Ep 2. Episode 2

King Henry VIII continues his quest for a male heir and begins to look for a new queen following the death of his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon. The episode opens with Henry debating the possibility of marrying Princess Mary of Portugal, who is said to be both beautiful and intelligent. However, Cardinal Wolsey, who is against the match, advises Henry to instead consider marrying Anne Boleyn, who he believes can help him achieve his political goals.

Meanwhile, Anne Boleyn continues to play games with the courtiers of the court and manages to manipulate Henry's affections towards her. She also reveals to her sister Mary that she plans to become Henry's queen, saying that she will stop at nothing to achieve her ambition. Mary is wary of her sister's schemes, but Anne tells her that they will both benefit from her becoming queen.

As Henry plans his next move, he receives a visit from his illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy. Henry is pleased to see his son and plans to have him legitimized and made a duke, as well as arranging a marriage to a suitable bride. However, Fitzroy's mother, Bessie Blount, warns him about the dangers of the court and the ambitions of Anne Boleyn.

Meanwhile, back in Rome, the Pope is furious with Cardinal Wolsey for disobeying his orders and attempting to obtain a divorce for Henry. He orders Wolsey to travel to the court of Charles V in Spain to seek his forgiveness and request his assistance in obtaining a papal annulment for Henry's marriage. Wolsey is hesitant to comply, as he fears being out of Henry's favor, but eventually agrees to go.

As the episode continues, tensions rise between France and England, as Francis I accuses Henry of attempting to invade his territory. To prove his innocence, Henry sends his ambassador, Thomas Cromwell, to France to negotiate a peace treaty. However, Cromwell is met with hostility from the French court, and his efforts appear to be in vain.

Back in England, Henry becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress towards obtaining an annulment, and begins to consider extreme measures. Anne Boleyn advises him to break away from the Catholic Church and establish a new church in England, with himself as the head. Henry is initially hesitant, but eventually agrees to the plan, convinced that it is the only way to obtain the annulment.

As the episode comes to a close, Henry's plans to establish a new church are met with opposition from many of his advisors, including the devoutly Catholic Sir Thomas More. However, Henry is determined to move forward with his plan, seeing it as the only way to get what he wants. The episode ends with a tense stand-off between Henry and More, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and eager to see what will happen next.