The Governor 6 - To the Death (Episode Six)

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1977

The final episode of The Governor offers a portrait of a once powerful man in fitful decline. An ageing Sir George Grey (Corin Redgrave) engineers a career comeback, but his 'radicalism' rubs Parliament up the wrong way while his obsession with his legacy isolates him. The story begins in Grey's mansion on Kawau Island, where the ex-Governor vents about New Zealand's direction. His political fortunes reignite but his inability to compromise seals his fate. Grey is also haunted by failed relationships and the many injustices suffered by Māori. Rewi Maniapoto (Wi Kuki Kaa) observes the "demon" in his old enemy's eyes.

When I look at you gentlemen, I see all the evils, all the inequity of this continuous ministry staring me in the face. Your parliament represents nothing but conservatism and property. Well, I say that the heel of the populace should be placed upon the doctrines of your kind and they should be ground into the dust! I will sacrifice everything, even life itself, to put an end to a system which deprives the people of their rights and liberties, and which turns ordinary men into the slaves of your ruling class.
– Sir George Grey (Corin Redgrave) marks his political comeback with a fiery speech