Tag: Thomas Cromwell

Best of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, Episode 1 “Wreckage”

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

Kate Phillips as Jane Seymour and Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII
Kate Phillips as 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. Continue reading “Best of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, Episode 1 “Wreckage””

Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 1 Wreckage

“So, good Privy Seal, as you love me and love my service, you will bring this matter to a conclusion.”

– Henry VIII

My favorite bromance is back 🙂

I have said it before and will say it again. Wolf Hall is the best thing that has happened to TV. It is a slow-cooking, dark, witty political drama with a contemporary feel. Peter Straughan’s script is wonderfully condensed, with most of the conversation coming directly from Mantel’s pen. Hearing some of the best lines I have ever read spoken by the characters is delightful. Peter Kosminsky’s directing is flawless. Every shot feels like a painting. And while some characters needed to be recast, the continuity is beyond impressive that you don’t feel the nine-year interval between the two productions. Mark Rylance is as nuanced as ever as Thomas Cromwell, and Damian Lewis is quietly terrifying as Henry VIII. And while the two leads are electric together, the entire cast gives a masterclass in acting. So yes, the long wait is entirely worth it. Now, let’s get to it. Continue reading “Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 1 Wreckage”

10 Years of Wolf Hall: A Personal Journey

Henry VIII is a monster, but he’s our monster. We’re perversely proud of Henry. -Hilary Mantel

Now tell me… what are the odds your all-time favorite actor plays your all-time favorite historical monster in a mini-series based on your all-time favorite book?

I know! 🙂

In celebration of  Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light arriving finally on PBS Masterpiece this weekend, I would love to share my own very personal Wolf Hall journey with you. ENJOY!

Continue reading “10 Years of Wolf Hall: A Personal Journey”

On the Horizon: Wolf Hall – The Mirror and The Light on PBS Masterpiece

“Your Majesty is the only prince. The mirror and the light of other kings.”

Henry repeats the phrase as if cherishing it: the mirror and the light. (Excerpt from The Mirror and The Light)

My Fellow Americans! The long wait is over, well, almost… Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light is coming to PBS on March 23, 2025. The episodes will drop weekly. And Lady Trader (or should I say Lady Tudor – since she reads endlessly about The Tudors?) and I can’t wait to do weekly recaps for you!

This post is to get you in the mood already. Here is the official trailer: Continue reading “On the Horizon: Wolf Hall – The Mirror and The Light on PBS Masterpiece”

Damian Lewis on Mark Rylance

I always talk about what I think about Damian Lewis and the characters he brings to life here. And I think, we have to leave it to Damian, from time to time, to see WHAT he thinks about… well, anything or anyone! And why not start with what Damian thinks about his wonderful Wolf Hall co-star Mark Rylance…

…especially because Damian was a fan of Mark Rylance way before they starred in Wolf Hall together!

When asked about his acting idols at The Hollywood Reporter Drama Actors Interview back in 2012, here is what our favorite actor says…

Continue reading “Damian Lewis on Mark Rylance”