The Hollow Crown is PBS’s latest attempt to mount a version of some of William Shakespeare’s “history plays” – specifically, the four-play cycle of Richard II (premiering tonight), followed by Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2 and Henry V. The last time public television presented all of these was in the late Seventies, when PBS and the BBC spent seven years televising all of Shakespeare’s plays. That cycle’s Richard II, made in 1978, starred Derek Jacobi in the title role. This new version, overseen by director Sam Mendes, stars Ben Whishaw of The Hours, in a version that also features David Morrissey of The Walking Dead, James Purefoy of The Following, and Patrick Stewart. The acting is impressive, the effort commendable – and the scenery, especially of the outdoor scenes, sems appropriately Shakespearean. Continues on subsequent Fridays. Check local listings.