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Bravo to Showtime for a wonderful season finale of The Tudors.  I went in to watching this episode with a huge sense of dread.  I knew this would be Natalie's final episode in the role of Anne Boleyn and I was not eager to see the ending.  They handled her execution with grace and dignity - much the same way Anne handled her death sentence.

I could sing Natalie's praises all day for her work in this episode.  It has been wonderful to see her growth as an actress and her comfort in Anne's skin as these two seasons have progressed.  Although Anne has still been prone to her little tantrums now and then - she has also displayed great character and strength.

Watching Anne prepare for her death only further displayed her strength and resolve.  She was accepting of her fate - even though she knew the charges against her were false. 

Unfortunately her execution was delayed multiple times due to issues with the executioner's travels.  In one weak moment - Anne wonders if these delays are a sign.  If the King is testing her and she's really meant to be sent to a nunnery.  It's pure anguish to watch that scene - because everyone, even Anne in that moment - knows that's not the case.  Can you even imagine how hard that must have been?  To keep preparing yourself for death and then having it delayed?

What was great this episode was to still see a lighthearted side of Anne.  When she was joking about her little neck or telling stories to her ladies in waiting about her days in the French court.  Considering what a tough time she was going through - I was wonderfully surprised by her demeanor.

Elsewhere in England - the King has had his marriage to Anne declared null and void.  Which leaves him free to marry once again.  He has chosen Jane Seymour as his next wife.  I find her incredibly boring - but we'll see how that plays out next season.  I was a bit surprised that she was strongly pushing for Lady Mary to be given first placement in the line of succession.  It seemed odd and out of place.  I understand why she wouldn't want Elizabeth first in line - but why Mary?  Why not their own children?

Speaking of Elizabeth - I found it rather amusing that people were calling her a brat.  She's three years old.  And has lived a life of entitlement since birth.  What child wouldn't be a bit snotty?  Elizabeth is stripped of her title and is now considered a bastard.  Sad news definitely - but considering who she becomes later in life, it doesn't have the same sting.  She's meant for greatness.

I was a little shocked by Lady Mary's attitude this episode.  Wishing death on someone?  Granted - I know she hated Anne and blamed her for everything that happened to her mother.  And she had a right to feel that way.  But wishing death?  Struck me as odd.

Back to King Henry.  Each episode there is a scene where I literally scream at the TV - "What a jerk!"  This episode was no different.  He was highly upset that Anne's execution kept getting delayed.  He screamed at Cromwell and was rather violent with him that they get another executioner and get it done ASAP.  Cromwell walks away - rather disgusted - and the King comes running out in the hall.  And he says:

"I said postpone it [the execution]!"

Writing about it now makes me a laugh a tad - but man, what a jerk.

Also - I was wondering what the significance of the swans was.  They were featured prominently this episode.  Initially I was assuming it would somehow be tied to the fact that swans are known to pick mates for life.  I was wondering if it was symbolic to the fact that it's something Henry can not do.  I was appalled when towards the end of the episode they brought out this decorative tent and placed it in front of Henry.  At first I was praying it wasn't Anne's head (eep!) - but it was one of the dead swans with a baked good in its back.  Hmm.... 

We then see Henry digging into this thing with the food running all down his mouth.  Gluttony, anyone?

And finally we get to Anne's execution day.  Her father has been let go - but not after getting roughed up by Charles Brandon.  Had to give Brandon credit for asking him what everyone has been wondering - was all this worth it?  Was it worth the executions of his son and daughter?  Tellingly - Thomas Boleyn had no answer. 

The scene when Anne sees her father through the window and waves at him is heartbreaking.  She truly loves him - and all he can do is turn his head and walk away.  He barely even acknowledged her.  Why was he such a jerk?

I was very happy with the way they handled Anne's execution.  I do not know that I could have handled seeing her place her head on the chopping block and have it cut off.  We see flashbacks to when Anne is a child.  She is being swung around by her father and she's giving him a huge hug.  She gives a speech that is unbelievable.  Instead of criticizing the King for his errors in judgment and falsely accusing her of crimes she didn't commit - she asked that they pray for him.  And mentions what a great King he was and how kind he had been to her.  Although I wouldn't agree - it was admirable that she spoke positively of him.

And with that, Anne looked up and saw birds flying.  We see a final shot of Anne's beautiful eyes and know that she's executed.

A touching end to an amazing season.  Bravo to the entire cast and crew for keeping us spellbound the entire season. 

And goodbye to Natalie - she'll truly be missed!

Until next season!

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