“The Tudors” Returns for Its Third Season
by Altaira on Apr.11, 2009, under Television, The Tudors
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is back as Henry VIII. ***Spoilers ahead if you don’t know your royal history!
The Tudors is back and just as good as ever. Judging by the first episode, it will continue to deliver a visually stunning and beautifully acted third season. In the first episode, Henry VIII makes Jane Seymore his new queen, and a rebellion rises to save England’s Catholic churches. Things to look forward to in this season (if you know your history): seeing more of Henry’s daughters as his new queen mends bridges; Joss Stone playing Anne of Cleves in a short lived marriage; the delivery of the king’s first son (that can take the throne); and all sorts of sordid court intrigue along the way.
I really liked this first episode, mainly due to the quality of the new characters. One of the many talents of this show is its ability to seamlessly bring new characters into the story as though they’ve been there all along. This comes in pretty handy since most of the roles are short lived, due to the drama of the show. We’ve had beheadings, disease, murder, and suicide take out their fair share of characters.
So who are the newbies worth mentioning? My favorite so far is Alan Van Sprang who plays Sir Frances Bryan. Or as I will call him from now on - Cutie McEyepatch. This manly addition is sure to keep the sexuality of the show boiling over now that Anne is gone. Sir Frances historically is credited with lining up many of the Kings extramarital affairs, and in the show he has bragging rights for prompting the first nude scene of the season (not him though).
Another strong addition this season, is Annabelle Wallis playing Jane Seymore. Jane is a stark contrast to the beheaded Anne Boleyn. While Anne was a sexy temptress, Jane (while sexy) is more of a Tudor Stepford wife – polite, demure and seemingly weak-willed, a queen who knows her place and will keep her head (so to speak). I’m not sure how many episodes Annabelle will be around (Jane dies days after childbirth) and Joss Stone is already announced as the 4th wife of Henry.
The Exorcist‘s Max Von Sydow is joining as the go-to church guy. And there will surely be plenty of religious problems now that Cromwell is knocking over churches like 7-11s.
Once again, a very promising start. I’ve loved the previous two seasons and don’t expect to be disappointed by the third.
