This is it, folks - photos from the series finale episode of The Tudors, which will be airing on June 20.  View the photos below and then go check out two sneak peeks from the final episode of The Tudors.

Henry is forced to surrender Boulogne, his great prize, as part of a peace treaty with France. But where in the past he might have felt anger, his feelings now turn melancholic with the news that King Francis, his longtime friend and sometimes foe, is dying.

There is a slow, quiet and nonetheless inevitable shifting of allegiances as Henry’s own health begins to fade. Factions are forming at Court as thoughts turn towards a successor. Some see Prince Edward, Henry’s son by Anne Seymour, as his natural heir while others, notably Bishop Gardiner, are determined to restore a Catholic to the throne in the person of Princess Mary.

Under orders of Gardiner, an arrest warrant for Queen Catherine is issued on grounds of heresy. However, when Risley and his men, believing they’re carrying out the King’s orders, come to arrest the Queen, they are brutally rebuffed by Henry in a complex psychological game that leaves everyone uncertain of his allegiances and beliefs. For his overreaching ambition, Bishop Gardiner is expelled from Court.

Hearing that Charles Brandon is very ill, the King summons his old friend to court. It is to be their last encounter: Brandon dies soon after and Henry is greatly shaken; his longest and most loyal ally now gone.

Realizing his own death is now imminent, Henry retreats more and more into himself. He sees the ghosts of his past wives, then sends Queen Catherine and his beloved daughters Elizabeth and Mary away from Whitehall Palace. Alone, Henry VIII prepares for the end of his magnificent, momentous monarchy.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 9

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII and Joely Richardson as Catherine Parr (Season 4, episode 10) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_409-410_0060

Photos – The Tudors 4.10 (Series Finale)

We just posted promo photos for the upcoming series finale of The Tudors, which will be airing on June 20, and now we have two sneak peeks for you below.

Henry is forced to surrender Boulogne, his great prize, as part of a peace treaty with France. But where in the past he might have felt anger, his feelings now turn melancholic with the news that King Francis, his longtime friend and sometimes foe, is dying.

There is a slow, quiet and nonetheless inevitable shifting of allegiances as Henry’s own health begins to fade. Factions are forming at Court as thoughts turn towards a successor. Some see Prince Edward, Henry’s son by Anne Seymour, as his natural heir while others, notably Bishop Gardiner, are determined to restore a Catholic to the throne in the person of Princess Mary.

Under orders of Gardiner, an arrest warrant for Queen Catherine is issued on grounds of heresy. However, when Risley and his men, believing they’re carrying out the King’s orders, come to arrest the Queen, they are brutally rebuffed by Henry in a complex psychological game that leaves everyone uncertain of his allegiances and beliefs. For his overreaching ambition, Bishop Gardiner is expelled from Court.

Hearing that Charles Brandon is very ill, the King summons his old friend to court. It is to be their last encounter: Brandon dies soon after and Henry is greatly shaken; his longest and most loyal ally now gone.

Realizing his own death is now imminent, Henry retreats more and more into himself. He sees the ghosts of his past wives, then sends Queen Catherine and his beloved daughters Elizabeth and Mary away from Whitehall Palace. Alone, Henry VIII prepares for the end of his magnificent, momentous monarchy.

Sneak Peeks - The Tudors 4.10 (Series Finale)

I can't believe we're coming to the end of one of my favorite shows - The Tudors.  The penultimate episode will be airing on June 13 and Henry VIII is getting old.  Showtime has released a synopsis and promo photos, which we have for you below.

You can also view two sneak peeks for the upcoming episode that we just posted.  By the way, the synopsis below is kind of spoilerly.

King Henry VIII is aging rapidly: the recent siege of Boulogne has taken its toll, his ulcerous leg is constantly in pain and he now requires glasses to read.

Political events continue to be tumultuous and exhausting. The profligate Earl of Surrey, a noble not known for his sense of judgment, loses 600 men in an unprovoked battle in France, endangering Henry’s recent success in Boulogne. News arrives that the King of France is preparing for war and, worse, England’s recent ally Emperor Charles has seized English ships and properties.

