In November 2019, a senior royal sat down for an interview which would make even the most hardened job applicant sweat. In a 49-minute conversation with journalist Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew dug himself a grave over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Months later, the prince stepped down from all public roles. You may remember it. That episode ofwas barely three years ago.
Excitement usually peaks with the casting. Which beloved British actor will be playing less well-loved royal/politician/WAG? There’s a surge of chatter when a on-set photo is released. People discuss whether it’s ethical to make art of real-life strife . There is always, always discussion about wigs. But this cycle is growing old. It was difficult to summon this level of tempered excitement for.
So it’s a question of quality. Having a fresh take. That requires reflection. Is there a right amount of time to wait before you dramatise real-life events? A little like dating after a break-up, you should probably wait until you learn a few new things . Otherwise you’re just rebounding. 2016’swaited two decades to take on the story. A follow-up series in that anthology,, recounted another ‘90s scandal: Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton’s relationship, and subsequent fallout.
Those shows worked because they they were unbelievable – not the events, but how society viewed them at the time. Could the justice system really work like that? Did we really publicly shame a teenager? .