There is a lot of hype of the Season 2 premiere of The Tudors on Showtime on Sunday, so I decided to check it out.
The series is brilliant.
The Tudors is about the young life of the infamous Henry VIII, the king of England known for beheading his wives. This is set before that, with Henry settling into the role as one of the most powerful men in the world. The story encompasses everything from Henry's political maneuvers to his fabled sex life. As you would expect, its full of sex, drama, and a smidgen of murder, like every Showtime series. But there is something that sets it apart, more importantly, someone.
One of the most impressive things about the show is Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the actor who plays King Henry. Like a ruler, he commands every scene he's in. His screen presence at times can be downright spellbinding. Although many know Henry VIII as a portly, large man, Rhys Meyers is that powerful of a portrayer you can forgive the difference in stature. Despite the king's reputation as a fearful, merciless leader, Rhys Meyers also makes the character identifiable and sympathetic. It reminds one of Helen Mirren's stirring Oscar-winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the movie "The Queen". Both leaders appear standoffish when examined in their chosen time periods (Elizabeth II during the weeks after Princess Diana's shocking death), but the intelligent, powerful performances by their actors make the larger-than-life figures sympathetic.
Along with the supporting players, The Tudors is truly a sight to behold. Dramatic, suspenseful, and even romantic in bits, its a tour de force in period pieces, and should not be missed.
The Tudors Season 2 premieres tomorrow at 9 pm EST.
RATING: 9/10
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