He is also never able to really write anyone off, even those who openly deceive him, because he is so naïve (and probably insecure) in his new role. His bravado and arrogance belie a man fresh out of adolescence who enjoys the power and freedom of his position (he spends most of his time gallivanting in court and hunting with his friends), but doesn’t yet understand the weight of his responsibility.
Though The Tudors is historically inaccurate (the real King Henry was much older at this time in his life than the youthful Rhys Meyers would suggest), it is entertaining. The corruption and scandals of history are sometimes better than any contrived soap opera story line. King Henry is definitely a character everyone can agree to loathe, and the rest of the players are compellingly flawed and calculating, but not inherently evil. As the duplicitous Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the great Sam Neill is at once conniving and charming. Though his actions are reprehensible, I don’t have the same disgust toward him that I hold for Henry. Maybe it’s because I have such fond memories of his role in Jurassic Park. Regardless, he does a great job of being a corrupt church official (one of many in this series). Natalie Dormer, who plays the infamous Anne, is enchanting and mysterious; the viewer is never quite sure about her feelings for Henry (a vagueness that adds an interesting element to the show), but it is apparent that her motives are far from pure.
While most scenes are dramatic and captivating, there are a few unintentionally ridiculous moments in the first season that made me laugh out loud. For example, there is great tension in the court when Henry casts out his good friend, Charles, for marrying the king’s sister without permission. Their fight comes to an earth-shattering climax when Henry challenges Charles to … an arm wrestling match. No, not a duel or even a good old-fashioned joust—arm wrestling. The viewer is provided with close-up shots of their straining faces and clenched jaws so as to truly understand the gravity of the situation. I was on the edge of my seat, mainly because it seemed like a good time to take a bathroom break.
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