DVD Review: The Tudors (Season 2)

The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn

Mar 15, 2009

In The Tudors (Season 2) Henry plans to divorce Katherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. He will do whatever it takes-even breaking from Rome.

Season 2 moves forward several years to 1532 including the religious turmoil of the Reformation. Henry [Jonathan Rhys Meyers] plans to annul his marriage to Katherine of Aragon [Maria Doyle Kennedy] so he can marry Anne Boleyn [Natalie Dormer]. Anne resents Katherine’s presence at court, especially when the latter is still sewing the King’s shirts!

The Tudors, once again, provides more drama, intrigue, and passion, but does not always stick to the facts. The series gives an insight into life at Henry’s court, including the spectacular costumes, festivities (including Christmas) and pageantry.

The Series

Henry appoints himself Head of the Church of England. The bishops are persuaded to recognise Henry’s authority, but they refuse to grant authority over the Pope. Bishop Fisher [Bosco Hogan] and Sir Thomas More [Jeremy Northam] oppose Henry’s plans.

Pope Paul III [Peter O’Toole] suggests assassinating Anne Boleyn to avoid displeasing both Henry and Katherine.

Katherine is pressured to relinquish her title as Queen but she refuses. Henry banishes Katherine from court. The people farewell Katherine as she leaves Whitehall.

Season 2 mainly focuses on Anne Boleyn’s rise and eventual fall. She is created Marquess of Pembroke. Henry marries Anne and she is crowned Queen. However, Anne fails to produce the much-longed for son so Henry seeks to rid himself of Anne. Meanwhile, Thomas Cromwell gathers incriminating evidence against her. Anne is beheaded in the season finale.

Creator Michael Hirst’s excuse: “Showtime commissioned me to write an entertainment, a soap opera, and not history, and we wanted people to watch it.”[i] He added changes were made to avoid confusion for viewers.

What Really Happened?

Henry’s and Anne’s courtship lasted seven years. Cardinal Campeggio arrives in England to determine the validity of Henry and Katherine’s marriage, but the case is referred to Rome.

Katherine was banished from court in July 1531. Henry’s outburst towards the messenger regarding the Queen’s goodbyes was also true.[ii]

It was actually Pope Clement VII, not Paul III, refused to grant Henry his divorce from Katherine, and excommunicated him. Clement was a prisoner of Charles V, Katherine’s nephew, whom he did not wish to offend. The real Paul III did not become Pope until 13 October 1534.

Bishop Fisher’s Cook added “some noxious white powder” to his master’s soup. Fisher became extremely sick, and the soup also killed some beggars at his house. Rumours claimed the Boleyn family were responsible, but no evidence supports this accusation.[iii]

Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, married his ward, Catherine Willoughby on 7 September 1534.

[2] Fraser, A, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London, 1992 (Seventh Impression 1993), p 178

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