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Usually we get to enjoy ten episodes a season.  I was a bit shocked to learn that we only get two more episodes after this one - bringing the total to eight.  Wonder what the reason for the dip in episodes is? 

In this episode, Henry is back to his normal self.  Granted, his normal self is a tad crazy - but at least he's not locked in some room talking to the King's Fool. 

I have to give a huge thanks to everyone who emailed to let me know who the King was talking to in episode five.  I'm glad I wasn't alone in thinking that maybe it was a ghost - but several of you caught on to the fact that it was indeed the King's Fool.  A man who was able to speak to the King freely and openly without fear of repercussion (or execution).  Knowing this still doesn't help me understand why the man was laughing rather insanely at the end of the episode, but so be it.  It worked in terms of creep factor.  :)     

One element of the series I'm finding a bit confusing is the true feelings that Henry has towards Cromwell.  With Wolsey and Moore - we always knew where the King stood.  When his adoration turned to hatred, it was very clear.  With Cromwell - I have no clue.  The episode opens with Henry appointing Brandon the President of the Council.  This means that if the King is ever out of his mind again - that everyone will answer to Brandon, and not Cromwell.  Considering that the King made this move - I would assume that he's aware of the issues with Cromwell.  But I never can quite tell.

I found the scenes between Brandon and Henry to be very touching.  In the first season - these two young men were the best of friends.  Henry really relied on Brandon and for the past season or so their friendship hasn't seemed quite on the surface as it once did.  As they were discussing all the things they've lost (including the recent loss of the baby Brandon's wife was carrying) - I thought it was great when Brandon said that what they've truly lost is their youth.  And that nothing can ever bring that back.  Although these guys don't look it - they are middle aged men.  And along with everything else they're dealing with - they have to deal with that fact.  Maybe instead of going out and buying a Porsche they could pick up a new horse or something. 

The King's hatred for the Pole/Salisbury family has no limits.  As we've learned, there's a very real possibility that the Master Pole (Cardinal Pole's nephew) could be heir to the throne.  Henry can't have that - so he orders them all arrested on treason (including the six year old nephew!).  Mary begs the King to pardon Ms. Salisbury, as she helped to raise her, but her plea fell on death ears.  The entire family is executed.  Although it's not clear that the nephew was executed - I imagine he was.  Cardinal Pole is informed of the murder of his family and is distraught.  I loved that the older priest told him to more or less suck it up - that they all have burdens to bear.  The guy just learned his whole family was wiped out - but I guess the old guy doesn't have a lick of compassion in him.

Also in this episode, Henry - or more appropriately Cromwell - is on the lookout for a new wife.  Cromwell is definitely up to his own agenda.  He wants the King to take a protestant wife.  Even though there are several options in France - Cromwell secretively pushes forward the agenda for the King to marry one of the Cleeves sisters. 

I must admit that I'm a bit shocked by the build-up to seeing Joss Stone in the role of Anne of Cleeves.  It was nearly 50 minutes before we even saw her - and she was completely covered from head to toe.  I haven't yet watched the 7th episode - where she has a large part - but I'm hearing great things about Joss in the role. 

The other significant part of this episode is that Henry's leg continues to be a pain in the .... well, leg.  During a bit of an argument with Brandon - the pain becomes unbearable.  He's carried to bed - where he's in and out of consciousness for over a week.  Things are so bad that several people in court think the King has died.  Edward Seymour takes it upon himself to learn the truth - so he can report back.  He's aware things are bad.  He orders extra guards at his nephew's home and Brandon also orders extra security at Mary's home.  If the King dies - they are certain they will go after his family.

Brandon struggles with what to do to help the King and calls for the Surgeon's Barbers (surgical team) even though he knows the work they do may kill him.  He points out to Cromwell that if anything happens - he'll take the blame.

Luckily the King pulls through just fine.  To let his people know he's okay, he walks onto the balcony holding young Edward.

And finally - I think there was more set-up as to what's to come for Cromwell.  The King asked him point blank if he had any type of friendship with Jonathan Lambert, a man who is in the tower awaiting execution.  Cromwell tells him that no, he does not.  However - he immediately runs over to the tower to tell Lambert how to save his life.  Is it me or wouldn't this type of visit get back to the King?  Maybe they don't have a visitors log ("thanks for visiting the tower, please sign in!") - but surely it would get back to the King that Cromwell visited Lambert?  And not only that - but Cromwell goes to witness the man's execution.  Could he be any more obvious?  Or foolish?   

Misc. Thoughts

-  Sir Francis Bryan continues to raise the creepy factor.  He's just over the top.  Although I guess he was quite the ladies man - he's already back in bed with Edward Seymour's wife. 

-  I had quite a giggle when Mary was talking about Cromwell was the messenger of Satan and she'd give anything to strip him from the King's side and burn him.  She's usually so demure, it was a riot to see her all fired up. 

-  Too bad they didn't have frequent traveler's miles back in those days - all the paintings Holbein was doing of the potential wives of Henry, he could've racked up some serious miles!

Until next time!  Don't miss an all new Tudors next Sunday, May 17th at 9pm EST.   

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