Ep 18. Wolf Hall: Episode 1
- April 5, 2015
In season 45, episode 18 of Masterpiece, viewers are transported to Tudor England in the first episode of the historical drama, Wolf Hall. Based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by Hilary Mantel, the series tells the story of Thomas Cromwell, a commoner who rises to power in the court of King Henry VIII.
The episode opens with the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry's trusted advisor, who has failed to secure an annulment for the King's marriage to Queen Katherine of Aragon. Cromwell, a former protege of Wolsey, manages to broker a deal for the Cardinal's safe passage to York, but amid the chaos, the Cardinal dies before he can reach his destination.
As Cromwell attempts to secure his own position in the court, he crosses paths with Anne Boleyn, the King's new love interest. Anne is keen to marry the King and become Queen, and sees Cromwell as a potential ally in her quest for power. However, Cromwell realizes that he must tread carefully in his dealings with Anne, as her family is fiercely ambitious and will stop at nothing to secure their own positions in the court.
As the episode progresses, Cromwell manages to secure a position for himself as the King's advisor, and begins to exert his influence on the court. Meanwhile, the King becomes increasingly obsessed with Anne, and begins to demand an annulment from Katherine, despite the opposition of the Pope and the other European powers.
Throughout the episode, viewers are drawn into the complex political and personal relationships of the Tudor court, as Cromwell negotiates the shifting alliances and rivalries of the various factions. The production values are excellent, with beautifully detailed costumes and sets that recreate the opulence and grandeur of the Tudor era.
Overall, the first episode of Wolf Hall is a gripping and immersive drama that will captivate viewers with its complex characters and intricate plot. With strong performances from the cast, including Mark Rylance as Cromwell, Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn, and Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII, the show promises to be a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and Tudor history alike.