The rising influence of Bishop Gardiner is signaled by the appointment of a Catholic, Risley, to the important position of Lord Chancellor. Nonetheless, the Lutherans continue with their radical reforms, the latest of which is women preachers. One such preacher, Anne Askew, is imprisoned and tortured by Risley and then burnt at the stake for her perceived heresies. Sensing their rise in authority, Gardiner and his allies are determined to trap Queen Catherine. Brazenly, the Bishop suggests to the King that he has proof of her heresy. Henry confuses the Bishop with his reply: even if it was true—and he likely knows it is—he would spare her life.

The Earl of Surrey is not so fortunate. Defiant on his return to Court, Henry’s Privy Council is unconvinced by his explanations about how so many men were lost under his command in France. His rank is withdrawn and the King refuses to see him. Surrey’s wild antics and attitude have won him no friends among Henry’s closest advisors and he is arrested on charges of treason. After a quick and one-sided trial he is sentenced to death.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 13

The Tudors (Season 4, episode 9) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_409_0009

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Photos - The Tudors 4.09

We just posted promo photos for the upcoming June 13 new episode of The Tudors and now we have two sneak peeks for you below.

King Henry VIII is aging rapidly: the recent siege of Boulogne has taken its toll, his ulcerous leg is constantly in pain and he now requires glasses to read.

Political events continue to be tumultuous and exhausting. The profligate Earl of Surrey, a noble not known for his sense of judgment, loses 600 men in an unprovoked battle in France, endangering Henry’s recent success in Boulogne. News arrives that the King of France is preparing for war and, worse, England’s recent ally Emperor Charles has seized English ships and properties.

The rising influence of Bishop Gardiner is signaled by the appointment of a Catholic, Risley, to the important position of Lord Chancellor. Nonetheless, the Lutherans continue with their radical reforms, the latest of which is women preachers. One such preacher, Anne Askew, is imprisoned and tortured by Risley and then burnt at the stake for her perceived heresies. Sensing their rise in authority, Gardiner and his allies are determined to trap Queen Catherine. Brazenly, the Bishop suggests to the King that he has proof of her heresy. Henry confuses the Bishop with his reply: even if it was true—and he likely knows it is—he would spare her life.

The Earl of Surrey is not so fortunate. Defiant on his return to Court, Henry’s Privy Council is unconvinced by his explanations about how so many men were lost under his command in France. His rank is withdrawn and the King refuses to see him. Surrey’s wild antics and attitude have won him no friends among Henry’s closest advisors and he is arrested on charges of treason. After a quick and one-sided trial he is sentenced to death.

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Sneak Peeks - The Tudors 4.09

We're getting closer to the series finale of The Tudors.  Showtime has released promo photos for the June 6 new episode (sorry, no new episode on May 30!).  Check them out below.

The year is 1544. Under the supervision of Henry VIII, the Earl of Surrey and his men attempt to tunnel their way into the French castle at Boulogne. Clearly pleased to be once again in the field of battle, the King dines and entertains in style at his tent some distance from the action.

But progress is slow and conditions are appalling for his soldiers. Over two thousand men die of disease and starvation and another three thousand fall ill as ‘the flux’ sweeps the King’s camp. When hope of success seems all but lost, Treviso, the King’s engineer, creates a spectacular explosion in the tunnel that finally breaches the castle. The French surrender to a gloating Henry who returns to England in triumph and commands festivities and celebrations throughout the land.

Charles Brandon, who has been separated from his wife for some time, finds happiness with a young Frenchwoman named Brigitte, who returns with him from France. While Henry too has been rejuvenated by the siege of Boulogne, given a taste once more of the vigor and vitality of his youth, he may have pushed his already weakened body too far.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 8

The Tudors (Season 4, episode 8) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_408_0003

Photos - The Tudors 4.08

Henry VIII marries his final wife, Catherine Parr (played by Joley Richardson) on the May 23 new episode of The Tudors.  Showtime has released promo photos and a detailed synopsis for the episode.

Henry marries Catherine Parr, his sixth and final wife. The wedding is notable for the presence of Henry’s daughters, Princesses Mary and Elizabeth. Catherine is determined to be a loving stepmother to the King’s children, who are fond of her in return.

