What We're Watching: Abby

The Tudors: The Complete First, Second and Third Seasons

divorced beheaded died

divorced beheaded survived

That's how I remember what happened to the six wives of Henry VIII. This Showtime series goes way beyond the simplicity of that poem to delve into the world, the Court and the women

in the life of Henry VIII (1491-1547). The sets are spectacular. The costumes are opulent and extravagant and the acting is amazing. Even though Jonathon Rhys Davis doesn't physically look like Henry VIII, his acting is powerful enough to make it believable. This show is not G rated - in fact it is quite the opposite. Besides the many women in the King's life there are also many beheadings as well as other grotesque means of killing used at that time, all graphically depicted. But this story isn't just about the wives, there is the question of divorce that ultimately leads to a break with the Catholic Church establishing the Church of England. There are wars in the background and relations with France and Rome are always strained. The line of succession is always discussed and the wish for a son is tantamount in the King's frustration with his wives.

His third wife, Jane Seymour did produce a male heir, Edward but the two daughters from his two previous wives will play much more prominently in history, Mary I of England and especially Queen Elizabeth I.

The fourth and final season is airing now on Showtime. The first three seasons are available here in the library. (They have not decided on a date for the release of the final season on DVD as yet). It has definitely sparked an interested in the subject and a desire to read more about it on my part.