The Tudors

[ASUADPi]

Originally Posted by honeychile

And, as much as I've read about the Tudors, the execution scenes on this week's show actually made me realize a few things I never before considered.

How gruesome the era was? Or how the people lacked entertainment and they watched executions?

I think one thing I "realized" (so to speak) was that I think people in that time went to executions to remind themselves that they were still alive and hadn't gotten on Henry's "bad side" and then later on Mary's "bad side" (which was hard to do considering history would remember her as Bloody Mary).

I know it's showtime and all and they can get away with being graphic (i.e. sex), I kind of didn't expect them to be that drastic with beheadings. Didn't see much of that last season. Knew it was coming though with all the people who "fell" around Katherine that got beheaded.

I'm excited to see Joely Richardson playing Catherine Parr, that should be interesting to watch.

Anyone know how many episodes are left? I mean he dies pretty soon after he and Catherine Parr marry (like 2 years later or something). I kind of wish the show would go on and kind of dwelve into Edward being king and then Mary being queen (especially the whole debacle of Jane Grey being crowned queen for like what 5 days). I mean we all know what happened with Elizabeth. I'd like to see the other two who aren't as popular, historically, as Elizabeth was/is.

[honeychile]

I think there's only one or two episodes left. The only "exciting" part of Catherine Parr is that, by 21, she was already widowed twice, was almost engaged to Thomas Seymour, but had to marry the King, whether she liked it or not. Then, she almost was executed for having (gasp!) Lutheran leanings.

Of course, they could have a field day with the siblings (and cousin) fighting for the Crown.

I think they did a decent job with the executions, but it had never occurred to me before that (spoiler) people would throw up or wet their pants. (/spoiler)

I also didn't think that Katherine Howard would be barefoot. Has anyone noticed that every woman who was executed had the same type of cap? I wonder if every woman had those, or if they just kept a few on hand for beheadings?


ETA: I can't wait to see Joely Richardson play Catherine Parr, either. I think she's underrated as an actress. And maybe if enough people let Showtime know, there will be a "The Tudors, the Second Generation"!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

(especially the whole debacle of Jane Grey being crowned queen for like what 5 days).

There was a whole movie about Jane Grey - Helena Bonham Carter was in it (it might have even been her first movie). It came out in 86-87 or so.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by 33girl

There was a whole movie about Jane Grey - Helena Bonham Carter was in it (it might have even been her first movie). It came out in 86-87 or so.

I remember that - not heavy on the facts, but decent. I think Lady Jane Grey was one of the worst used people in history, fwiw.

Come to think of it, that would be an interesting list.

[turqwind]

This is the fourth and final season of the Tudors. Sunday was Episode Five. I love the series and have enjoyed it. Lots of nice looking men, steamy sex scenes and gruesome stuff, too. Don't go into it as a history lesson. Sometimes they go to great detail to follow history and sometimes they go waaaay off the course. There is a "Tudor Wiki" that gives lots of background information.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by honeychile

I think Lady Jane Grey was one of the worst used people in history, fwiw.

Certainly in English history.

[tinydancer]

I just found this show in the middle of the night when I was wakeful. I enjoyed it a lot, but I had to go dig out my reference book on the kings and queens of England to keep up.

You can't tell the players without a scorecard.

[Thetagirl218]

I love this period of history. It has always fascinated me! I have recently become addicted to Phillpia Gregory's different books about the period, though they are not always historically correct. I am currently reading "The Queen's Fool" which is about Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth.

I started watching the 1st & 2nd seasons on DVD last summer. I bought the 3rd season as soon as it came out!

I don't have Showtime, so I have to wait for the new one to come out on DVD!

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by tinydancer

I just found this show in the middle of the night when I was wakeful. I enjoyed it a lot, but I had to go dig out my reference book on the kings and queens of England to keep up.

You can't tell the players without a scorecard.

Here's one scorecard, concerning the six wives: Divorced, Beheaded, Died; Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. Henry had a real thing for Catherines and Annes, too - except Jane, next to whom he's buried.

Originally Posted by Thetagirl218

I love this period of history. It has always fascinated me! I have recently become addicted to Phillpia Gregory's different books about the period, though they are not always historically correct. I am currently reading "The Queen's Fool" which is about Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth.

I started watching the 1st & 2nd seasons on DVD last summer. I bought the 3rd season as soon as it came out!

I don't have Showtime, so I have to wait for the new one to come out on DVD!

I'm waiting for the series to be over, and to get the full series & save some money. Hey, just think of the gimmick that might be included with the full series!

And bless your little baby heart for knowing that Phillippa Gregory plays fast and loose with truth! It does make for a good story, but sheesh! It's not like that period of history was boring at all! I'm tempted to read The White Queen, but I think I'll pass.