A Tutorial on The Tudors

Published March 25, 2008

By Sally Weibe

I began watching the Showtime series The Tudors just as the writers’ strike had become an unyielding block in the winding road of television shows. I was craving a fast-paced and overly theatrical show to make up for time I had lost watching my few reliable dramas. I browsed my iTunes and downloaded the first season of The Tudors, having heard and read mixed reviews of it.

The show is set in Renaissance Europe during Henry VIII’s reign in England. With the Catholic Church in Rome ruling the majority of the Western world, it is up to Henry’s trusty advisor, Cardinal Thomas Wosley, to aid His Majesty in every aspect of his life. However, there are several key hindrances in the way of Wosley’s counseling. Henry needs a male heir, a divorce, and a new wife. Well, he does not exactly need the last two, but he aggressively requests it.

The first season follows Henry as he in turn follows his testosterone into the arms of Anne Boleyn, among others. Under the scrutiny of his wife Catherine of Aragon, other rulers, and the Church, Henry must govern England without disobeying those who preside over him, namely the Calvary in Rome.

The cast is a beautiful and flawless group of actors. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the antagonistic Henry, while Maria Doyle Kennedy plays his deprived queen Catherine. Kennedy is incredibly convincing as the pitiable wife who produced a son of Henry’s that later died. Meyers, on the other hand, seems an odd choice for Henry. While the intensity of his eyes resembles the hunger of any King, Henry was known for a much more unpleasant presence and appearance. Yes, he consummated relationships with many mistresses and wives, but he enlisted their help in his gratification. In contrast, Meyers’ character merely has to seduce his women with a stare.

The rest of the cast is an eclectic mix of members of court, cardinals, and rulers. Sir Thomas More, played by Jeremy Northam, is Henry’s diplomatic advisor and my favorite character, one I hope to see developed more in the upcoming season. Sam Neil plays Cardinal Wosley, Henry’s newly appointed consultant. Neil’s frozen look of seriousness is compelling as the sole vigor behind the thoughts of the King.
Natalie Dormer plays Anne Boleyn, the chief contestant to Catherine’s throne. Dormer was exceptionally well chosen, as her beauty is not only far from Catherine’s but also beyond that of her other female competitors. Henry Cavill plays Charles Brandon, Henry’s right-hand man and best friend. Gabrielle Anwar plays Princess Margaret.

If you are intrigued by the thought of a clever latter-day soap opera rampant with no holds barred sex scenes, tune in to the second season of The Tudors. The premiere is Sunday, March 30th, at 9 pm. I myself will be waiting until the show arrives on iTunes months from now, but until then I will just continue to replay the preview for the season on YouTube.

Print This Article

Comments