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WOW!  If I could sum up this entire episode in one word - that would be it.  The performances in this episode were amazing - particularly the roles of Robert Ask, King Henry and Queen Jane.  I was almost moved to tears in the scene between Henry and Jane and also found the confession scene between Robert Ask and the priest spellbinding to watch.  Bravo to the entire cast.

At the start of this episode, we learn that despite the warm conversation shared between the King and Ask at the end of episode three, Ask has been found guilty.  He will be returned to York and hung. 

Ask accepts his fate, and even takes blame for what has happened.  He feels responsible for the people who have been killed or who have lost their land.  But he also admits to the priest that he was promised a pardon by not only Brandon but the King himself. 

Ask is taken to York and is hung for his "crimes".  A couple of things struck me while watching his execution.  First - why was there no one in the audience aside from Brandon?  Typically, the executions we've seen at the Tower in London have been full of spectators.  Granted, I realize this was on his home turf - but wouldn't that have been even more reason for him to have people there?  Supporters?  Or have all his supporters been killed?  I wasn't really sure.  Maybe they were kept from witnessing the execution?

The other thing that struck me was the stark contrast between this execution and the one that Anne had.  It really stuck out how well Anne was treated during her execution, all things considered.  She was able to walk to her death in regal clothing, was not pushed, etc.  Granted - I know she was the Queen.  But I can't help but wonder if Henry made certain that she was treated decently.

Charles Brandon has continued his murderous reign - this time killing dozens of innocent men, women and children.  He's doing exactly as the King commanded, and as he pointed out to his wife - he feels that by serving the King he is serving God. 

Although he is doing as commanded, Brandon is struggling with his role.  He's obviously tormented by what he has had to do and it's eating him up inside.  As if seeing all the people hanging wasn't enough - we learn that Brandon is also haunted by the ghosts of those he has killed.  While he's fishing with his son - he sees a man standing in the water.  The man, who had clearly been decapitated (yuch), is haunting Brandon.  What was troublesome to watch was how Brandon started screaming at his son.  "YOU SEE HIM!!!"  I'm sure he was trying to justify his craziness.

Random side note - interesting how everyone has grown up between season 2 and 3 (Elizabeth, for example) yet Brandon's son looks exactly the same as he did before.  Wonder if he'll grow up some more?

Also in this episode - we learn that Brandon's wife is pregnant.  But apparently not very happy about it.

Before we move on to Henry and Jane - I have to touch briefly on Sir Francis Bryan.  He's definitely the George Boleyn of this season for me - the guy I love to hate.  What was with him hooking up with Edward Seymour's wife basically in public?  And did Edward catch them between the curtains?  I couldn't really tell.  From the angle - it appeared that he could only see Bryan.  Thoughts? 

I also have to touch on how cute it was when Mary was being given a description about a potential suitor for her hand in marriage.  She's so innocent - but her eyes just twinkled when she was told he was handsome with blue eyes.  Too cute!

This episode really belonged to Henry and Jane though.  Over the course of these first few episodes, I've really grown to like them as a couple.  She knew exactly how to handle Henry.  She also knew how to get what she wanted - without having to throw a tantrum, like someone else we know.  She was understanding of who he was - and also understanding of his affair with Lady Misseldon.   

Jane seemed to know that something was wrong with her pregnancy.  Just before going into labor, she pulled Lady Misseldon aside and told her that if something should happen to her - she wanted her to comfort the King. 

Jane went into labor and things did not go smoothly.  At one point there was discussion about Henry having to make the horrific choice between saving the life of his Queen or the life of his son.  Henry was distraught - it was very evident of his love for his wife. 

The choice did not have to be made, however, because Jane gave birth naturally to a son they named Edward.  I was a little baffled that when Henry was told the good news, he didn't inquire as to Jane's health.  Considering how worried he'd just been about her - I was expecting the question.  I guess because she delivered naturally, there wasn't cause for concern?

Jane and Henry share a brief moment with their son and then he is christened.  Jane was not at the christening.  Was this normal?  Or was it the first sign that things were not well?  According to the history I read online today, she was in attendance.  But why was she not shown in the episode?

We quickly learn that Jane is not doing well.  She has a high fever and her doctors say that she is not going to recover.  Henry banishes everyone from the room to spend the last few moments with his beloved Queen.  He begs her not to leave him - begs God to spare her.  "Her son needs his mother and I need my Queen".  Truly gut wrenching to watch.  Jonathan did fantastic in this scene ... you could feel every inch of pain that Henry must have been going through.  The way he was looking at her hands - as if he was taking everything in for the last time.... just beautifully done.

Jane succumbs to her illness and passes away.  The last scene was another beautiful shot of Jane laying in wake, with Henry distraught at her bedside.  We see in the sneak previews that he vows they will someday lay together again.

Misc. Thoughts

-  How cute were Mary and Jane in bed discussing their new brother?  I couldn't hear it entirely, but it sounded like Mary mentioned him being the next King and Elizabeth stating she didn't think so.  Considering how their lives played out - I thought this was a very cute dialogue between them.

-  I mentioned this in the forum, but does anyone else think that Annabelle Wallis, who portrayed Queen Jane, resembles Princess Diana?  There were also certain scenes in the show where her mannerisms reminded me a lot of Princess Di.

-  You all know I'm a huge Henry Cavill fan, so I have to mention how great he looked in the slow motion shot riding horses.  Go Henry!  :)

Until next time!  Don't miss an all new Tudors next Sunday, May 3rd at 9pm EST.   

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