What do you think of the Showtime show, “The Tudors?” Do you think it is a great television series? Not quite sure how you feel about it? Keep reading for a comprehensive review of this much talked about TV show.
There are some that think that “The Tudors” makes for compelling television but there are also those who feel that it has many historical inaccuracies, and thus, not worth their time.
The Tudors is set primarily in 16th century England tells the story of England’s King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and his many marriages. This raunchy historical drama ran for four seasons, from 2007 to 2010, and was a rating success for Showtime.
The success of the show was due to Henry many trysts, a seemingly endless stream of beheadings, as well as lots of intrigue; similar to what Red Flush offers Canadian players.
It also tells the tale of the rise of the Protestant Church.
The first season of the Tudor revolves around King Henry’s fascination with Anne Boleyn and the effect that his affair had on England’s relationship with the Vatican. In the beginning of the season, Henry is married to Queen Katherine of Aragon. Katharine gives Henry a daughter, but he is disappointed because he wants a male heir. During a trip to France, Henry becomes infatuated with Anne Boleyn but she refuses to be his Mistress and has her eyes set on being the Queen. Thus, Henry tried to annul his marriage to Katharine but is met by opposition by the Vatican.
The second season begins with Henry still trying to get a divorce from his Queen so that he can marry Anne. Anne becomes pregnant and a new archbishop grants Henry’s wish for an annulment. This causes a rift in the relationship between England and Rome and many officials refuse to recognize the new marriage. Furious, Henry tries to force his subjects to sign an oath that recognizes him as the head of the English Church. However, many refuse to oblige and, consequently, are beheaded. Because of Anne’s inability to grant him the son that he’s always wanted, their relation becomes strained and Henry sets his eyes on Lady Jane Seymour. As a result of this dalliance, Henry decides that he wants to get rid of Anne forever and has her executed, leaving him free to marry Lady Jane.
The third season sees Henry and his court attempting to squash the rebellions against his religious Reformation. Jane is able to give Henry a male heir but she dies during childbirth. A despondent Henry mourns her death and marries Anne of Cleves, sight unseen; this is part on an agreement with the Protestant League. Unfortunately, problems arise early in the marriage and Henry refuses to consummate the marriage. As a result of all the drama, his marriage to Anne is annulled. At the end of season three, Henry starts to court Catherine Howard, a teenager.
The beginning of season four sees a marriage between Henry and Catherine. Unfortunately, Catherine soon beings an affair with one of the King’s men. Surprisingly, his relationship with Anne of Cleves begins to improve; largely because they are no longer in a forced marriage. After Catherine’s affair is revealed, she is promptly beheaded and Henry begins to lust after Catherine Parr, a married woman. To get her husband out of the way, Henry arranges for Catherine’s mate to be sent to the battlefield so that he can marry her. Pretty soon, Henry’s health begins to fade and the series concludes with him asking his daughters to take care of their younger brother upon his death.
