Step inside the Tudor Dynasty with us as we handpick our favorite superlatives for each episode of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light – from ‘who wore it best’ fashionable costume and top villain, to outstanding scene and perfect cinematography – and everything else in between! Up this week:
Episode 1: Wreckage
USA Air Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Plot Summary: As Anne Boleyn’s blood is sluiced from the scaffold, Thomas Cromwell picks his way through the wreckage of her death to take his place as principal councillor to King Henry VIII.
Gingersnap
Who Wore It Best – The bride, Jane Seymour
Tudor Fashion House is all about wealth and status, all spoken through intricate fabric and color choices. Jane Seymour’s wedding ensemble of lush silver and gold silk, though weighty, screamed luxurious. The finely woven ornate brocade pattern and voluminous draped arms was elegantly accompanied by her simple pearl necklace and hairpiece. Simply divine.
Ideal Ghost – Cardinal Wolsey
I love the work of Jonathan Pryce, so anytime he graces the screen – regardless the cameo was a phantom of Cromwell’s imagination – is pure perfection.
Next Best Clue® Board Game Character – Thomas Cromwell
Someone is playing the board game Clue®, yet it’s not Professor Plumb in the dining room with a candlestick, nor is it Colonel Mustard in the study with the revolver. It’s Thomas Cromwell in the Castle with the dagger hidden beneath his robes. His vulnerability is manifesting as paranoia, yet, not unwarranted.
Unpleasant Utterance – King Henry VIII
When describing his wedding night with Jane Seymour to Cromwell, Henry whispers:
“Such freshness. Such delicacy. Such maidenly pudeur. I have come out of hell and into heaven, and all in one night.”
Yuck.
Lady Trader
Who Wore It Best – Lady Mary
Let’s face it – every costume in this series is brilliant. Such detail, such opulence, such beauty. Picking one costume for a best of is not an easy task. But, this week I went with the Lady Mary’s red and black gown she wore when she is invited back to court. That red train was so beautiful!
“Hey, Girl, Hey” – Queen Anne
It’s always good to see my second favorite Queen (she is only surpassed by her daughter), and it’s always a pleasure to see Claire Foy. I only wish it were in better circumstances.
Thor, God of Thunder – Thomas Cromwell
Cromwell certainly called on the God of Thunder to emphasize his point when talking to Chapuys in that tower.
Damianista
Who Wore It Best – The Newlyweds: Jane and Henry 🙂
From an interview with Kate Phillips, who portrays Jane Seymour in Wolf Hall, that says it all:
“I think I forget what I look like sometimes – today I’m dressed as a sweetie and Damian is dressed as a Christmas decoration! The sun was shining through the window today, and it just hit both of us and I think everyone was blinded by the reflection of our clothes. I’m the Moon and he is the Sun. Jane wasn’t frightened of dressing or looking good and I think that goes against what people expect of her too.”
I am sure the actors had a ball on set playing dress-up! Joanna Eatwell is the best in costume design. Give her all the awards already!
Loser of the Week – Master Treasurer Fitzwilliam
A lifelong friend of the King, Fitzwilliam makes the big mistake of challenging “Harry” about considering to put his own daughter on trial for treason. Henry angrily tells Fitzwilliam to leave the Privy Council meeting. And when Fitzwilliam pushes his luck, Cromwell physically removes him from the room and his livery collar from him, too!
Most Persuasive Language – Thomas Cromwell
Lady Mary, who is still agonizing about signing the letter and trying to justify it saying maybe God has a special plan for her, signs the letter immediately after Cromwell’s most persuasive language:
“Well, the will of our… Heavenly Father is often obscure. But the will of your earthly father is plain.”
It is fantastic to hear the brilliant cast speaking the words Hilary Mantel put on paper. I love her sense of humor.
Cheapest Monarch – Henry VIII
Henry gives Mary a big hug when she returns to the court after signing the letter . And then he shows how cheap he is when Jane offers Mary a ring which is far too big for her finger. Saying it can be reset, Henry gets the ring and puts on his own finger! I doubt that ring will ever find its way to Mary’s finger.