Plans are made for the invasion of France and Charles Brandon is named commander of the English armies. The emissaries of the Emperor Charles, with whom Henry has formed an alliance, are entertained in great style at the English Court where, to their surprise and delight, Princess Mary addresses them in Spanish.

As the Catholic influence increases, Bishop Gardiner begins to investigate the new Queen’s religious beliefs. She is rumored to be a secret Protestant and he intends to expose her. But any such suspicions are excused by the courage and commitment she shows in nursing the King when he is once again struck down by his ulcerous leg. There has never been so attentive a Queen to Henry at his most vulnerable.

The war effort is elaborate and costly. Three hundred ships have been requisitioned to bring guns, wagons, horses and the army to France. The King may not be in peak condition but he is determined to lead his armies into battle to recapture lands he once held, as well as a glimmer of his youth. In his absence, he appoints Catherine regent and protector of the realm and guardian of his children. The new Queen rises to the challenge and is well liked and respected by all.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 16

Sarah Bolger as Mary Tudor and Joely Richardson as Catherine Parr (Season 4, episode 7) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_407_0046

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Photos - The Tudors 4.07

Looks like Henry won't be wasting any time in securing his sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr (to be playing by Joley Richardson).  Showtime has released promo photos and a synopsis for the May 16 new episode of The Tudors.

In a surprise decision, the King orders a new Act of Parliament, which restores the succession rights of his two daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Mary. Although they are next in line after their youngest brother Edward, this powerful gesture of his love will have historical consequences.

The King dispatches Hertford and his arch enemy, the Earl of Surrey, north to warn the King of Scotland that any further acts of aggression will be responded to with the might of England’s armies. But Surrey is no man for issuing warnings and the body count is high at the Battle of Solway Moss.

Meanwhile, both the ambassador of France and the ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire seek the support of Henry in attacking each other. To the surprise of his Court, Henry sides with the Catholic Emperor for the first time since he was married to his aunt, Katherine of Aragon.

The Catholic alliance signals a weakening of the Reformation’s influence in English politics. Realizing that the tide is turning, Bishop Stephen Gardiner goes on the hunt for suspected Calvinists.

Single once again, Henry takes an interest in the twice-married Catherine Parr, a woman closer in age than his usual fancies. She has it in mind to marry Thomas Seymour but within hours of her husband’s death, Seymour is hastily transferred to Brussels as permanent Ambassador and the King proposes marriage.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 14

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII (Season 4, episode 6) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_406_0012

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Photos - The Tudors 4.06

Things are really not looking up for Ms. Katherine Howard.  It looks like things are going to get grim for the young queen very quickly.  Showtime has released promo photos and a synopsis for the May 9 new episode of the Tudors.

Lord Hertford’s investigation into allegations of the Queen’s infidelities moves with speed. Deeply upset by revelations of his beloved young wife’s sexual past, Henry weeps. But once adultery is uncovered, his response is swift and decisive.

Queen Katherine (Tamzin Merchant) is shocked by the King’s (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) orders that she be confined to her apartments. The investigation into her past moves with speed: Francis Dereham is arrested and interrogated. Joan Bulmer is questioned as is the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk – at whose home Joan and Catherine lived as young women and where their immoral acts are rumored to have taken place. Dereham confesses that he and Katherine Howard had planned to get married and that he knew her carnally before she became Queen. A serious revelation, but not adultery.

Uncharacteristically, Henry weeps when told of these discoveries. But his response is unsentimental and swift: Katherine Howard is removed from court and her title as Queen withdrawn. Her pleas for understanding and forgiveness are coldly ignored but she knows she is lucky to escape with her life.

Francis Derehem is brutally tortured as Lord Hertford (Max Brown) seeks to establish if Katherine Howard committed adultery. Dereham denies the charge but points to Thomas Culpepper (Torrance Coombs) who is promptly arrested. Furious that the betrayal was widely known, Henry isolates himself from his court. Betrayed, bruised but unbowed the King gives a banquet, attended only by 26 beautiful young women.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 6

Tamzin Merchant as Katherine Howard (Season 4, episode 5) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_405_0010

Photos - The Tudors 4.05

Things are not looking good for Henry's fifth wife, Katherine Howard.  A new episode of The Tudors will be airing on May 2 and we have a synopsis and promo photos for the episode below.

