Tudors 4x06

War is brewing in Tudor England, and King Henry VIII is itching for a fight, whether with the Scots or the French. The Spanish Ambassador offers just the right pretext for war: the alliance between France and the Turks. James, King of Scots, has been ravaging the English countryside along the border for a while, and now Henry sends Edward Seymore, Lord Hertford, and Henry Howard, Lord Surrey, to issue a warning. (Actually, Thomas Wharton was sent as commander of the British army.) The Brits win a victory against the Scots at the Battle of Solway Moss, and several noblemen are captured on the field. As if that isn’t enough, the Scottish King soon dies, while his wife had just given birth to their only child, a girl. And so it’s another season to be merry at court, and the king instructs his daughter, Princess Mary, to oversee the Christmas festivities. (Not to turn on the History Channel again, but Mary and Elizabeth were actually restored in line of succession after Edward only two years later, at the instigation of Catherine Parr.)

Meanwhile, Thomas Seymour (Jane’s younger brother) pays a visit to Lord Latymer, who is slowly succumbing to old age. Thomas has an eye on Lady Latymer, Catherine Parr, and she returns his sentiments. When the king realizes Lady Latymer will soon become a rich widow, he immediately begins courting her and removes Thomas from court by sending him away as Ambassador to the Netherlands. Catherine is by no means pleased by the king’s attention, but cannot refuse. On his deathbed, her husband’s last words to her were: “Go to Hell.” She is still officially mourning his passing, when the king extends his hand in marriage. Once Henry agrees on a treaty with Catholic Spain, Bishop Gardiner launches another round of religious persecutions against evangelical protestants (Lutherans and Calvinists). In short, political and romantic intrigue, reeling and dealing, and a good measure of entertainment have returned to the show, thankfully.