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The Tudors is back and better than ever! It's hard to believe
it has been nearly a year since we last saw this brilliant show -
but it has returned with a vengeance. So much happened in this
first episode, I'm at a loss for how I'll squeeze it all in.
Let's try, shall we?
What was great about
this first episode is we're immediately updated on what has been
happening since the finale. Moore is conflicted - he is under
the direction of the King (at his demand, as we saw in the season
finale). But his feelings on Henry battling the Church are at
drastic odds with the King.
We
also learn that Henry is continuing his quest to become the Supreme
Head of England. The Archbishops declare that they will allow
him this role, so far as God allows.
We
are also introduced to the great Peter O'Toole as the Pope.
He's a fantastic addition to the cast. The King is, of course,
still seeking to annul his marriage so that he can marry Anne.
Interesting to hear the Pope inquire about whether there is a way to
get rid of her.
I
must mention that it taking nearly 20 minutes to see the lovely
Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn was far too long! Natalie has
really grown in to the role of Anne this season. She radiates
on screen. Jonathan Rhys Meyers also feels a bit more
comfortable in Henry's skin this season.
Back
on topic - Anne is still doing as her father requested and delaying
Henry's passions. Was anyone else a bit creeped out when her
father stepped out from behind the curtains? As you may recall
- I didn't like him last season and I certainly don't like him this
season. He's a puppet master.
And
not only that - but he's sinister. He recruits a cook to
poison several of the Archbishops. Maybe I'm missing something
- but they had already given Henry what he wanted. What was
the point of murdering them? What was interesting was that Sir
Thomas Moore was also at that dinner. By some miracle, he
declined the dish which was poisoned and made it through alive.
Did Boleyn know that Moore was going to be at the dinner? Why
would he want him killed? What purpose would that serve?
Moore
is highly troubled by the fact that four people were murdered and
that he nearly died himself. He questions the King. He
mentions that people think Mr. Boleyn was involved - even possibly
Anne. This infuriates Henry. Despite his anger, he
remains relatively calm in relation to Moore. Even when Moore
mentions that if the King turns a blind eye to the events - people
may think that he himself had blessed it. Did he?
The
cook was arrested for the murders and sentenced to be boiled to
death. Yuch. The death scenes just get more gruesome,
don't they? I found it fascinating that Cromwell was disgusted
(as one should be) with what was happening - but Mr. Boleyn just
stood there with a smug look on his face. I really don't like
that man.
 Back
to Anne, was anyone else a bit confused by the scene with her and
her former lover Thomas? There was no way she was cheating on
the King! It was revealed that it was a flashback - but we
also know with certainty now that she has been less than truthful
about her past to the King. She has certainly had relations.
I
loved the scene when Anne was introduced to Mark, the violin player.
She was flirting with him to make Thomas jealous, and it worked.
Clever girl.
Anne
is also furious with Henry that Catherine is still making his
shirts. I have to agree with Henry - how is that intimate?
Either way, he seems to realize that he needs to get Catherine out
of court. An unhappy Anne certainly doesn't make life easy for
him.
Catherine is still holding firm on her belief that her place is at
Henry's side. His behavior toward her - as we've seen for some
time - is heartbreaking. She so strongly believes it's her
duty to be the Queen of England. Maria Doyle Kennedy has
always been amazing as Catherine and she doesn't disappoint this
season. When Cromwell comes to pass along word that she is to
leave Court and return her official jewels - you have to applaud her
for standing up and saying no. She leaves Court with a
dignified grace.
And
before I close this first episode review of Season Two - I have to
mention the lovely Charles Brandon played by Henry Cavill.
Henry has always been very strong in the role and again I'm not
disappointed this season. We learn that his character is
married - I believe to a girl he met in the season finale last year.
He states that he will never betray her. But if there's
anything we've learned about Charles Brandon - it's that he's not
very good with being faithful.
Speaking of which - I loved the scene between Henry and Charles
where Henry was teasing him about not being able to stay faithful to
one woman. Does he have much room to talk? :)
And
finally - who was the shadowed figure in the robe who was plotting
to assassinate Anne? I tend to think it was the gentleman who
was named the King's new official Chaplain. Do you have a
guess? Let me know.
All
in all - a fantastic return for The Tudors. The costumes are
amazing, the writing is fantastic and the acting is superb.
I'm baffled as to how everything will get squeezed in to just ten
episodes this season! There is so much ground to cover - and
we all know where it ends. We're in for an exciting season,
that much is for sure!
Until next week
....
(images are
copyrighted by Showtime Networks, Inc.)
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