The Tudors

Simply Henry

Season 1, Episode 2, Aired 4/8/07

Episode Summary

Henry and the court go to the summit to sign the treaty with France. Tensions are understandably high, and tempers of both kings flare up more than once. Meanwhile, Henry takes on a new mistress named Mary Boleyn. He soon tires of her and her father summons her sister Anne to court and tells her to find a way to keep the king's interest.moreless

8.7

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Episode Clips

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Cast & Crew

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Jonathan Rhys Meyers

King Henry VIII
Maria Doyle Kennedy

Queen Katherine
Natalie Dormer

Anne Boleyn

Fan Episode Reviews (8)

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Simply Henry

9.0

"Superb"

By TrueTvWatcher, Feb 22, 2011 Report Abuse

Simply Henry was a superb episode of The Tudors. I enjoyed watching this episode because it brings a fresh perspective to this time period. Though it may not be 100% historically accurate, this series is very entertaining and gives viewers a taste of the good life in England during this period. I really enjoy the way the story is unfolding. There was a lot of character and plot development in this episode. Lord Buckingham got caught in his schemes and now has paid the price. I enjoy watching the character driven scenes. I look forward to watching the next episode of The Tudors!!!!!!!moreless

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The love-hate relationship between England and France is explored as, behind closed doors, things are not as they seem.

6.5

"Fair"

By la_survive, Dec 24, 2008 Report Abuse

Again, not the strongest of episodes, however, this is clearly the path that this series will be taking. The show is now getting into the swing of things, with the performances starting to shine and the plot becoming darker.

Notable this episode is Jeremy Northam who plays the king's unlikely best friend, Sir Thomas More. Northam is outstanding in this role and brings a sense of class and dignity to the show.

Nick Dunning as Boleyn has a very creepy presence about him, and rightly so - this is the man who basically sold off both his daughters to the king for power and stature. His relationship with Anne is beautifully acted out to be as unconventional as we would all imagine it to be.

Maria Doyle Kennedy is stunning as Queen Katherine. Although we all know the story, it is hard to believe this dignified and charming woman ended up how she did - Doyle Kennedy is a fantastic foe for Anne Boleyn, the two inhabit completely different ends of the spectrum and clever casting creates the necessary tension.

The episode continues to follow the love-hate relationship between England and France. This is to become a constant theme throughout the show as the king's make and break friendship over all matter of trivial things. Cardinal Wolsey's role as a double agent already shows itself, and there is clearly only trouble to come.

Clearly a most interesting show, this series is proving to be harder work than I expected, but I find it worth the effort.moreless

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Henry and goes to the summit to sign the treaty with France. Henry takes on a new mistress named Mary Boleyn, but soon tires of her and her father summons her sister Anne to court and tells her to find a way to keep the king's interest.moreless

4.6

"Poor"

By chinadollM9, Feb 21, 2008 Report Abuse

I feel as though the point of the story just gets lost. The show starts off with getting your attention, but somewhere in the middle they lose sight of the objective. The plot is not the backbone of this show. The performance of Maria Doyle Kennedy, playing Queen Kathrine is by far better than the rest of the performances. I know it is not the point, however, if writers, directors, and producers are going to doing something over a historical figure, please make it as go along with history. It bothers me a little when I look something up and it is not portrayed as to how it was. A few of the characters are just so plain, so ordinary, no interest. The writing was not at its best.moreless

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What to say...

7.2

"Good"

By Parricida, Dec 28, 2007 Report Abuse

Maybe the episode is just too long or... it feels for second episode on row that on one point the story just gets lost. The beginning is catching and really attracts to view, but somewhere on middle, when some things have done and ended, they just are back on the beginning, trying to find what to do next. The story seems not to be the strongest part of this serie. The costumes are. They are still gorgeous. Also the tragic we have - The performance of the actress playing Cathrine is still at the top of the others, but we see much better performances on this episode than on last. But there are still many things I do not like - first the way the events do not follow the history. I understand it is not the point, sometimes but... it just bothers me a little. And some characters are so plain, so black and white, with no interest. Again, the writing is not the best.moreless

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The story of Henry VIII.

10

"Perfect"

By Angel200489, Sep 21, 2007 Report Abuse

With Thomas More's encouragement, King Henry prepares to meet King Francis of France and sign Cardinal Wolsey's peace treaty. Henry had promised the hand of his daughter, Princess Mary, to the Dauphin of France, which caused strife between Henry and his queen, Katherine of Aragon. In France, Thomas Boleyn maneuvers his elder daughter Mary into Henry's bed in an effort to secure favours for the family. The Duke of Buckingham plots against the King, claiming a better right to the throne than Henry Tudor. But his purpose is betrayed by Thomas Boleyn. Katherine of Aragon continues to pray to the Virgin Mary to give her a live, healthy son, but Henry wrestles with the theological problem of having married his brother's wife, and questions whether his lack of sons could be God's punishment. There is much celebration as Lady Elizabeth Blount gives birth to Henry's illegitimate son, to Katherine's pain.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- Goof: King Henry VIII celebrates the birth of his son firing a flintlock musket; however, it was not invented until 1630, a century later. Edit
- Goof: Just minutes after Henry Fitzroy is born, he is held up and the baby's navel has already healed instead of looking recently cut after the birth. Edit
- Goof: While Anne Boleyn is talking to her father, he is holding a hawk. It is actually a Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) of American origin, which wasn't known in England in the 16th century. Edit
Notes
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- This episode is rated TV-MA for violence and adult content. Edit
- Original International Air Dates: Germany: June 7, 2008 on ProSieben Greece: June 19, 2008 on Mega Switzerland: December 16, 2009 on SF1 Spain: July 15, 2010 on TVE-1 Slovakia: January 7, 2011 on Doma Edit
Quotes
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- Knivert: What bet will you lay? Charles Brandon: Go, Henry! William Compton: Two kings, two queens and a fool... Knivert: Who's the fool? William Compton: I don't know yet, but it's a full house... Edit
- Princess Mary: Are you the Dauphin of France? Prince Henri Philip: Oui. Princess Mary: Then I want to kiss you. Edit
- Thomas Boleyn: There's something deep and dangerous in you Anne, those eyes of yours are like dark hooks for the soul. Edit
Allusions
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- "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli is a book that was originally called De Principatibus (About Principalities). It was written in 1513, but was published only in 1532, five years after Machiavelli's death. It is considered one of the classics about political machinations and intrigue. Edit