The Hollow Crown's "Henry IV (Part 2)" - The Rise to Kinghood

Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston) transitions from mischievous prince to noble King.

Previously, on The Hollow Crown...

At the end of Henry IV (Part 1), we saw that Prince Hal had made the decision to cast aside the misbehaviour he had developed a reputation for, and prove himself worthy of the throne to not only his father but the entire kingdom. In Henry IV (Part 2), he struggles with the growing pains of making these changes and finds himself between two worlds incompatible with one another.

Move on up

In an early scene, we find Prince Hal (glistening) in a steam room after the battle in which he killed Hotspur. He expresses concerns about having contact with such lowly common folk, including Poins, to whom he is speaking. Poins does not seem particularly phased by the insults, perhaps as a result of conditioning to abide by a social hierarchy in which Hal is vastly high above him. This disregard for the common folk he once treated as friends may be seen as a symptom of his transition into the elitism of nobility.

Following this, Prince Hal and Poins proceed to visit the Boar's Head Tavern in order to play yet another prank on Falstaff. They decide to spy on him, and eavesdrop on his private conversations. The prank seems to echo the events in Henry IV (Part 1), but the outcome is drastically different. What they overhear is Falstaff speaking ill of Hal. Instead of ending in cheerful banter, and shared drinks, the confrontation further strains the relationship between Hal and Falstaff. This stark contrast from the previous instalment demonstrates the progression and evolution of Hal. Hiddleston is presented with an opportunity to emote in a far more serious manner, which he delivers magnificently.

Burning out

At the start of Henry IV (Part 2), we see Falstaff reaping the benefits of his false claims of killing Hotspur. Not only are his clothes lavish, but he has gained a page boy to run errands on his behalf. His character has not improved, though his ego has perhaps been further inflated. When Mistress Quickly attempts to get Falstaff to repay the debts that he owes her, not only does he maneuver his way out of being arrested, he is able to coax her into lending him even more money.

This is the final instalment in which we see Beale's brilliant portrayal of Falstaff and the character is even more dynamic than in Part 1. From the usual robust lines and quick puns, to his surprisingly tender interactions with a prostitute named Doll Tearsheet, to the demise of his status, place in the kingdom, and relationship with Hal, Beale delivers a diverse and dynamic performance well-deserving of being immortalised on film.

Before one King rises, another must fall

Another performance that comes to a close is that of Jeremy Iron's Henry IV. The King's dialogue largely refers back to events from Richard II. Northumberland was once a friend of Richard's, before aiding in Henry IV's seizing of the throne. But just as Richard had prophesied, the tables have turned. Northumberland has turned against Henry IV, and now all of the guilt and weight of past transgressions are catalysing the decline in the King's health. Iron's performance is raw and powerful, showing a fear of death and a desire to leave a lasting legacy.

Arguably, the most emotionally potent scene occurs after Prince Hal pays a visit to his father and falsely believes him to be dead. After expressing some touching sentiments, he takes the crown, and sits on the throne with the crown atop his head. His father's apparent death sinks in, and he breaks down into tears. In that moment, we see that the power a crown brings cannot compare to a child's loss of a beloved parent. Hiddleston brings forth a gravitas that is further built upon in the final instalment, Henry V.

The complete series of "The Hollow Crown" is already available for DVD purchase.

Previous post on Richard II:
http://www.museled.com/2013/09/the-hollow-crowns-richard-ii-triumph-in.html

Previous post on Henry IV (Part 1):
http://www.museled.com/2013/10/the-hollow-crowns-henry-iv-part-1.html

Richard II is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website till October 18:
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365083796/

Henry IV (Part 1) is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website till October 26:
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365088720/

Henry IV (Part 2) is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website till November 5:
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365090800/