Full of blood and ghosts and curses, murdered kiddies and a drowning in malmsey. As such it's consistently amusing! Always something going on, though it does drag in the middle a bit. Richard himself is convincingly nasty - certainly nastier than Richard II, but not nearly so entertaining I think (the characterisation of number II was excellent, a pure portrait of vacuous self-centredness). What I find difficult to grasp, though, is just how easily this nasty creature gets others to do his bidding. I mean, I know he's the king and fond of beheading, but still! "I killed your husband, but give me ten minutes to sweet-talk you and you'll marry me next!" "Hey you, want to slaughter some little boys? Alright! Let me know when you're done." "I've had your wee sons killed, how about recommending me in marriage to your daughter? Granted it seems like a bad idea now, but give it a few minutes, you'll come around..."

At least Margaret never went soft. No-one holds a grudge like that old horror - I was deeply delighted to see the wretched objects of some of her curses pleading with her to stay and teach them how to curse like that! Never change, Margaret. Never change...