Rejuvenated by his tour of the north of England, Henry feels a new man and longs after his new Queen; unaware that her affections are diverted elsewhere. Katherine’s past begins to catch up as an old liaison comes looking for a job threatening to reveal all about their sexual history. Someone beats him to it when an anonymous letter is sent to the King containing accusations of adultery. Although unconvinced of the rumor, Henry confines Katherine to her apartments pending a thorough investigation.

Pontefract Castle, Yorkshire was the only royal property captured by the rebels during the Catholic uprising known as the ‘Pilgrimage of Grace’. In a symbolic gesture it now welcomes Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and his large entourage. Rejuvenated by the affection he has experienced in his tour of the north of England, Henry feels a stirring sexual energy towards his Queen (Tamzin Merchant). Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill) on the other hand, senses death as remembers the hangings and punishment he oversaw as the King’s representative during the Northern rebellion.

In a castle full of ghosts, Queen Katherine sees something like one when a young man arrives at her door. He is Francis Dereham (Allen Leech), one of the men she had sexual liaisons with before she married the King . . . and he wants a job. Threatened with blackmail, she has little choice but to give in.

Katherine Howard’s past begins to catch up with her on another front. The King receives an anonymous letter accusing his wife of sexual relationships with two men including Francis Dereham. Henry thinks the whole thing is a fraud but nonetheless orders an investigation, to be led by Lord Hertford (Max Brown). Katherine is confined to her apartments with no visitors permitted.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 23

Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon and David Wilmot as Sir Ralph Ellerker (Season 4, episode 4) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_404_0028

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Photos - The Tudors 4.04

A new episode of The Tudors will be airing this weekend on April 25 as the show works its way through its final season.  Showtime has released promo photos and a synopsis of the episode, which you can view below.

Buoyed by the happiness that a young wife brings an aging man, Henry is noticeably more tolerant and forgiving than he once was. Such goodwill is well appreciated by the peasants of the North who gratefully accept Henry’s forgiveness for the Pilgrimage of Grace revolt, during a Royal visit. But the King’s benevolence may yet be tested by his new Queen: Katherine Howard has submitted to seduction by the young and handsome Thomas Culpepper.

Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is in great spirits. Buoyed by the happiness that a young wife brings an aging man, he is noticeably more tolerant and forgiving than the Henry of old. He pardons a criminal, visits his estranged young daughter Princess Elizabeth (Laoise Murray) and plans a visit to the North of England – his first visit to the territory that hatched the ‘Pilgrimage of Grace’ rebellion. Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill) is ordered to go ahead and make preparations.

Scenes of rebellion are now closer to home. Unknown to the doting King, his wife Katherine Howard (Tamzin Merchant) has begun a serious flirtation with the young and handsome Thomas Culpepper (Torrance Coombs) with the assistance of her lady in waiting, Lady Rochford (Joanne King).

Cuckolding the King is a capital offense but Henry, of course, can play by different rules and takes his pleasure in the bed of Anne of Cleves (Joss Stone) – the ex-wife he once thought ugly.

A large and impressive entourage accompanies the King, Queen and Princess Mary (Sarah Bolger) north to the city of Lincoln for the royal visit. In his appreciation for the warm welcome he receives, Henry gives a speech forgiving the city for its earlier revolt. Feeling benevolent and powerful once more, the King longs to be with his young bride but his troublesome leg-wound makes him tired and irritable and confines him to his room. Thomas Culpepper, on the other hand, is young, passionate and fit for a Queen.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 15

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII (Season 4, episode 3) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_403_0073

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Photos - The Tudors 4.03

I'm feeling really good about the final season of The Tudors.  Last season got a bit bogged down when the show focused on the religious and political storyline, but the premiere episode of season 4 shows that this series is back to the royal soap opera storylines that made it great back in seasons 1 and 2.  The next new episode of The Tudors will be airing on April 18.  Showtime has released promo photos and a synopsis, which you can view below.

