The Tudors

[angelaudie]

Anne of Cleves--it was not a love match. He married her to strengthen foreign relations, picked her b/c she "wasn't so ugly" then when she got there she appalled him. I don't think it was ever consumated.

Yeah, historians believe it wasn't consummated either. Even if it was Anne, rather wisely, agreed to say it hadn't been so Henry could divorce her. Though supposedly Henry and Anne remained friends after the divorce. I must admit I've seen paintings of Anne and I really don't think she was nearly as ugly as she was made out to be. Besides, Henry wasn't exactly stud by this time himself.

Katherine Howard--was in love with (again correct me) a gardener? Basically she was sold to Henry as a virgin, and then out came the truth that she wasn't and was cheating on Henry. She, and many members of her family were beheaded.

Oh Katherine was not a virgin when she married Henry. Who knows if Katherine was really in love with Culpepper or if she was just so (understandably) repulsed by Henry that she sought attention elsewhere. I do have issues with her being considered a bimbo. Yeah, she wasn't the brightest of the wives but she was a young girl pretty much thrown into a rather toxic situation. Fun fact- Katherine and Anne Boelyn were cousins.

I wonder if the show ever intends to address the fact that Henry gets pretty overweight. By the time Anne's head was cut off Henry was starting to resemble the Henry we think of today. If they stick to what Jonathan Rhys Meyers looks like now Katherine's affair will not make much sense.

[Peggy Lane]

They've said they aren't fat suiting JRM. Maybe they'll just really sell the crazy out of his mind angle? Open, smelly, infected wound on leg that will never heal might also work.

[Augustus]

Yeah, I agree. The marriage between Henry and Katherine of Aragon would have been interesting, since by all accounts it was a loving relationship. Not to mention they were married for nearly 25 years, when he decided to end things to get that all important male heir.

Depicting their life together would be far more interesting, since nearly all Henry VIII stories are based around the divorce, Anne Boleyn and all the other wives hereafter. Of course, it isn't as "exciting" as the last days of their marriage.

[Wol]

Apr 8, 2009 3:47:47 GMT -4 kateln said:

Jane dies in childbirth--giving Henry his only son. Really that's all there is to say about her. Oh, and she's the one buried next to him.

Catherine Parr--was a widow, as smart as Anne, and came pretty damn close to losing her head a time or two. Outlived Henry and married someone else after his death.

Jane's brother Edward became Lord Protector after Henry's death and essentially ruled England until King Edward VI died. Jane and Edward's brother Thomas Seymour married Katherine Parr after Henry's death and was involved in several fun scheming self-serving plots, including putting Lady Jane Grey on the throne and conspiring with the Princess Elizabeth to kidnap the King; Elizabeth was not involved, Thomas was, and was executed for treason, followed by his brother who fell out of favor after Mary came to the throne and was tainted by the family ties to Thomas and the dead king. Thomas and Elizabeth had a complicated and flirty relationship that is well documented, and many historians believe that this first unpleasant romantic experience set the tone for her later wariness of men and interest in remaining single.

[Deleted]

I am just starting Season 2 -- they just boiled the guy ALIVE, jeez. I find the show really historically dense, which is sort of frustrating given that it takes great leeway with history. And am I supposed to find Henry appealing in any way? Whoever said that JRM has two moods, sexy and angry is right on. He seems otherwise dumb as a post, cruel and generally repugnant.

[Peggy Lane]

I had to fast forward through that episode, Georgianna. Back in AP World History I almost threw up reading a contemporary account of THAT little episode, and certainly had no desire to see it reenacted on screen.

The Tudors should continue until Elizabeth takes the throne. That part of history isn't really ever covered, and it is fascinating! Just the idea of Mary going from the brave, smart, likable girl she is now to the embittered, mentally unhinged woman she becomes is fantastic (although, god knows I'd be fast-forwarding through most of Mary's reign).

[kateln]

Was that Richard Roose? Or another incident? Yeah, that squicked me out good in History class.'

Henry VIII was a fuckhead.

[Cranky Old Broad]

My husband and I have been watching this on Netflix. We just finished up season two last night. It's been entertaining, Henry Cavill is a very special treat to watch (dear God, that man is gorgeous!), and the costumes are fantastic. But I must confess that I'm not that familiar with the details of the true history of Henry VIII and his reign. The way this is portrayed, it leads me to believe that Henry led his country with his dick.

My question could probably go in the Lit forum but since it's about this show, I thought I'd ask it here. Can anyone suggest some good, in-depth books to read about this whole saga? As I've been reading everyone's comments here and watching the show, I've realized I would really like to learn the true history. Thanks!

[gran4]

Cranky, try "The Wives of Henry the Eighth" by Antonia Fraser. A thumping good read with a great span of history.

[Cranky Old Broad]

Thanks, gran4! I'll put it on my must read list.