Picking up where Philippa Gregory explored the conclusion of the English Wars of the Roses in “The White Queen” (2013), Michelle Fairley portrays Lady Margaret Beaufort with strength, acting as a reluctant link between what was and what is to be, while the former Queen Elizabeth (Essie Davis) finds it difficult adjusting. A political agreement that would bring together the houses of Tudor and York might offer her an escape from complete disgrace. Her daughter, also named “Elizabeth” (Jodie Comer), child of Edward IV, is intended to marry the young Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy). He doesn't seem keen on this arranged union, but his mother and the consistently present Duchess Cecily (Caroline Goodall) insist he participate in these political maneuvers, so she decides to become essential to the King and eliminate his mother’s negative influence. The end of the wars does not signify an end to the plotting, and with the King constantly battling to maintain his position, a romance that echoes that of his parents develops between Elizabeth and Henry; one that sees them confront the Burgundians (Joanne Whalley) as well as numerous opportunistic rivals within their own country. This series also highlights the church’s involvement in governmental affairs, and Kenneth Cranham’s performance brought Basil Dignam to mind as he ruthlessly put on his bishop's hat. It naturally includes much of the debated controversy surrounding the princes in the Tower and the enigma of potential claimants like Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck (Patrick Gibson), as the king strives to secure a stable inheritance for his son Arthur. While there is still considerable scheming and political maneuvering, the characters don’t quite fit this somewhat extended dramatization, and I felt it was stretched out at times. Comer stands out with solid support from Goodall and Rebecca Benson's Margaret Plantagenet, but Collins-Levy doesn’t make a strong impression as an actor or a king. It is a well-made and visually appealing production; however, it lacks the intensity and bite I anticipated.

Source on TMDB