urquhart: Past is past, Francis. It's done.
Francis Urquhart: Yes. She was so long in the air, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Urquhart: I know. Everything you've done was for your country's good. You know that. Everything. I admire and believe in you without reserve. You know that too.
Francis Urquhart: Thank you, Elizabeth.

Connections
Features House of Cards: Chapter Four (1990)

Soundtracks
No Limit
Written by Phil Wilde, Jean-Paul DeCoster, Ray Slijngaard and Anita Doth
Performed by 2 Unlimited
Courtesy of Byte Records

User reviews2

Review

Featured review

8/10

Picked up where it left off

To Play the King Chapter 5 delivers an intense and thought-provoking continuation of the political battle between Francis Urquhart and the King. The episode masterfully balances tense confrontations, subtle manipulation, and the ever-growing tension between the Prime Minister and the monarchy. Ian Richardson's performance as Urquhart is stellar, as always, maintaining his calculating charm while revealing a more ruthless edge.

The pacing is sharp, and the dialogue is engaging, filled with biting wit and layered subtext. The episode captures the complexities of power and politics, raising the stakes as the chess game between Urquhart and the King becomes more volatile. While the plot remains gripping, some of the side characters could have been given more development to enrich the drama further.

Overall, Chapter 5 keeps the momentum of the series going strong, delivering a compelling political thriller that highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition. An 8/10 for its brilliant lead performance, sharp writing, and high-stakes narrative.