Thomas Culpepper - Henry VIII’s newest servant - continues to make eyes at his King’s young bride, Katherine Howard. Her servant suggests seduction. While the King shows his age by going to bed early during the Christmas celebration the young but not so innocent members of his court party on.

Thomas Culpepper (Torrance Coombs) - principle groom to Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) - continues to make eyes at his King’s sexy young bride, Katherine Howard (Tamzin Merchant). He is not alone; the teen Queen inspires many admirers in Henry’s court, not least the King himself who spoils his new wife with an endless supply of extravagant gifts.

Lady Rochford (Joanne King) gets plenty of gossip about her new mistress from Katherine’s old friend and indiscreet lady-in-waiting Joan Bulmer (Catherine Steadman) who hints about their sexual adventures as young ladies. When Rochford sleeps with Culpepper soon after, he doesn’t hide that the Queen is his real desire and she helpfully suggests that she aid him in seducing Katherine.

On a drinking binge with his cronies in one of London’s nastiest neighborhoods, the arrogant Lord Surrey (David O’Hara) persecutes prostitutes, smashes windows and causes general mayhem. Not content with stirring up trouble after dark, Surrey intends to be the scourge of the Seymour brothers – Edward and Thomas (Max Brown and Andrew McNair) - whom he considers mere commoners.

As part of the Christmas festivities Henry invites his previous wife Anne of Cleves (Joss Stone) to the palace. He is pleasantly surprised by her beauty - something he missed when they were married - and delighted by her graciousness. But where once he was the life and soul of such parties, the aging King goes to bed early and the party grows boisterous in his absence. Never before have two of Henry’s wives had such fun together, nor have so many of his male courtiers enjoyed openly ogling their Queen.

THE TUDORS - Season 4

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 20

Joss Stone as Anne of Cleves (Season 4, episode 2) - Photo: Jonathan Hession/Showtime - Photo ID: tudors_402_0014

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Photos - The Tudors 4.02

Since its premiere three years ago, The Tudors has been one of my favourite shows.  Gorgeous costumes, fantastic actors, intriguing storylines - this show has it all.

Admittedly, season 3 dragged a bit when it focused too heavily on the religious uprisings in England after its break from the Catholic Church in Rome.  The Tudors is always at its absolute best when it is focusing on Henry VIII and his relationship with his wives.  That is what made seasons 1 and 2 so interesting (and, I believe, a fantastic performance by Natalie Dormer as doomed second wife Anne Bolyen).

When we last left Henry at the end of season 3, his third wife, Jane Seymour had died.  Distraught over the death of his favourite wife (and the only wife who ever bore him a son), it took his ministers a while to convince Henry to take a new bride.  Enter Anne of Cleves (played by singer Joss Stone).  History tells us that Henry wasn't too pleased with Anne's looks (Joss was rather plain looking, but certainly not ugly) and quickly rid himself of his fourth wife.  Fortunately, for her, she didn't go the way of his other wife Anne (who died by beheading), and was simply sent off to live in the country with an annual pension.

Enter Catherine Howard, a 17 year old girl who was manipulated by men in Henry's court to become his new wife.  We open season 4 with Catherine and Henry.  Anyone who can read Wikipedia knows how the relationship will end, and the trailer below is incredibly detailed with its chronology of the relationship.  That doesn't really matter though, because the fourth and final season of this show looks fantastic - a return to the great characters and storylines that made the show great.

You can also view a behind the scenes look of season 4 below, with interviews from various cast members.

The Tudors fourth and final season premieres on April 11, 2010.

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

The Tudors Season 4 Trailer

The Tudors is one of my favorite shows.  I love the soapiness of it.  I love the crazy antics of Henry XIII, the sex, the gorgeous costumes and even the occasional historical inaccuracy.  Showtime will be releasing The Tudors Season 3 on DVD on December 15th.

I was distraught at the end of season 2 when Anne Boleyn was beheaded.  I loved Natalie Dormer in the role so much that I prayed - somehow - history would change and she would be kept alive.  Alas, since she was only wife #2, and we know that Henry got it on with four more wives, poor Anne was not long for this world.

Enter Jane Seymour, probably the most beloved of all of Henry's wives.  And not for nothing - she did bear him his only son (of course, Edward went on to rule for a very short period of time and was succeeded by both of his sisters, but that's no nevermind).

