Henry VIII takes the fifth on ‘Tudors’

written by Arwen XI.IV

Showtime’s lush historical drama “The Tudors” opens its fourth and final season with a new queen. With Henry VIII as the groom, you wait for the ax to fall.
A five-episode arc tracks Henry’s (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) disastrous fifth marriage to teenager Katherine Howard (Tamzin Merchant).

Though Katherine shares the same fate as Anne Boleyn, this story doesn’t feel like a replay. Anne was condemned on false charges. Katherine was guilty.

As played by Merchant, she’s a 16th century version of Paris Hilton, a twit who would rather dance the day away. Middle-aged Henry (though you would scarcely know it from the makeup on Rhys Meyers) is only too happy to indulge her and practically buries her in baubles.

Katherine is doomed as soon as she accepts her coronet. She is no match for the courtiers around her, especially the king’s lusty and lustful groom Culpepper (Torrance Coombs). Culpepper, as depicted here, is a sociopath, willing to kill to satisfy his desires.

Also in the mix, Katherine’s ruthless uncle, the Earl of Surrey (David O’Hara), who clashes immediately with the powerful Seymour family led by Edward (Max Brown).

Next week, singer Joss Stone makes a welcome return as Anne of Cleves – a wife who survived Henry – and Henry reacts to her graciousness with something akin to seller’s remorse.

Rhys Meyers has always been this series’ weak link (imagine what co-star Henry Cavill would have done in the part), yet this season, he’s not nearly as frustrating, perhaps because series creator and writer Michael Hirst obviously has a deeper agenda in mind.

In addition to exploring the Reformation’s impact on London, he spins the story in the direction of the next generation. Sarah Bolger as Princess Mary has finally been upgraded to series regular, and you can see the intractability of the woman who would become known as “Bloody Mary.”

Henry’s final conquest, Catherine Parr, is to be played by Joely Richardson (“Nip/Tuck”). It’s a shame “The Tudors” is coming to a close. As Hirst has noted, there are generations of stories yet to tell.

Count on this series to end on a royally good note.

Season premiere tonight at 9 on Showtime.

Source: Boston Herald


April 11 2010 Articles The Tudors

Related Posts

  • Season I HD Screencaps – Gallery Completed! Finally all the HD screencaps from the Season I of The Tudors are online! Today I added episode 1.07 "Message to the Emperor",...
    March 18
  • The Tudors Season 4 – Episode Stills Finally I started to add some episode stills from the last season of The Tudors. Take a look! ^_^ [x005] The Tudors (2007-2010)...
    July 30
  • “The Tudors” Episode 4.07 – HD Screencaps Sorry this is late! Again -_- Over 350 HD Screencaps from the last episode of The Tudors have just been added to the...
    May 26
  • Comments are closed

    Mr. Cavill is an unofficial, non-profit fan site dedicated to Henry Cavill. We are in no way affiliated with Henry, or any of his representatives. All media, photos, trademarks, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. We do not claim ownership of the images used on this site, unless stated otherwise. No copyright infringement intended. If you need anything taken down, please do not hesitate to contact us. View our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.