Saw episodes 1 & 2 last night on a special satellite preview and it was great! I didn't realize that it was an actual series running for a season rather than a mini-series consisting of maybe four or less shows. Anyway, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers nailed the part of Henry VIII and looks good doing it too! I also didn't realize Sam Neill and Jeremy Northam were in it. Most of the younger actors are less known and those two veterans add some credibility to the cast. Liking this period of history probably helps but is certainly not necessary to enjoy it all. There's plenty of sex, intrigue, fighting and pageantry for those less inclined toward the hard facts of the time period.
The only down side I noticed is if you don't pay close attention, it's difficult to sort out the characters as so many of them have the same first name. Lots of Henrys, Johns, and Charleses running about amongst the men and plenty of Annes, Marys and Catherines for the women.
I would recommend it, particularly for any who like British history. Unfortunately, it's airing on Showtime which not everyone will have access to, but hopefully they'll come out with a DVD series after the first season is aired.
The only down side I noticed is if you don't pay close attention, it's difficult to sort out the characters as so many of them have the same first name. Lots of Henrys, Johns, and Charleses running about amongst the men and plenty of Annes, Marys and Catherines for the women.
I would recommend it, particularly for any who like British history. Unfortunately, it's airing on Showtime which not everyone will have access to, but hopefully they'll come out with a DVD series after the first season is aired.
'Enjoy when you can, endure when you must.' von Goethe
