Ep 4. Episode 4

King Henry VIII begins to feel the consequences of his actions in The Tudors season 1 episode 4, aptly named "Episode 4." The king's decision to end his sister Margaret's engagement causes tension between the Tudors and the French court, leading to unexpected consequences.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Wolsey works to solidify his power and position within the court by convincing the king to support the Pope's decision to excommunicate Martin Luther. Wolsey is also tasked with finding a suitable wife for Henry VIII, which proves to be a difficult task. The cardinal's efforts to unite England and the Holy Roman Empire through marriage lead him to consider a match between the king and a Spanish princess, but not everyone is in favor of the idea.

In the midst of all this political maneuvering, Henry VIII succumbs to his desires and takes a mistress. Anne Boleyn, a young and ambitious member of the court, catches the king's eye and quickly rises through the ranks, much to the chagrin of others in court. The affair between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn sets the stage for the drama and intrigue that will unfold in the following episodes of The Tudors.

As the episode progresses, tension between England and France continues to grow. Margaret, Henry VIII's sister, has been engaged to marry the future King of Portugal, but after a falling out with the French King, Henry VIII decides to end the engagement and offer his sister's hand in marriage to King Francis I of France instead. This decision is met with resistance by not only the French court but Margaret herself, as she is already in love with her intended.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Wolsey continues to use his position to gain power and influence within the court. His influence is tested when he is tasked with finding a suitable wife for the king. Wolsey considers a match with a Spanish princess, but not everyone is pleased with this decision. Anne Boleyn, who is seeking her own advancement at court, is not in favor of the Spanish match and uses her charm and wit to sway the king's opinion.

As the king becomes more and more infatuated with Anne, she begins to set plans in motion to secure her place in his affections. She convinces Henry to contribute to the creation of a new English Bible, which will include a translation of the scriptures in English. This move is especially significant at a time when church services are still being conducted solely in Latin. This seems to increase Anne's standing at court, but she also faces resistance from others who see her as a threat to their own power and influence.

Overall, The Tudors season 1 episode 4 provides a glimpse into the political and personal machinations of the Tudor court. While tensions between England and France continue to simmer, characters like Cardinal Wolsey and Anne Boleyn use their influence to advance their own agendas. As Henry VIII becomes more and more enamored with Anne, tensions within the court only increase, setting the stage for the drama and intrigue to come in future episodes.