The Sweating Sickenss Hits the Tudors!
Last night’s episode of The Tudors was suprisingly good. Suprising considering the previews for the episode left much to be desired, and with all the historical innacuracies I expected to continue to be disappointed in what had started to be my favorite Showtime series. But with death and mayhem abounding, what’s not to love?!
The sweating sickness (history lesson here) was a disease of unknown origin that hit the English countryside in both 1485 and 1551, suddenly and painfully killing almost all who contracted it. With there still not being any known cause or cure for the disease, it seemingly disappeared after it’s rampage in the 1500’s.
The Tudors were not excused from this painful disease, either. In this episode, many in the court contract the disease and die, including Sir William Compton, the lover of the great musician Thomas. [side note: did the writers kill of half of the only gay couple on the show on purpose? I tend to think so, as Thomas then turns to a woman for comfort, despite having made it quite clear his tastes lie otherwise.]
Neither Ann nor Wolsey are exempt from thisdisease, either, and both catches it. Priests are sent in to give last rights, but not suprisingly neither of them dies. Either swayed by his near-death experience (or maybe just realizing he needs a new tactic if he wants to continue to be the king’s advisor) Wolsey has both Henry and Ann over for a meal in the aftermath of all the death. (funny moment with mistress ensues!)
In the midst of all this, a new French advisor comes to court to discuss the renewed treaty between the two kings. I don’t trust it for a minute, but it’ll be interesting to see how those two men can work it all out.
With such an interesting episode and only three left in the season, I’m interested as well to see if England will split with the Catholic church before this first season is up, or if we’ll have to wait for season two for that. Stay tuned with me to find out!
Showtime, The Tudors, season one, King Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Natalie Dormer, Wolsey, Sam Neill, sweating sickness, gay couple, Sir William Compton, Thomas Tallus
May 24th, 2007 at 9:33 am
JRM is so hot and the tudors is the best thing since dynasty. found this advert of JRM for hugo if your a fan def. worth a look hugofragrances.com/us/