Picking up after the shocking finale left the birthright of twins Liam and Eleanor (William Moseley, Alexandra Park) in jeopardy, this 2015-16 soapy sophomore season of the E! original series puts the reins (and reign) into the hands of the repulsive Cyrus (Jake Maskall), who isn't much bothered about his brother's first season demise, since it means that he gets to be on the throne. Celebrating by throwing money (featuring his own likeness) to commoners and eating royals-only delicacies (swans are generally otherwise prohibited), Cyrus learns that some things about the job are hard to swallow. The twins also provide entertainment: Eleanor embarks on a public affair with a woman (Sarah Dumont) who has ties with the princess's secretive sometime lover/bodyguard Jasper (Tom Austen); and Liam delves into the investigation behind the former king's murder, finding that the culprit is close to home. As always, Elizabeth Hurley is ice-cold perfection as the scheming Queen Helena (who gets back up after every fall with even more venom, smiling as only winners can when she viciously tells another character to “Enjoy cancer!”), while Joan Collins in a recurring role as the Queen's mum adds juicy diversion to the season. Hamlet it ain't, but The Royals is fun. Recommended. (J. Williams-Wood)
The Royals: Season Two
Lionsgate, 3 discs, 426 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99 January 9, 2017
The Royals: Season Two
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