After almost a decade, hooray for the BBC returning to the perilous political world of Thomas Cromwell.
Warning: thisWolf Hallreview contains spoilers.
Its easier to follow than the first series thanks to the absence so far of timeline-jumping flashbacks.
Apart from the scenes inside Cromwells home, almost everything happens in bright daylight.
Several years dead by the series 1536 timeline, this Wolsey is a phantom of Cromwells imagination.
With Wolsey, Cromwell can be bold, honest and wry a man in his own right.
With Henry, he must be nothing more than an extension of the kings power.
A good attack dog, Cromwell uses his physicality to enforce Henrys will.
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Lewis imbues the king with vicious menace and in this episode, does most of it behind a smile.
In the court of Henry VIII, saying plain what you believe is no way to survive.
Survival both Marys and his own preoccupies Thomas Cromwell in this first episode.
Thats why Mary feels frustrated.
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light continues next Sunday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Its due to air onPBS Masterpiecein the US in 2025.
