|
|
|
Jonathan Rhys Meyers in "The Tudors"
courtesy of SHOWTIME
|
“The Tudors” (SHOWTIME)
Season three of “The Tudors” kicks off on SHOWTIME this month. The further tales of Henry VIII comes roaring back and the production is as opulent and enthralling as ever. This series has taken a portion of England’s history and made it into fascinating entertainment. It helps that this is not some dry history recitation; but is a steamy, sexy romp through one of England’s most dynamic periods.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is again near perfection as the lusty and troubled Henry. At the start of the new season he is newly rid of second wife Anne Boleyn and is in preparation to marry Jane Seymour (Annabelle Wallis). He has broken with the Catholic Church and is free to do whatever he wants.
He has two daughters – Mary (Sarah Bolger) by his first wife Catherine, and Elizabeth (Claire McClauley) by Anne Boleyn. He has declared them illegitimate and sees little of them. His future wife, Jane, wants to reconcile them with their father and perhaps lead Henry back to the Catholic Church. Henry truly loves Jane and hopes she will give him a male heir.
The focus in this season’s chapters is on the political world that Henry inhabits. There are mistresses and love affairs but the main thrust of the season is the unhappiness of Henry’s subjects and their subsequent rebellion. Henry tries to squelch these outbreaks and does it with heartlessness.
Once you start watching this new series of shows you will be hooked. This season is just as addictive as the first two have been. Rhys Meyers, Wallis, Colm Wilkinson and James Frain all add superb performances to make the show compelling entertainment.
“The Tudors” is entertainment that educates. By the time this series has run its course you will have a complete picture of the days of Henry’s rule. You will also have been exposed to moments of cruelty, heroism, passion and intrigue. It is all included in the patchwork that makes up the Tudor years.
SHOWTIME has found a series that is as impressive as any other show has ever been. It promised to be special when the word “special” is overused these days, and it has delivered. It is rare when a series this well done is presented with such depth and longevity.
So be front and center at your television set when “The Tudors” races back for another glorious year on April 5 at 9PM. It will air exclusively on SHOWTIME and this one series alone is worth the price of getting this excellent premium cable network. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
©2009 Jackie K. Cooper |
|
Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!
|
