Submitted by Tom Hirst, Mar 28, 2007 14:17

Not only does this article demonstrate itself to be addressing a singular superficial stylistic aspect of The Tudors, it undermines itself through its frankly ridiculous comparison with the Sopranos and indeed Rome. To start with the former, The Tudors is indeed played out at a racy pace but this does not prevent the show from building up depth of character, instead it is merely suggestive of the fickle nature of tudor politics that surround the central figure of the King. If the show focuses on Henry VIII this is illustrative of the absolute power that he enjoyed, a power that affects his character greatly as the series continues, and one that illuminates the motivations and machinations of those around him. That sex plays a prominent part is, yes, both historical as well as feeding nicely into the demands of a modern audience but the throw away women that Mr Bernhard highlights is suggestive of more than simple carnal delights. Indeed it is worth remarking here that the very lack of their characterisation impacts more profoundly upon the sense of degeneracy and debauchery that is being built up.

As for the comparison with 'The Sopranos', Bernhard misunderstands the manner in which the two shows must inevitably differ in their presentation. The world of the mafia is a complex web of misdirection, deceit, carefully laid plans, in short a gradual progression of criminality the aim of which, above all else, is to remain hidden, undiscovered. As such the characterisation of those involved is bound to appear gradual and each scene saturated, practically pregnant, with the potential of paratactic signifiers. Conversely the world of Tudor England, which I grant Mr Bernhard seems to be little aquainted with, is one of rash decisions from the top down, grand show, the 'jewels' that the critic flags up are the implements of Tudor politics. It is a world as much driven by ambition as today, but decadent in a way that we may not initially comprehend, it had to be because it all relied upon the whim of a single man and in the presentation of this 'The Tudors' is nothing short of a masterpiece.

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