THE TUDORS SEASON 3, EPISODE 3.7
■ FUNDAMENTALS
| Tudors episode: 3.7
| First aired: May 17, 2009
| Tudors season: 3
| Prod. code: | Writer(s): Michael Hirst
| Director(s): Jeremy Podeswa
| Name of Episode: Protestant Anne of Cleves | Guest star(s): |
Mini-synopsis: The King's oppression of the Catholic Church may be finally catching up with him. Cromwell warns that war seems imminent following a treaty between Emperor Charles V and Francis I, King of France; with the unspoken support of the Pope. Preparations have already begun to defend England - with fortification on the northern border against the Scots and forts built on the English Channel where the navy is on standby. Ambassador Chapuys (Anthony Brophy), representative of the Imperial Emperor, has been recalled from the English court. In the midst of such affairs of state, Cromwell finds time to instruct court painter Hans Holbein to paint Anne, sister of the Duke of Cleves, though he is unwilling to explain why just yet. Cardinal Reginald Pole has left Rome on a secret mission. Arriving in Brussels, he is met by Charles V. The Emperor recalls his visit long ago to England where he was to be betrothed to Princess Mary and says he cannot forgive Henry for his desecration of the Church or his treatment of his aunt Katherine of Aragon. To Pole's request for a military attack, Charles explains that the decision depends on the cooperation of the French; he cannot invade alone. Hans Holbein has traveled to the Duchy of Cleves (in modern-day Germany) to paint Anne, who he finds to be a shy and unworldly young woman. But her likeness is pleasing to Henry, who finds his attraction confirmed by a report from the English Ambassador who describes the young woman as ‘incomparable.' Cromwell's cunning plan for a new Protestant Queen is advancing nicely, particularly since an alliance with the ‘Protestant League' would be of great financial and military advantage in the build-up to war. With great speed and efficiency, Cromwell has begun the arrangements and preparations for the King's fourth marriage. Henry frankly admits that he has only agreed to such haste because he desires more children and Anne of Cleves is of ‘a convenient age.' Brandon travels to Calais to met Anne of Cleves and her entourage and accompany them across the English Channel. Brandon is taken aback by Anne's austerity, lack of worldliness and all around ‘squareness.' Anne's delayed arrival makes Henry ever more desirous to see his new wife in the flesh. Driven, as always, by his passions, he rides to meet her on her journey from Dover and bursts in on his surprised bride-to-be. But the lack of history between the engaged couple and their very different personalities makes their meeting awkward and not at all romantic. She's not what the King had been expecting -- he fumes at the lies he has been told, but he must honor the engagement. The wedding, in contrast to earlier ceremonies, is a dull and grumpy affair for the King -- as is the wedding night. The King's lack of interest makes the shy young bride even more nervous and their lovemaking is an endurance for both. In an awkward meeting for Cromwell, the King voices his dislike of his new bride's looks and smells and his belief that she is not a virgin. Cromwell's standing is further damaged by the return of Bryan and Seymour from France empty-handed once more; outfoxed again by the slippery Cardinal Reginald Pole. Rumors abound that the royal marriage remains unconsummated. Sadly, such rumours are true. Henry beseeches his physician for advice. His young wife promotes no desire in him whatsoever; a troubling development for so virile a King. | | | | |