The Tudors

9:30pm – Monday, April 16 on ABC2

Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is forced to surrender Boulogne, his great prize, as part of a peace treaty with France. But where in the past he might have felt anger, his feelings now turn melancholic with the news that King Francis, his long time friend and sometimes foe, is dying.

There is a slow, quiet and nonetheless inevitable shifting of allegiances as Henry’s own health begins to fade. Factions are forming at Court as thoughts turn towards a successor. Some see Prince Edward (Eoin Murtagh), Henry’s son by Anne Seymour, as his natural heir, while others, notably Bishop Gardiner (Simon Ward), are determined to restore a Catholic to the throne in the person of Princess Mary (Sarah Bolger).

Under orders of Gardiner, an arrest warrant for Queen Catherine (Joely Richardson) is issued on grounds of heresy. However, when Risley (Frank McClusker) and his men (who believe they are carrying out the King’s orders) come to arrest the Queen, they are brutally rebuffed by Henry in a complex psychological game that leaves everyone uncertain of his allegiances and beliefs.

Realising his death is imminent, Henry retreats more and more into himself. He sends Queen Catherine and his beloved daughters Elizabeth (Laoise Murray) and Mary away from Whitehall Palace. Alone, Henry VIII prepares for the end of his magnificent, momentous monarchy.

9:30pm – Monday, April 9 on ABC2

King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is aging rapidly: the recent siege of Boulogne has taken its toll, his ulcerous leg is constantly in pain and he now requires glasses to read.

The profligate Earl of Surrey (David O’Hara), a noble not known for his sense of judgement, loses 600 men in an unprovoked battle in France, endangering Henry’s recent success in Boulogne. News arrives that the King of France is preparing for war and, worse, England’s recent ally Emperor Charles has seized English ships and properties.

The rising influence of Bishop Gardiner (Simon Ward) is signalled by the appointment of a Catholic, Risley (Frank McClusker), to the important position of Lord Chancellor. Nonetheless, the Lutherans continue with their radical reforms, the latest of which is women preachers. One such preacher, Anne Askew (Emma Stansfield), is imprisoned and tortured by Risley and then burnt at the stake for her perceived heresies. Sensing their rise in authority, Gardiner and his allies are determined to trap Queen Catherine (Joely Richardson). Brazenly, the Bishop suggests to the King that he has proof of her heresy.

Defiant on his return to Court, Henry’s Privy Council is unconvinced by the Earl of Surrey’s explanations about how so many men were lost under his command in France. Surrey’s wild antics and attitude have won him no friends among Henry’s closest advisors and he is arrested on charges of treason. After a quick and one-sided trial he is sentenced to death.

9:30pm – Monday, April 2 on ABC2

The year is 1544. Under the supervision of Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), the Earl of Surrey (David O’Hara) and his men attempt to tunnel their way into the French castle at Boulogne. Clearly pleased to be once again in the field of battle, the King dines and entertains in style at his tent some distance from the action. But progress is slow and conditions are appalling for his soldiers. Over two thousand men die of disease and starvation and another three thousand fall ill as ‘the flux’ sweeps the King’s camp. When hope of success seems all but lost, Treviso (Daniel Caltagirone), the King’s engineer, creates a spectacular explosion in the tunnel that finally breaches the castle. The French surrender to a gloating Henry who returns to England in triumph and commands festivities and celebrations throughout the land.

Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill), who has been separated from his wife for some time, finds happiness with a young Frenchwoman named Brigitte (Selma Brook), who returns with him from France. While Henry too has been rejuvenated by the siege of Boulogne, given a taste once more of the vigour and vitality of his youth, he may have pushed his already weakened body too far.

FX is continuing it’s fantastic programming by bringing us the first seasons of American Horror Story and The Tudors, letting viewers able to watch in HD!

Here are some up and coming highlights!

