The Tudors

Has anyone else been watching The Tudors? It is a period television series based on the early reign of King Henry VIII. Although much of the plot is historical in nature, it has a large dose of soap opera drama and intrigue tossed in for good measure.

Season 1 revolves around Henry's growing rejection of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, due to her inability to provide him with a male heir. As he petitions the Catholic church to allow him to annul his marriage, he is embroiled in international turmoil, while having several affairs, siring an illegitimate son (who later dies) and courting Anne Boleyn. Anne, unlike the other court tarts realizes that Henry can eventually be manipulated to marry her if she plays hard to get.





Season 2 begins with the King basically declaring himself the head of the Church of England. This, coupled with his secret marriage to a preganant Anne, causes the Pope to threaten excommunication if he doesn't go back to Catherine. Anne quickly learns that her life as the Queen is not all it's cracked up to be when she gives birth to a daugther (the future Queen Elizabeth I) and Henry's eyes wander to Jane Seymour.

Season 3 begins tonight, but I won't be watching it as I am still working my way through the DVDs for Season 2.

Although the storyline is highly engaging, I must admit I watch for different reasons - the costumes, the jewellery and the sets. This show spares no expense to do it up right. The costumes are sumptuous works of art, the jewelry is jaw-dropping and the settings are exquisite. Click here for a collection of photos to see for yourself.