With Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Match Point, August Rush) as King Henry VIII, history is anything but boring. Then again, with six wives – two were divorced, one died and one beheaded – the writers did have a lot to work with. Viewers are able to watch the King rise from his happy youth to a troubled adulthood. The writers also have loaded the show with enough erotica to keep both men and women interested.
It is intriguing to watch relationships and alliances build and crumble. Allies one week become nemesis the next, and then bounce back to friend again. The three seasons span more than 10 years and it’s fascinating to watch characters grow and mature. The time span also allows for the introduction of new characters who keep the show fresh. Reason to watch each season
Season 1: Meyers is compelling as a king gaining his footing and power. Viewers become acclimated to the jockeying for position and status and learn how quickly the king’s favor can change. You will wonder who is truly in control of the kingdom. Maria Doyle Kennedy is fantastic as Queen Catherine of Aragon. Her performance as a devoted wife and a woman of faith is worthy of an emmy! Watch for a few memorable appearances by Gabrielle Anwar (Scent of A Woman).
Season 2: The king has gained his footing and is ready to rule with an iron fist and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Religious wars and wars for independence rage, while the quest for a male heir takes center stage. The second season of The Tudors basks in character development. Secondary characters in the first season take center stage. Although the cast is large, viewers get a real sense of growth in certain characters and an increased sense of greed in others. Guest appearances by Peter O'Toole (Caligola) as Pope Paul III will only increase your viewing pleasure.
Season 3: Find out who is truly in control, who keeps their wits and who loses their faith… This is the weakest season of the three, but viewers will be interested in following Henry’s potentially troubling flight.
Friend or foe, all characters should watch their heads. Creative liberties have been taken, but a quick google search shows that much of the information is both accurate and enthralling. Use these last days of summer to catch up on some "extracurricular" history before the school year begins ….
Published 8/26/09
Grade: Season 1: A+ Season 2: A Season 3: B
In The Spotlight: The Tudor's Cast Interviews