April 2012

CALL ME FITZ (SEASON 2) – premieres April 18
MAD DOGS (SEASON 2) – premieres April 29
THE TUDORS (SEASON 1) – premieres April 12

May 2012

XIII – premieres Sunday May 27
AMERICAN HORROR STORY – premieres May 1
THE KILL POINT – premieres May 7

More to follow closer to air dates.

9:30pm – Monday, March 26 on ABC2

Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) marries Catherine Parr (Joely Richardson), his sixth and final wife. The wedding is notable for the presence of Henry’s daughters, Princesses Mary (Sarah Bolger) and Elizabeth (Laoise Murray). Catherine is determined to be a loving stepmother to the King’s children, who are fond of her in return.

Plans are made for the invasion of France and Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill) is named commander of the English armies. The emissaries of the Emperor Charles (Sebastian Armesto), with whom Henry has formed an alliance, are entertained in great style at the English Court where, to their surprise and delight, Princess Mary addresses them in Spanish.

As the Catholic influence increases, Bishop Gardiner (Simon Ward) begins to investigate the new Queen’s religious beliefs. She is rumoured to be a secret Protestant and he intends to expose her. But any such suspicions are excused by the courage and commitment she shows in nursing the King when he is once again struck down by his ulcerous leg. There has never been so attentive a Queen to Henry at his most vulnerable.

The war effort is elaborate and costly. Three hundred ships have been requisitioned to bring guns, wagons, horses and the army to France. The King may not be in peak condition but he is determined to lead his armies into battle to recapture lands he once held, as well as a glimmer of his youth. In his absence, he appoints Catherine regent and protector of the realm and guardian of his children. The new Queen rises to the challenge and is well liked and respected by all.

9:30pm – Monday, March 19 on ABC2

In a surprise decision, the King (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) orders a new Act of Parliament which restores the succession rights of his two daughters, Princesses Elizabeth (Laoise Murray) and Mary (Sarah Bolger). Although they are next in line after their younger brother Edward (Eoin Murtagh), this powerful gesture of his love will have historical consequences.

The King dispatches Hertford (Max Brown) and his arch enemy, the Earl of Surrey (David O’Hara), north to warn the King of Scotland that any further acts of aggression will be responded to with the might of England’s armies. But Surrey is no man for issuing warnings and the body count is high at the Battle of Solway Moss.

Meanwhile, both the ambassador of France and the ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire seek the support of Henry in attacking each other. To the surprise of his court, Henry sides with the Catholic Emperor for the first time since he was married to his aunt, Katherine of Aragon.

The Catholic alliance signals a weakening of the Reformation’s influence in English politics. Realising that the tide is turning, Bishop Stephen Gardiner (Simon Ward) goes on the hunt for suspected Calvinists.

Single once again, Henry takes an interest in the twice-married Catherine Parr (Joely Richardson), a woman closer to him in age than his usual fancies. She has it in mind to marry Thomas Seymour (Andrew McNair) but within hours of her husband’s death Seymour is hastily transferred to Brussels as permanent ambassador and the King proposes marriage.

9:30pm – Monday, March 12 on ABC2

Queen Katherine (Tamzin Merchant) is shocked by the King’s orders that she be confined to her apartments. The investigation into her past moves with speed: Francis Dereham (Allen Leech) is arrested and interrogated. Joan Bulmer (Catherine Steadman) is questioned, as is the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk (Barbara Brennan), at whose home Joan and Katherine lived as young women and where their immoral acts are rumoured to have taken place. Dereham confesses that he and Katherine Howard had planned to get married and that he knew her carnally before she became Queen – a serious revelation, but not adultery.

Uncharacteristically, Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) weeps when told of these discoveries. But his response is unsentimental and swift: Katherine Howard is removed from Court and her title as Queen withdrawn. Her pleas for understanding and forgiveness are coldly ignored but she knows she is lucky to escape with her life.

Frances Dereham is brutally tortured as Lord Hertford (Max Brown) seeks to establish if Katherine Howard committed adultery. Dereham denies the charge but points to Thomas Culpepper (Torrance Coombs), who is promptly arrested. Furious that the betrayal was widely known, Henry isolates himself from his Court. Betrayed, bruised but unbowed, the King gives a banquet, attended only by 26 beautiful young women.

