“The Tudors” Brings Henry VIII, Catholic Church To Life In Grand Style
I must use this space tonight to encourage my readers to travel back in time.
For the past week we have been literally spellbound by the epic story, the grand and lush cinematography, and precise script-writing of the Showtime series, “The Tudors”. Earlier this summer we stopped in at a friend’s home while he was watching a current episode of the series. While I had read great reviews of “The Tudors” back at the beginnng of the series (2007) I had never seen the show as we do not have that channel. As a history buff, and one who likes a credible and well packaged film, I was instantly struck by the grandeur of what was on the screen. The costumes were astounding, the production values at the top of what is possible, while the acting was flawless.
So off to the public library we went and after a couple weeks season one and two were piled by the DVD player. Season one was completed in three days, and season two will be wrapped up by this weekend. Since network TV is often a dark void this Showtime production has captivated our interests. In the middle of most episodes we pause the player and head to the computer to satisfy a curiosity and answer a question raised by the show. That is what a fine historical production should create among viewer’s; a thirst for more.
The period that King Henry VIII reigned was an intense time, and the actions of the Catholic Church in regards to the desire of the King for a divorce so marriage to Anne Boleyn could proceed is utterly fascinating. The historical accuracy of this period is breath-taking as we witness the King sever ties with Rome. The epistolary battle is one that will make all eyes stay riveted on the screen.
The only negative point that I have with the series is that at times the nudity seems gratuitous and more for ratings than plot. To me that is always a shortcoming, and implies a lack of creativity with those scenes. But since this is Showtime I am not surprised by the inclusion of what at times seems like soft-porn. As we noted several times if not for that factor these shows would be a great way to get high shool kids fixated on this time period.
Be that as it may this series if one that deserves time in your DVD player. I can only hope that the latest season is soon ready for home viewing from the library!
I loved the first two seasons of The Tudors also, and eagerly await Season 3 on DVD. I particularly admired the portrayal of Katharine of Aragon. It’s fashionable, these days, to join the renewed cult of Anne Boelyn, which I think is fueled in no small part by the excellent and compulsively readable books by Phillipa Gregory and Alison Weir. No complaints there, but as a Roman Catholic I find it refreshing to see a portrayal of Katherine as a strong woman deeply rooted in her faith.
I must advise caution, however, in marathon viewings for the sensitively-inclined – I overdosed on an extended Tudors fest and had vivid nightmares for weeks! I found it both emotionally and visually overwhelming at points. The episode that concluded with Thomas Moore’s death nearly did me in.
Season 3 comes out on DVD in late December, I believe.