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Earlier this year Jonathan Rhys Meyers (King Henry) did an interview where he talked about this truly being Natalie Dormer's (Anne Boleyn) season.  He was not off the mark in any sense.  The depth and strength that Natalie has brought to the role has been awe-inspiring to watch.  She has taken Anne from a rather immature and power-hungry temptress in season one to a woman of great character and strength in season two.  Last season you often wanted to smack her for how silly she was and this season you find yourself wanting to protect her and keep her safe.  What a difference a season brings.

As expected, this episode is the beginning of the end for Anne.  They arrest several people for committing adultery with Anne - her brother George Boleyn, Mark Smeaton, Henry Norris and William Brereton were all arrested.  Thomas Wyatt, her former love interest, was also arrested.  

Maybe I missed this earlier - but we now know that the person who was attempting to assassinate Anne all season was a man who would be charged with having an affair with her - William Brereton.  When questioned whether he had been intimate with the Queen - he at first looked perplexed.  And then stated rather matter of fact that he had.  Given that the history books I've read never state that this gentleman was out to assassinate Anne - I have to wonder why this was thrown in.  For dramatic purposes?

I was disgusted by the role that George Boleyn's wife played in this.  She hated her husband and I believe would have done anything to have him out of her life.  And considering the fact that she had gone to Anne seeking advice and Anne basically pushed her aside - I doubt she cared much for Anne's well-being either.  It's terrible how all these people with their own agendas had her (and the others) executed for their own purposes.  And for things that were not based on fact.  King Henry wanted to be free of her so that he could re-marry and have a son.  Cromwell wanted to be rid of her because he found her a liability and she hated him.  The wife of George Boleyn was vindictive. 

The people who truly cared about her bent only because they were threatened - her ladies in waiting in particular.  And poor Smeaton - who was tortured so badly that he admitted adultery just to stop the torture. 

Anne was charged with several counts.  I thought it was brilliant the way Natalie played the scene when the charges were read.  She had known for some time that this day would come.  You could see it in her hands when she was trying to sew - she was shaking.  I also found the scene when Anne was holding Elizabeth and begging the King for one more chance to be incredibly well done. 

When Anne was being taken to the Tower, I was struck by a scene in the first season - which also occurred in a rather cold and gray setting when Anne's father had persuaded her to do whatever she could to keep the King's interests.  We have come full circle.  It's amazing how quickly the Boleyn family rose to power and how quickly they fell.

As Anne was in the tower, awaiting her own sentence, she went through the agony of watching the execution of her brother.  I can't even imagine how horrific that would have been.  Knowing that your brother had been executed along with your close friend Mark Smeaton.  And knowing that you would also be in the same situation rather shortly.

Thomas Wyatt - who was also arrested - was interestingly enough set free.  And even he pointed out that he was the only one who was actually guilty. 

At the end of the episode - there is a poem that Thomas wrote which is read over the final scenes.  Here's the full poem, written by the real Thomas Wyatt.

Who list his wealth and ease retain,
Himself let him unknown contain.
Press not too fast in at that gate
Where the return stands by disdain,
For sure, circa Regna tonat.2

The high mountains are blasted oft
When the low valley is mild and soft.
Fortune with Health stands at debate.
The fall is grievous from aloft.
And sure, circa Regna tonat.

These bloody days have broken my heart.
My lust, my youth did them depart,
And blind desire of estate.
Who hastes to climb seeks to revert.
Of truth, circa Regna tonat.

The bell tower showed me such sight
That in my head sticks day and night.
There did I learn out of a grate,
For all favour, glory, or might,
That yet circa Regna tonat.

By proof, I say, there did I learn:
Wit helpeth not defence too yerne,
Of innocency to plead or prate.
Bear low, therefore, give God the stern,
For sure, circa Regna tonat.
   

Other interesting notes:

-  I'm still not a fan of the Jane Seymour character.  Maybe she'll grow on me over time.  It's quite possible I don't like her simply because I have thoroughly enjoyed the Anne Boleyn character.  Truth be told - I can not imagine this series without her next season.

-  Was it really necessary to see the baby at the beginning? 

-  It took a long time, but I finally dislike Henry 100%.  If he wanted to be rid of Anne and was seeking to have the marriage null and void - then their marriage was not valid.  One can not really commit adultery if not married - so why execute her?  What was the point?

-  I also found the scene between Henry and Charles where Henry is sobbing his eyes out and talking about the 100 men Anne had been with insanely insincere.  He knows that is not the truth - why is he carrying out such a show?  And with Charles - of all people.

Until next time!

 (images are copyrighted by Showtime Networks, Inc.)