IT’S tough not to get costume- drama weary by the third season of a series, no matter how gorgeous the sets, outfits, dialogue and, most importantly, the actors.
However, “The Tudors,” Showtime’s all-of-the-above series, comes roaring back Sunday night as fresh as its first season. And I can’t get enough.
If you remember last season, Anne Boleyn finally got hers, the nasty wench, and Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) was searching for Wifey III, whom he’d found in the compliant Jane Seymour. (The 16th century queen, not the 20th century queen of the miniseries.)
On Sunday, Henry, the baddest-ass hunk who ever ruled England, marries Jane, yes. But this season, “The Tudors” becomes much more than a historical soap opera — it grows into historical drama.
In fact, with the wedding out of the way, the scene focuses on the Catholic rebellion that took place right after Henry and Cromwell decided to dissolve and devour the treasures abundant in the Catholic churches, abbeys and monasteries of England.
The commoners, led by an attorney, Robert Aske (Gerard McSorely), begin to build a huge rebellion against the king. At first reluctant to go against his sovereign, Aske is asked by a peasant, “Didn’t Christ die for the poor?” Sticky question, that.
Enraged at this turn of events, Henry vents his anger on Sir Thomas Cromwell (James Frain), who was elevated to the king’s second in command, and was supposed have had his finger on the unwashed pulse of the populace.
As you can see, this season is not just about royalty — it’s about us, the regular Joes, as well.
And the regular Joes are legion in number and righteous in anger against a king who would abolish their religion so he could marry a “whore” whom he’d since beheaded.
Speaking of which, back at the ranch, Henry’s injured leg has not healed and is now oozing pus. And the king is getting randy again.
Sure, Jane (Annabelle Wallis) is fine and good and all, but what about that fine specimen, Ursula Misseldon (Charlotte Salt), a future highness ‘ho, if ever there was one.
What intrigues me the most — history, histrionics and hyperventilating love scenes aside — is that, yes, VIII is starting very slightly to look like he’s had a couple of sandwiches (as you know, he died a giant fatty).
Tragically, Showtime plans to cop out and keep him gorgeous and thin throughout the series. Bad move. Very, very bad.
But that’s in the future and perhaps they will come to their senses and give us the fatty we crave.
“The Tudors” New season premiere Sunday night at 9 on Showtime