Love, or duty?

That is the question Edward VIII asked himself, as the titular head of a great empire, facing the probability of another world war. This highly recommended Thames Television series shows that love can be a privilege, a luxury not available for everybody at anytime, which occasionally comes at a considerable cost. For the king of England the price was abdication and the loss of his throne.

Edward & Mrs Simpson invites us, not only to be a part of a romantic love story, but also into the royal household, with its variable social climate. It takes us back to the times we know about only from grandparents, history books, lessons and old photographs and shows them with great precision, respect and accuracy. Every detail is in place, making the effect of authenticity double, and gives us a taste of European history, younger viewers will not have experienced.

The most shining stars of the series are the actors, with the brilliant Edward Fox (The Day Of The Jackal, The Duellists, A Bridge Too Far) and Cynthia Harris in the title roles. Both the king and Mrs. Simpson, are played with a great deal of realism; they do not seem unnatural at any point.

Last, but not least, there is the music, which plays an important part in director Waris Hussein's vision. From the beginning, it is very original and makes its impact immediately, showing that it will be powerful and influential throughout, as well as beautifully conducted.

Edward & Mrs. Simpson is demanding on time and, to a certain extent, patience, but is worth every gilded moment. It deals with the common problem of love in a highly unusual situation, which adds to its interest and fascination. Placed in an exact period of history, between the wars, it gives us another chance to view the king of England's agonising decision, within a volatile international political atmosphere.

It asks each and every one of us: what would you have done? What would your choice have been?