DVD Reviews

The Tudors: The Final Season – DVD Review

By June L. Oct 25, 2010, 16:35 GMT

The Tudors presents the rarely dramatized, tumultuous early years of King Henry VIII\'s nearly 40 year, omnipotent reign (1509-1547). In addition to his famous female consorts and 20+ year marriage to Catherine of Aragon to the infamous dalliance with Anne Boleyn, the series delves in to Henry\'s most notable political relationship and the deconstruction of the Roman Catholic Church in England. ...more

It is the last season of The Tudors, the story based loosely on the life and reign of Kind Henry VIII of England.  It has been an adventure to follow this series with its beautiful accomplished cast, the lush and lovely costuming and sets, and stories that if not exactly the truth are close enough to bring Tudor era history to life for many.
 
Henry VIII is growing older, but still seems to be in his prime.  His age doesn’t stop him from marrying a fifth wife, a teenage girl Katherine Howard, who has a suspect past.  Henry is besotted by her beauty and lively spirit.  Unfortunately so are many other men at court, especially Henry’s friend Thomas Culpepper. 

During the Christmas season Henry expansively invites everyone to court for celebrations including his former wife Anne of Cleves, who makes a better impression on the King than when they were married.  

For awhile things seem to be on track, as the King makes plans for a Northern journey, the first since the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion, makes peace with his daughter Princess Elizabeth and seems to be issuing in a more tolerant and peaceful time. 

While Henry renews his acquaintance with Anne of Cleves, young Queen Katherine has fallen into a romance with Thomas Culpepper.  The journey North is made, and while Henry wants to be with his young Queen, his leg wound keeps him away. 

Eventually, the Queen’s past comes to the King’s attention, and she, her old lover, her new lover and her lady in waiting are all executed. 
 
Henry is now old, the betrayal and problems have aged him tremendously.  He reinstates his daughters Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth in the succession after their brother Prince Edward.  When both the ambassador of France and the ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire come to Henry for support in their battle with each other, he sides with the Catholic Emperor. 

It appears that the politics of the Reformation are being pushed aside for alliance once more with the Holy Roman Empire.  In the midst of this Henry begins courting Catherine Parr, a woman twice widowed who had intended to marry Thomas Seymour.  Seymour is sent permanently to Brussels as Ambassador and the King marries Catherine.  Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth attend the wedding, and Catherine brings the family together as a group. 

There is some talk of Catherine having Protestant leanings, but her devotion to Henry especially when he is ailing with his leg seems to excuse her of any wrongdoing.  Henry goes to battle once again and appoints Catherine regent and protector of the realm as well as guardian of the children. 

The religious struggles continue, and no one is certain of Henry’s allegiance or beliefs.  As he is dying, he visits one last time with his friend Charles Brandon, and then sees ghosts of his dead wives, each with a message for him. 
 
The Tudors The Final Season is presented on three discs containing all 10 episodes.  There are specials but not any that are connected with this series.  The specials are two episodes of United States of Tara Season 2, Dexter Season 5 and Californication Season 3. 

And the saga of King Henry VIII ends, with questions as to who will be his successor, Prince Edward or Princess Mary.

Visit the DVD database for more information.