‘A Very Royal Scandal’ Recap, Episode 2
Image: Christopher Raphael/Blueprint/Sony Pictures Television
Here we are at the highlight of the series. The second episode of *A Very Royal Scandal* focuses on the moments leading up to, during, and following Prince Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview. It examines how the situation arose and escalated so drastically. The episode is often fast-paced, but its tension is somewhat diminished by our knowledge of the actual events. Since we know the interview took place in reality, any hint of cancellation early in the show feels futile. Moreover, given that these events are well-documented in recent history, the stakes seem rather low. This highlights the challenge of adapting a story that is still fresh in the public's consciousness. However, there are interesting insights into the events leading up to Andrew's controversial moment. Additionally, Sheen’s performance remains captivating, particularly when Andrew sulks like a spoiled child, insisting he deserves better treatment because of his service in the Falklands.
Most of this episode gave me a similar impression to what I felt while watching Scoop: I'm left wondering why they felt the need to meticulously recreate an interview that anyone can easily find online. It seems like a bit of a self-indulgent effort. That said, the series does have a captivating quality that makes it enjoyable to watch. Wilson and Sheen pay close attention to their characters' quirks and vocal nuances. What really stands out about Sheen’s performance is how convincingly he portrays Andrew's small stutters and slips of the tongue—it must be a challenge to effectively play someone who struggles with their speech. However, the highlight of the episode is just another dramatization of an interview that has already garnered 4.4 million views on the BBC's YouTube channel and is still accessible. Fortunately, the episode doesn’t linger on this too much.
What’s particularly intriguing about this episode is how it portrays the context surrounding the events. We start the day with Andrew and Maitlis, who are miles apart, both in their gardens trying to get their dogs to take care of their morning business. As we mentioned in the first episode, the series often reflects its core themes. Here, the contrasting scenes of Andrew in his vast royal estate and Maitlis in her cozy townhouse highlight the differences in their daily lives. On one hand, this approach adds a personal touch to Andrew, showing him alongside one of his subjects. On the other hand, it serves as a rather obvious reminder of the privilege and power he holds, especially in contrast to someone whose own influence is considerable.
Royal Scandal skillfully navigates a tricky situation by avoiding turning Andrew into a complete villain while not explicitly defending him either. The family dynamics are what really give this story depth. While it’s easy to criticize Andrew for his dismissive and arrogant behavior during his interview with Maitlis, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for his daughters, who are also privileged, as they watch their father get publicly humiliated on TV. The series also gives us a glimpse into Andrew's relationship with his family, whom he refers to rather coldly as "the firm." Early on, his brother Charles—who is soon to be king—calls him to insist that he cancel the interview, creating a moment of tension. Andrew, instead of acting like a responsible adult, behaves more like a petulant younger brother. When Charles asks if their mother knows about the interview, Andrew responds meekly, “Yes, of course, Mummy’s aware.” Moments later, in a fit of anger, he storms past the staff, shouting to himself, “CALL ME A FUCKING MUMMY’S BOY!”
For a brief moment, the interview is canceled at Charles's request. ("He can speak just fine, Mr. Tampon," Andrew retorts, alluding to another well-known royal scandal that's been portrayed countless times.) In front of Beatrice and his ex-wife, he finally expresses his contempt for the royal family—apart from his mother: “I love my mom. I love you both. I love Eugenie,” he states. The Duchess of York responds, “Pay attention to your loved ones.” Unfortunately, this is yet another misguided piece of advice that will only make matters worse for Andrew. With that, he makes his choice: forget about the (future) king! The interview will happen, regardless of Tampon-head's opinions.
As the preparations unfold, which we glimpsed in the opening of the first episode, everybody is swiftly pulled back into action. Maitlis unfortunately has to leave her beloved dog locked in the garden in a rush to reach the palace on time. Amanda Thirsk, Andrew’s assistant, rightly anticipates that the duke will mainly be focused on getting ready for the interview. She knows he needs to do his homework, so she has gathered a stack of potential questions for him. While adjusting his tie in front of the mirror, it’s clear that Andrew is more preoccupied with how he looks. Is it the pride of a man who once reveled in the attention of women calling his name when he returned from the Falklands, or is he simply anxious about facing tough questions? “They got Nixon this way, you know,” he remarks, referring to the impact of close-up shots. Then there’s the matter of whether he can recall all the specifics if Maitlis probes: “Honestly, how is a guy supposed to remember every woman he's slept with?” This comment relates to an allegation from a woman who claims he raped her after being trafficked for sex by a man Andrew considered a friend. Nevertheless, the women around him—his daughters, Thirsk, and his ex-wife—remain supportive. Before heading off to the interview, Andrew watches as Maitlis hurriedly enters Buckingham Palace, looking a bit disheveled. He can’t help but smirk; it seems like an easy victory to him. Everything appears to be in his favor. Meanwhile, Thirsk assists him in putting on his oxford shoes.
The interview begins in a tense silence where you could hear a pin drop. A man named Donald, who is an aide to the queen, oversees the entire process, approaching it like an undercover agent on a secret mission. Once it's over, it’s clear to everyone, except for Andrew, that things didn’t go in his favor. Yet surprisingly, he seems quite pleased with himself. Maitlis worries that she didn’t press him hard enough about Virginia Giuffre, but ultimately, it turns out she didn’t really need to. Just before they wrap up, Andrew and Thirsk bring up something important: the alibis they had mentioned earlier, like the birthday party at Pizza Express and Andrew’s inability to sweat. “I must insist we include these points,” Thirsk says, his words dripping with dramatic irony. “They are crucial for His Royal Highness’s defense.” After the interview, Andrew asks Maitlis for her take on how it went. “I thought it was... quite candid,” she replies.
Later on, Andrew confidently practices his putting in his home office, envisioning himself as a top golfer. However, he is suddenly hit by... is it guilt? A jarring, unclear flashback flashes through his mind, showing him at a nightclub dancing with Epstein and Giuffre. It's ambiguous whether this is a real memory or a haunting glimpse of what could have been. To clear his mind and escape from the looming interview, he sets off for a shooting weekend, where he and some friendly nobles shoot birds, enjoy food and drinks, and engage in games. He seems carefree. Meanwhile, Maitlis and the BBC crew race against the clock to edit the interview for its upcoming broadcast, with only a few days left to finish.
Before the interview is broadcast, Thirsk experiences another moment of arrogance, this time influenced by the queen's private secretary, portrayed chillingly by Alex Jennings. He informs Thirsk that the interview was “a bit of a disaster” and has come to urge her to get the discussion removed from airing. However, he must tread carefully to avoid upsetting his superior, who firmly backs her son's choice to defend himself in front of the cameras. Thirsk believes the interview went well, but is she really that naive? Perhaps her pride is clouding her judgment: admitting the interview was a mistake would mean acknowledging her own misstep after being so involved in setting it up. So, the interview goes ahead as planned. But not before the transcript is sent out to reporters in the morning; the resulting flood of tweets alerts Thirsk that she has seriously miscalculated. After the interview airs, Andrew is summoned from his gathering: the queen is on the line. Hesitantly, he answers. "Mummy?"
