You might say that i couldn't possibly comment which of these series did not star ian richardson as ruthless tory prime minister francis urquhart?

The series that did not star Ian Richardson as the ruthless Tory Prime Minister Francis Urquhart is "House of Cards" (US version), as Richardson was only involved in the original UK version. The UK series aired in the early '90s and is known for its political intrigue and dark humor, where Richardson's portrayal of Urquhart became iconic. The US adaptation, while similarly themed, featured Kevin Spacey in the lead role.