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This episode marked the halfway point for Season Three of The Tudors.  And I have to say it was not one of my favorite episodes.  I felt like we spent a bit too much time in Henry paranoia.  I think Jonathan did a fine job with the scenes - but it just felt like it dragged on forever.  And truth be told - I didn't feel the anguish that Henry must have been feeling.  It just seemed like he was losing his mind.

Henry, who is in pain over the loss of his Queen, has gone into seclusion.  I've been trying to make sense of why this loss is so powerful for him.  Because she gave him the son he had always desired?  Because she hadn't betrayed him?  In his mind - both Catherine and Anne had betrayed him.  So it was easy for him to cut them loose.  But Jane had been the perfect wife.    

While the King is in seclusion - the kingdom goes into complete pandemonium.  People are killing those close to people in the King's inner circle.  I'm not quite understanding of why all this bloodshed began - I guess people saw the opportunity with the King otherwise occupied?  But didn't the King have people to keep order?  It wasn't clear why things got so bad so quickly.  This appeared different from the rebellion, so what was the purpose?

While Henry is in seclusion - he only sees one person.  My guess for who the person is?  The ghost of his father.  That's the only possible guess I have for who that crazy person was.  The banter they had ... just struck me that it was his father.  I did love how the ghost taunted him though.  Particularly in relation to his previous wives - and about Anne losing her head.  Later, when they are playing a card game - I thought it was very witty that the ghost said he'd rather lose the game then his head.  The look Henry shot him was priceless. 

If this person is a ghost though - how is it that Cromwell was able to see him later in the episode?  If you know who this person was - please email me at tudors@tudorsonline.com and let me know.  I'm lost!

Henry is also in complete paranoia mode when it comes to his son.  He wants his home scrubbed with soap three times a day and also wants all food tasted before it is given to Edward - in case someone is trying to poison him.  Now granted, I understand he's the heir to the throne.  But isn't this a bit overboard?

Moving on from the craziness that is Henry for a bit - we learn that Mary has made it her life's mission to make sure that the memory of Jane is not forgotten.  She also mentions that she will be moving back out to the country and taking Elizabeth with her.  They are her family, she states, and she will take care of them. 

Mary is also now back on the marriage block - as there's no word about her Spanish suitor.  She jokingly mentions that she thinks it's her fate to not marry. 

Interesting note - I found it odd that Mary was inquiring about Sir Francis Bryan.  Please, dear goodness, do not let those two start something.  Ick.

Charles Brandon continues to struggle with the deeds he has done.  His wife is very unhappy to be carrying their child.  She feels that the child will be haunted by all the children her husband has killed.  She's very good at laying out the guilt trips, isn't she?

Also, I'm assuming from the progression of her pregnancy, this episode took place several months after the previous one, as she's almost due.  Hard to keep up!

Sir Francis Bryan is on the hunt for Cardinal Pole.  He almost has him - but the Cardinal escapes back to Italy.  Classic that he was stabbing the pillows.  Why did it take him so long to get a clue that there wasn't anyone in the bed?  Goof.

Bryan is also busted by Edward Seymour for sleeping with his wife.  Bryan goes to visit the young prince and Seymour is none to pleased.  He advises Bryan to stay away from his nephew and his wife.

I loved the scene with the three musketeers walking together - Lady Misseldon, Sir Francis Bryan and King Henry.  Is it me or does Bryan seem a bit bothered that he lost Misseldon to the King?  Anyways - Misseldon states that she is going to return to the country and live a simple life.  The King gives her his blessing - but lets it be known he wants to spend one final evening together. 

Also in this episode, it seems like we're getting set up for the downfall of Cromwell.  During the King's seclusion, Cromwell takes it upon himself to call together the King's counsel.  They are none too pleased and feel Cromwell is out of line.  Brandon and Cromwell get into a little bit of a spat, blaming each other for the violence, and the counsel walks out with Brandon.  The claws are out!

During the King's time in seclusion, he takes it upon himself to rewrite the Lords Prayer as well as the ten commandments.  Once he's back to his common senses (or not) - he has six new articles written which is what the Church of England will be based upon.  I thought it was brilliant how they flashed between the bishop reading the six articles as well as showing Cardinal Pole giving communion and Henry having his final evening with Misseldon. 

Cromwell is not pleased with the articles, though.  He feels that these are basically the guidelines of the Catholic church and that nothing has changed aside from Henry wanting to be supreme ruler of both church and state.  I couldn't help but wonder if these six articles will be what causes the demise of Cromwell. 

Misc. Thoughts

-  Did Henry really add the last line to the Lords Prayer?  Was that not previously there? 

-  I'm still anxious to know who the crazy "ghost" was.  His creepy laugh at the end was well .... creepy.

-  Is this the last we'll see of Lady Misseldon?  I enjoyed her part in the show.  If she is leaving, I wish she'd take that creepy Bryan guy with her though.  :)

Until next time!  Don't miss an all new Tudors next Sunday, May 10th at 9pm EST.   

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