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One of the things I've really enjoyed this season is the humor.  It is done in such a clever way and always seems to be things that really make me laugh out loud.  This episode it was Henry's response to someone requesting the hand of a Margaret Sheldon in marriage.  He looked confused for a moment and then said rather loudly - "Madge?"  I just loved his response.  It was very amusing the way Jonathan played it.

Speaking of which - I've heard that several of you were big fans of the Madge / Henry relationship.  I got several emails about the topic - and several of you were surprised that Henry went for a woman who did not appear his type.  I think Madge was great fun - and imagine that is why Henry enjoyed her so much. 

I've sung the praises of several of the cast these past few reviews so I'll refrain from doing so this time.  :)  But Natalie and Jonathan did a great job, AGAIN!  :P

What was very interesting this episode is it is very evident that the groundwork for Anne's execution is coming in to play.  People discussing that she's involved with witchcraft.  Her ladies in waiting observing her close relationship with her brother (and totally misreading it).  And King Henry is losing his patience with her - declaring that he can bring he down just as quickly as he brought her up. 

I also found the scene between Charles Brandon and King Henry to be quite telling.  Unless I missed it - I don't recall Anne ever demanding that Henry remove Sir Thomas Moore.  Although in season one it was rather evident he wasn't her favorite person - in season two I've not heard a bad word from her mouth about him.  Why would he tell Charles that it was Anne who was pushing him in to executing Moore?  Is he framing her?  Is he already putting in to motion her execution? 

Was there historical evidence that Anne was against Moore?  If so, please send me an email and let me know.  :)

Another element of this episode that I thoroughly enjoyed was that Anne's feistiness is back.  She has been somewhat subdued these past few episodes - but she was back in full force tonight.  I couldn't believe that she pointed out to the Admiral of France that her husband was off securing a mistress instead of getting the Secretary to introduce to Anne.  She cracks me up.  And calling Henry out on his indiscretions - a risky move, obviously.  And she pushed him too far.  But bravo to her for standing up for herself.  Did Henry seriously not know that he had a firecracker in Anne?  She wasn't going to sit quietly on the sidelines like Catherine had done.  In truth - he has no one to blame but himself.

Our forums have been full of discussion about the historical facts relating to The Tudors and I've been fascinated by the details in relation to Anne.  I had always assumed that she was hated by England and that no one cared when she was executed.  Head over to our forums and catch up on the thoughts and opinions of Tudors history buffs.  They are fantastic and can answer any questions you may have.  They've certainly been helpful to me!  

Moving on - I was surprised to see what a strong role Jeremy Northam played in this episode.  Granted, it was handled through flashbacks and a shaded figure - but the message was clear.  Henry is distraught that Moore was executed. 

And I know I'm in the minority on this one - but the scene with Jonathan in the nude seemed a bit out of place and just thrown in to please his fans.  Granted - the guy was in bed and thought he saw Moore standing at the window.  But was it necessary to see all that?  :P

Another scene that was a bit out of place was Anne's would-be assassin popping up.  There is no historical proof (that I've been able to find) that Anne was being targeted by an assassin.  Even still - putting historical inaccuracies aside - I find that storyline to be a tad too extreme.  We all know how Anne dies.  Must we see dream sequences of the assassin?  It just didn't make sense to me.  

I mentioned last week that it appeared the Charles Brandon we all love to hate was back.  Granted - he had an affair.  But his response was rather shocking.  He felt terrible that he had cheated on his wife Catherine (ps - is everyone on the show named the same thing as someone else?).  I wonder if Charles will truly learn his lesson.  He still seemed rather torn up over the event when he met with Henry late in the episode.  He also noted his wife was with child.  Maybe he did learn?

Another interesting part of this episode was the marriage of George Boleyn.  I didn't quite get what he was laughing at during his wedding - I'll need to go back and watch it.  It seems like he is rather smitten with Smeaton (hey, that almost rhymed) and was bothered by the fact he was getting married.  And why was he such a jerk to his wife on their wedding night?  I felt badly for her - she didn't want to marry him.  It seems she's on to his relationship with Smeaton.  After being forced in to the marriage and then having a jerk for a husband?  Poor girl.

It was also great to see Thomas Wyatt getting chewed out by Cromwell.  I'm not a huge fan of Cromwell - but I love it when someone puts Wyatt in his place.  :)

It appears from the previews for next week that the Anne/Henry lovers will be happy.  Our lovebirds reunite for one final episode of passion.  I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of the Anne/Henry relationship and I'll be sad to not see Natalie on the canvas next season.  But hey - at least we still have her for another few episodes!          

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