9:30pm – Monday, March 5 on ABC2

Pontefract Castle, Yorkshire was the only royal property captured by the rebels during the Catholic uprising known as the ‘Pilgrimage of Grace’. In a symbolic gesture, it now welcomes Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and his large entourage. Rejuvenated by the affection he has experienced in his tour of the north of England, Henry feels a stirring sexual energy towards the Queen. Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill), on the other hand, senses death as he remembers the hangings and punishments he oversaw as the King’s representative during the Northern rebellion.

In a castle full of ghosts, Queen Katherine (Tamzin Merchant) sees something like one when a young man arrives at her door. He is Frances Dereham (Allen Leech), one of the men she had sexual liaisons with before she married the King and he wants a job. Threatened with blackmail, she has little choice but to give in.

Her past begins to catch up with her on another front. The King receives an anonymous letter accusing his wife of sexual relationships with two men, including Frances Dereham. Henry thinks the whole things is a fraud but nonetheless orders an investigation, to be led by Lord Hertford (Max Brown). Katherine is confined to her apartments with no visitors permitted.

9:30pm – Monday, February 27 on ABC2

Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is in great spirits. Buoyed by the happiness that a young wife brings an aging man, he is noticeably more tolerant and forgiving than the Henry of old. He pardons a criminal, visits his estranged young daughter Princess Elizabeth (Laoise Murray) and plans a visit to the north of England – his first visit to the territory that hatched the ‘Pilgrimage of Grace’ rebellion. Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill) is ordered to make preparations.

Scenes of rebellion are now closer to home. Unknown to the doting King, his wife Katherine Howard (Tamzin Merchant) has begun a serious flirtation with the young and handsome Thomas Culpepper (Torrance Coombs), with the assistance of her lady-in-waiting, Lady Rochford (Joanne King).

Cuckolding the King is a capital offence but Henry, of course, can play by different rules and takes his pleasure in the bed of Anne of Cleves (Joss Stone), the ex-wife he once thought ugly.

A large and impressive entourage accompanies the King, Queen and Princess Mary (Sarah Bolger) north to the city of Lincoln for a royal visit. In his appreciation for the warm welcome he receives, Henry gives a speech forgiving the city for its earlier revolt. Feeling benevolent and powerful once more, the King longs to be with his young bride but his troublesome leg wound makes him tired and irritable and confines him to his room.

9:30pm – Monday, February 20 on ABC2

Thomas Culpepper (Torrance Coombs), principal groom to Henry VIII, continues to make eyes at the King’s sexy young bride, Katherine Howard (Tamzin Merchant). He is not alone, the teen Queen inspires many admirers in Henry’s court, not least the King himself who spoils his new wife with an endless supply of extravagant gifts.

Lady Rochford (Joanne King) gets plenty of gossip about her new mistress from Katherine’s old friend and indiscreet lady-in-waiting Joan Bulmer (Catherine Steadman), who hints about their sexual adventures as young ladies. When Lady Rochford sleeps with Culpepper soon after, he doesn’t hide that the Queen is his real desire and she helpfully suggests that she aid him in seducing Katherine.

On a drinking binge with his cronies in one of London’s nastiest neighbourhoods, the arrogant Lord Surrey (David O’Hara) persecutes prostitutes, smashes windows and causes general mayhem. Not content with stirring up trouble after dark, Surrey intends to be the scourge of the Seymour brothers – Edward (Max Brown) and Thomas (Andrew McNair) – whom he considers mere commoners.

As part of the Christmas festivities, Henry invites his previous wife Anne of Cleves (Joss Stone) to the palace. He is pleasantly surprised by her beauty – something he missed when they were married – and delighted by her graciousness. But where once he was the life and soul of such parties, the ageing King goes to bed early and the party grows boisterous in his absence.