Review of Wolf Hall Episode 2, “Entirely Beloved”
On Wednesday night, being both a fan of History and low-budget movies, I had an enormous dilemma at 9pm. Do I watch the second episode of Wolf Hall, allegedly the biggest drama series of a decade, or do I watch the network premier of the second Sharknado movie, “Sharknado 2 – The Second One”?! Fortunately as a result of the beauty of Catch-up TV, I was able to catch-up with both and the interesting thing is, I think both have much in common.
Wolf Hall is into its second week and like Sharknado 2, it has been met with two types of reviews. There are those that absolutely love it for its genius. However, there are also those that hate it, such as David Starkey calling it a “deliberate perversion of fact” and a rather disgruntled journalist dubbing Thomas Cromwell the 16th century’s answer to terrorism. I personally am loving the series so far and like SN2, I thought that the second one was even better than the first! The series starts to pick up, showing the events leading up the Wolsey’s arrest and death. The sharks of Henry VIII’s court continue to circle Wolsey, scenting blood, before he is then arrested by – of all people – Henry Percy and then, falls dangerously ill. Cromwell watches from the shadows the masque which mocks the Cardinal. Like a predator, he takes note with vengeance the men in the masque. He promises Cavendish with a cold air of malice, not to bother God about revenge – he will take care of it….
It’s not all doom and gloom though. The episode shows Cromwell gradually become more important and influential to the King. The King begins to favour Cromwell. He admires his sharp eye, archery skills and no-nonsense approach to things – a bit like SN2’s Fin unleashed with a chainsaw. Also, in the same way that SN2 has saved on its special effects budget, Wolf Hall continues to save on its electricity bill by keeping the lights off and lighting the candles. The candlelight amongst the linenfold panelling and hanging tapestries I feel adds to its authenticity and makes the scene as close to the Tudor period as possible.
I enjoy the fighting talk between Cromwell and Stephen Gardiner, biting chunks out of each other at every opportunity! Cromwell also welcomes “Call-Me-Risley” to Austin Friars - a name I still find hard to say with a straight-face. Like SN2, the book had some rather memorable and amusing lines which have made a great transition onto TV!
Anne Boleyn’s portrayal in this is very predatory. She is particularly spiteful to Jane Seymour who apparently cries when you look at her side-ways. I know this is just fiction, but I am slightly confused about this from a historical facts point of view. In 1529, Jane Seymour was just another lady-in-waiting, no different to Anne, Mary and Jane Boleyn. She was definitely no threat to Anne in anyway until 1536, so I do find Anne’s treatment of Jane about as believable as Tara Reid’s screaming when her hand is bitten off.
Not sure what the 16th Century’s answer to Lynx aftershave was, but whatever Cromwell uses, it’s definitely pulling the ladies! Mary Boleyn wants his shirt, Joan Broughton wants a bit more, they’re all onto him like a speeding, severed head of the Statue of Liberty! Even Marlinspike the cat finds him irresistible! Jane Boleyn makes an appearance for the first time in the series too, but she keeps her hands to herself and prefers to quietly sew. It will be interesting to see how Jane Boleyn is portrayed in this – will she want a piece of Cromwell too?!
However, Anne Boleyn proves to be a one-man woman and says “Ainsi sera groigne qui groigne”! I don’t know about everyone else, but like the hotly anticipated Sharknado 3, I’m definitely looking forward to Wolf Hall’s third instalment! Critics, well, for the time being, they can grumble all they like – this is how it’s going to be!
Image – Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) proving to be entirely beloved to Mary Boleyn (Charity Wakefield) in Wolf Hall.
