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Jonathan Rhys Meyers said earlier this year that season 2 was
Natalie's season. He wasn't kidding. Natalie shines this
season in the role of Queen Anne Boleyn. But I would also say
that Jeremy Northam shines this season as well as Sir Thomas Moore.
The fourth episode of the second season of The Tudors really
displayed their strengths and that's what I'll be focusing on this
episode.
But a real quick recap
before I get in to those two? George Boleyn and Mark Smeaton
have apparently begun their relationship, George threatened Thomas
Wyatt (finally, someone does!), King Henry requires that everyone
take an oath - including that they will recognize Anne as the Queen
and their children legitimate heirs, Henry had a very awkward run-in
with his daughter Mary, we find out that Charles Brandon has a son,
we learn that Cromwell is rather good at shooting arrows and much
more. I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton.
But I was mesmerized by
two characters in this episode, as I mentioned.
 This
is definitely Natalie Dormer's season. She is bringing
tremendous strength to Anne. Last season we saw a young and
childish Anne. This season we've come to know a strong,
determined and loving Anne. Natalie plays this role to
perfection. I had never realized quite how expressive her face
is - but you can tell exactly what Anne is going through by the
emotion on her face.
This season is flying by
and it's hard to believe that next week is the halfway mark.
Given that we know the outcome and what will happen before the end
of the season - I truly wish there was a way this season could slow
down. It feels like every episode is 8 months to a year in
length. We're breezing by everything and sometimes I wish we
could spend a little more time with the characters. Knowing
more of the complexities of the relationship between Henry and Anne.
For example - I was
floored that Anne picked out a mistress for Henry. It broke
her heart - but she picked someone that she suspected he wouldn't
want to stay with long term. Still - can you imagine sending
your lady in waiting out on a date with your husband?
We also find Anne
pregnant again in this episode. If you know history - you know
how this ends up. But I won't spill the beans. Do a
Google search. :)
Anyways, bravo to
Natalie for a great performance this episode.
 Jeremy
Northam is also shining in his role as Sir Thomas Moore. He so
strongly believes in his faith and he will not be swayed - even by
the King. Considering how close their relationship was during
Season One, you know how tough this is for both of them. But
they are both committed to their beliefs.
We
all knew this day would come at some point. It was evident
even during last season. You knew at some point their goals
would be at odds with each other.
I
haven't seen the fifth episode yet, but I suspect that the outcome
of Thomas Moore's actions will have a very painful effect on King
Henry. Even though he can't have someone opposing him - I also
think they were very close and this is a tough thing for him.
He was first slighted by Moore when he did not attend Anne's
coronation. Now that Moore won't sign the oath? Of
course, in Henry's eyes, he has no other action that can be taken.
He has to arrest his former friend.
Northam's portrayal of Sir Thomas Moore has always been impressive. I was blown away by him in the first season and I
continue to be impressed in this fourth episode of the second
season. There is nothing showy about his portrayal. His
speeches never seem arrogant - they are that of a man who so firmly
stands behind what he believes.
Again
- given history we know where both of these characters end up.
I'm not ready to accept that outcome just yet. :) We can
change history, can't we?
(images are
copyrighted by Showtime Networks, Inc.)
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