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This episode really focused on turmoil - the turmoil between Cromwell and everyone, the turmoil that both Anne and Henry face, and the turmoil going on with potential war against England.  Even Brandon got involved in the turmoil - his wife is still upset with him, missing her sweet Charles.  I'm not sure sweet would've ever been a word I'd associate with him - but so be it.  Turmoil is everywhere in episode seven.

The episode starts with Cromwell and his turmoil.  He knows how crucial the marriage of Anne of Cleeves and King Henry is to his survival.  Little does he realize that if he hadn't pushed so hard on this marriage - for his own purposes - his head may not have been on the proverbial chopping block so quickly.  But Cromwell throws caution to the wind and asks artist Hans Holbein to fudge the beauty of Anne when he goes to paint a portrait of her for Henry. 

There's also potential turmoil for England - as there is a possibility for war between England against France and Spain.  Cromwell pushes that if Henry marries Anne, he'll have the financial and military support of Germany.

I loved when Cromwell was raising the concern about war - Brandon jumped up and stated that he already knew about it and was on top of things.  Nothing like putting Cromwell in his place!  

Henry is presented with Anne's painting and finds her very pleasing.  He agrees to the marriage and the ambassadors return to Germany to bring her back.  Henry has agreed to forfeit the dowry and will pay a stipend for Anne.

But not everyone is happy with the King's choice in a wife.  Mary, the King's eldest daughter (and also a Catholic), is very upset with the King picking Anne, a protestant.  Mary's not usually one for terrible thoughts - but she even wishes that Anne drown at sea.  She's getting quite spunky in her old age!  :)

Brandon and Seymour have also patched up their differences due to their shared desire to take down Cromwell. They are in support of the marriage because they know if it doesn't work out well, Cromwell will take the fall.

Brandon is dispatched to Germany to bring Anne to England.  Brandon found the presentation of Anne rather amusing.  She's still covered in dark clothes and veils, so no one can see her.  It was hysterical when Anne asked Brandon to show her all the things the King loves.  The look on Brandon's face was priceless.  We all know what the King loves in relation to women.  Instead of teaching her that particular skill - he teaches her to play cards.  Oh boy, this isn't going to turn out well. 

Henry, however, is very eager to meet Anne.  He states that he must possess her - but is worried he won't be able too.  He speeds up his meeting with Anne by rushing to her temporary home.  But when Henry sees Anne - he's not pleased.  He does kiss her, but leaves abruptly.  I also had to laugh when she said that she have taken more lessons from the Duke (Brandon).  She's very aware that the King was not happy. 

Henry storms back to court and yells very loudly - in front of everyone, including Cromwell - "I like her NOT!".  Once in private with Cromwell - he tells him that he has been deceived and she looks like a horse.  Cromwell tells her he must marry her or Germany may join France & Spain in war against England.  Henry declares that he is not well handled.

While we're on the topic of Anne's looks - I have to say that it's a bit weird to hear Henry screaming about how ugly she is.  Because Joss Stone is not ugly.  Even plain Jane with no make-up, she's not ugly.  And in reality - at this point in Henry's life, he was very undesirable.  So at times, it's strange to watch this episode and see an Anne who's not very ugly and a King who looks nothing like he did in real life.   

Henry is trying desperately to get out of having to marry Anne.  Cromwell states there's no other option - and he apologizes if the King is displeased.  Brandon points out to Henry that perhaps Cromwell has overstepped and finally - the King agrees.

Despite Henry's objections, the wedding goes on.  The look on Cromwell's face during the ceremony is priceless.  I think he finally realizes this may be his downfall.

Anne and Henry spend the start of their wedding night playing cards with a full audience.  Henry dismisses everyone and joins his wife in bed.  It's very uncomfortable.  They don't consummate the marriage.  It almost looked like Henry wanted to confront his upset wife, but he didn't.

Cromwell speaks to Anne alone and warns her against antagonizing the King.  He states that their lives depend on it.  He also advises her to get pregnant.  But she wonders how she can get pregnant when the King won't be with her.  She also notes that she's repulsed by the King's leg wound.  But she will do what she can to be agreeable to the King.

During a discussion with one of her ladies in waiting - Anne asks "If I can not please the King, will he kill me?"  She gets no response from Lady Bryan - but the sad answer is yes, he may. 

Anne and Henry try one more time to consummate the marriage but again are not able to.  Henry's leg is giving him much pain and he's beyond frustrated. 

Although these types of arranged marriages were common back then - I have to imagine this was tough on Anne.  She was repulsed by Henry but probably also distraught that he didn't want her.  She was away from her family for probably the first time ever and completely on her own.  I can't imagine how difficult all of it must have been for her. 

Misc. Thoughts

-  When Anne arrived at court, both of Henry's daughters were there.  Where was his son?

-  Why in the world would Bryan think that Pole would be at a brothel?  Of course he's at church praying.  I also don't understand why he's so hell bent on taking down Pole.  Granted, I know it's the desire of the King.  But it seems like Bryan would be doing this even if the King hadn't asked him to handle it.

Until next time!  Don't miss the season finale of The Tudors next Sunday, May 24th at 9pm EST.   

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