The series follows the Tudor family, and for people who do not recognize that name, it is the surname of one of the most controversial, ruthless and intriguing leaders of England, King Henry VIII. Played spectacularly by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry VIII has prolonged battles as he breaks off from the Pope and Catholic Church as well as attempting to birth an heir.
The show stays situated in the court of Henry VIII, where lavish parties are thrown, deals are struck with foreign dignitaries, and plots of sabotage and revenge are shaped. Over four seasons, Henry transforms into a paranoid, fickle and heavyset king. Only seeking an heir, he distrusts anyone who stands in his path, divorcing, killing and hanging his wives. His third wife, Jane Seymour gives him the long awaited son, Edward VI. He also had two daughters, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary (aka Bloody Mary). Henry surrounded himself with brilliant men in his court, the likes of Thomas Cromwell (James Frain, now in The Cape) and Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill, set to play Superman in a new movie for 2012). Cromwell was sentenced to death for arranging the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleaves.
An epic undertaking, producer Michael Hirst, does a fantastic job showcasing the day to day emotions of Henry VIII's court, his attempts at complete dominance and his fight against the French and the Pope. Hirst turns a historical event into a modern day drama.
Bottom Line: While each episode is an hour, the show moves fast but keeps you on the edge of your seat. You will find yourself watching multiple episodes at a time, and wishing more seasons were made.
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