Small Axe: Red, White and Blue

Alex Claremont-Diaz, portrayed by Taylor Zakhar Perez, attends the opulent royal wedding of Prince Phillip alongside his mother, the first female President of the United States, Ellen Claremont, played by Uma Thurman. At this extravagant event, he encounters the groom’s brother, Prince Henry, whose snobbish demeanor instantly rubs Alex the wrong way. The animosity between them escalates during the reception when Alex gets a bit too tipsy, leading to a fiery argument that culminates in a media-frenzy moment—falling headfirst into the wedding cake.

In an effort to manage the fallout from this incident, Ellen sends Alex back to London to smooth things over and pretend that he and Henry, acted by Nicholas Galitzine, share a lifelong friendship. Their forced camaraderie takes an interesting turn when they inadvertently find themselves trapped in a supply room at a school visit. Here, Alex’s true feelings surface; he confesses his disdain for Henry, whom he sees as arrogant and disrespectful. However, Henry’s heartfelt apology reveals his struggles with his father’s death, shedding light on the circumstances behind his seemingly aloof behavior.

An invitation to Alex’s New Year’s party stirs the waters further—initially declined by Henry, the prince later attends after some playful exchanges online. The party ignites a connection, but after witnessing Alex kiss other party-goers at midnight, a dejected Henry leaves abruptly. Alex pursues him, only to hear Henry voice his frustrations about being unable to date anyone openly. This heartfelt conversation culminates in a passionate kiss, awakening feelings they’ve both kept hidden.

As their relationship blossoms, it faces challenges, notably during a President’s Dinner, where they share another intimate moment. However, when a journalist leaks details about Alex’s efforts to flip Texas politically, it creates friction with his mother. In a moment of tension, Ellen ships Alex off to Texas. During a campaign trip to New York, they engage in another clandestine rendezvous in a hotel room. The affair is soon discovered by Zahra, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, which leads Alex to confess to his mother.

With newfound encouragement from Ellen, Alex invites Henry to Austin to confess his feelings. Unfortunately, Henry fears shattering Alex’s heart and flees back to London, leaving Alex furious. In a desperate bid to salvage their relationship, Alex confronts Henry with a bold ultimatum—either continue their affair or end it. After a romantic night in a park, Henry finally admits his feelings, and they choose to keep their love alive.

However, the joy is short-lived as their private emails are leaked, forcing Henry to cut ties. In a moment of courage, Alex delivers a compelling speech that inspires Zahra to utilize her connections to facilitate a phone call between the two. When Alex travels to London, they are met with a royal ultimatum regarding their relationship’s validity. Against the backdrop of public protests supporting their love, the couple bravely steps out onto the Buckingham Palace balcony together, showing their unity. Ultimately, Texas is flipped thanks to Alex’s hard work, ensuring Ellen’s re-election and a hopeful future, despite the challenges they face as a couple.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:39