'Very Royal Scandal' v/s 'Scoop': Comparing Prince Andrew's interview dramas
What's the story
The infamous 2019 interview of Prince Andrew with journalist Emily Maitlis on Newsnight has inspired two separate dramatizations: Netflix's Scoop, and the recently released A Very Royal Scandal on Amazon Prime Video.
While both series recount the same event, their interpretations and portrayals differ significantly.
We compare these two adaptations, focusing on their representations of key characters, narrative focus, and depiction of crucial scenes.
Key characters
Character portrayals in both series
In A Very Royal Scandal, the key characters are portrayed by Ruth Wilson (Maitlis), Clare Calbraith (Sam McAlister), and Michael Sheen (Prince Andrew).
On the other hand, Scoop features Gillian Anderson as Maitlis, Billie Piper as McAlister, and Rufus Sewell as Andrew.
While both Wilson and Anderson effectively capture Maitlis's mannerisms, Wilson's vocal portrayal is more accurate.
However, Sewell's heavily prosthetic-enhanced appearance makes him a more convincing Prince Andrew than Sheen.
Maitlis portrayal
Differing depictions of Maitlis
A Very Royal Scandal provides a deeper insight into Maitlis's life off-camera, portraying her as perpetually flustered and busy.
The series shows her arriving late for the interview at Buckingham Palace and using toilet paper to dry her sweaty armpits in the restroom.
In contrast, the Netflix series presents the journalist in a more composed and calm manner, always impeccably dressed and seemingly unflappable.
McAlister focus
Contrasting focus on McAlister
While Royal Scandal centers around Maitlis's perspective, Scoop is primarily focused on McAlister.
The series depicts her as the driving force behind securing the interview, conducting late-night research into Prince Andrew and his friend, sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's relationship.
However, in A Very Royal Scandal, McAlister only appears briefly, with the credit for establishing the Epstein-Andrew link going to Maitlis and Stewart MacLean, Newsnight's deputy editor.
Pre-interview scene
Different portrayals of pre-interview meeting
Both series depict the crucial pre-interview meeting between Maitlis, McAlister, MacLean, Andrew, his secretary Amanda Thirsk, and his daughter Beatrice. However, their portrayals of this scene differ significantly.
In Scoop, the meeting takes place around a large dining room table with both sides maintaining a professional tone. The series shows McAlister as the key figure in persuading Andrew.
In contrast, Royal Scandal presents this scene in a smaller office setting with Maitlis taking a more playful approach to convince Andrew.
Interview preparation
Differences in Andrew's interview preparation
Both series depict Andrew's interview preparation, but their portrayals differ.
Scoop shows Andrew practicing his responses with Thirsk and Beatrice, while Royal Scandal presents him rehearsing alone.
The latter also includes a scene where Andrew asks Maitlis, McAlister, and MacLean if they have ever been abused, a question not featured in Scoop.
Notably, both series also depict the aftermath of the interview, but their portrayals differ.