Mystery Review Monday: The Tudors

Stats:

• TV show, Showtime
• Cast- Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sam Neill, Katherine Howard, Joss Stone, Sarah Bolger, Henry Cavill,  Natalie Dormer
• Plot- The life and times of King Henry VIII.  Starts with his reign on the throne as a young man married to his dead brother's wife, Catherine of Aragon.

I'm currently on Season 2 of this show, and I can't wait to continue.  Anne Boleyn, played by Natalie Dormer, is fascinating to watch.  The viewer can't help but feel pity for Catherine, Henry's first wife, who he has little love for because she can't produce a male heir to the throne.  He parades his mistresses in front of her, especially young and attractive Anne.

I guess I didn't realize how much court scandal existed back then.  A man's word was easily swayed, alliances quickly broken between England, France, and Spain.  The Catholic Church, of course, was mostly corrupt, and Cardinal Wolsey, played by Sam Neill, is a character you love to hate.

There are several sex scenes and lots of skin, especially when it comes to females.  It's hard to believe fathers whored out their daughters to gain social status.  It was an honor to be invited to the king's chambers, even if just for a night.  What did those women feel like after?  Gross.

Anyway, this show tests your memory of British history, and I'm happy to say I recall a lot!  It helped that I lived in England for four years.  I would be interested to know which wife Henry loved the most.  At this point in the season, Anne is a clear front runner; then again, she's only Wife #2.

Glad I didn't have the pressure of only having a baby boy back then.  Then again, I probably wouldn't be royalty. Or have the pressure of giving birth to a boy who would become king. 

I'd give this show one and a half thumbs up (I could do with less female anatomy lessons, but hey-- still good).