Season 3 of The Tudors opens with the fallout from Anne's death and the religious problems that Henry created in his attempt to break away from the Catholic Church in order to marry Anne in the first place. Enter Lord Cromwell, who attempts to quash the Catholic rebels and retain the supremacy of Protestantism in England.  Played brilliantly by James Frain, Cromwell is a ruthless man who occasionally shows the merest traces of humanity.  Fortunately for Cromwell, his king is just as ruthless, and Henry sends his army, along with his best friend and former brother-in-law, Charles Brandon, to teach those nasty rebels a lesson.

I will admit, there were moments of this season that seemed to drag.  Those moments focused primarily on the rebels.  The actors themselves were sublime and gave great performances, but my attention somewhat waned when this show - which I primarily consider a historical soap opera - focused more on serious political issues.  I have no problems with politics, but the part of the show that most appealed to me happened within the royal court.

Here's some trivia: if you're a musical theater fan like me, you'll recognize Colm Wilkinson as a rebel in several episodes.  Colm has headlined many, many shows in Canada, the US and the UK, including Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.  Listening to him perform The Music of the Night or Bring Him Home is heaven.  And he has a very distinctive voice, which I recognized almost immediately.  Every moment that he was on screen I was chanting "sing, sing!" in my head.  See if you can spot him!

After Jane Seymour dies mid-season, Henry, of course, lapses into despair.  Enter Anne of Cleves. Cromwell is determined to find Henry a Protestant bride, and the sister of a German prince fits the bill.  Anne is played by Joss Stone.  It's rumored that she was quite unattractive and that Henry found her repulsive (as he does in the show), but I thought Stone did a rather admirable job and was pleasant - if rather plain - looking.  Anne's out the door faster than you can say "off with her head", except Anne is one of the lucky few of Henry's wives that actually gets to live.  Seems she's pretty enough to keep alive, along with an annual pension from the king.

Enter Katherine Howard, one of the youngest and silliest of all of Henry's brides.  In the show, Brandon and other Cromwell-haters conspire to catch Henry's eye with young Katherine and rid themselves of Anne and Cromwell altogether.  This seems to work and we are left at the end of the season with Cromwell's fall from Henry's favor and Katherine's sweet laughter revitalizing the aging and sickly king (unfortunately, Henry's got that ulcerated leg - and it's gross).

While season 3 never manages to live up to the delight that was season 2 (or do I simply miss Natalie Dormer too much?), the show never really disappoints.  There is only one more season left of this fantastic show - after all, he's only got six wives and he's already gaining on number five - so if you're not already a fan, then you should definitely pick up seasons 1 - 3 on DVD and catch up.  Season 4 is set to premiere on April 11, 2010.

Check out set photos from Season 4 of The Tudors (although some of the photos are behind the scenes from season 3).

Email: clarissa @ tvovermind.com

Follow: twitter.com/clarissa373

Review - The Tudors Season 3 DVD

The fourth and final season of The Tudors is currently filming in Bray, Ireland. That means , of course, that some photos from the set are going to be floating around the internet. And indeed there are; the official Tudors wiki has quite a few of them. We've added them to a gallery for you below. There are quite a few new faces in these pictures.

Season four of The Tudors will premiere in 2010, and will chronicle King Henry VIII's final descent into madness.

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 29

The Tudors -- Season 4 Set Pics

The Gemini Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Emmys, were broadcast last night and the hit drama "Flashpoint", with its record-setting 19 nominations, walked away with three major wins: Best Dramatic Series, Best Direction and Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for Enrico Colantoni.   In the non-broadcast ceremonies, it scored another three awards for Best Achievement in Main Title Design, Best Performance by an Actor in a Guest Role, Dramatic Series (Henry Czerny) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role, Dramatic Series (Tatiana Maslany).

East Coast funny man Ron James, who has his new "The Ron James Show" airing on CBC in the old "Air Farce" slot, hosted the award show from Calgary, AB and kept the audience well entertained.  Among the presenters was Calgary native Cory Monteith, who is enjoying his role as Finn on the hit musical comedy Glee.

First year drama "Being Erica" scooped a Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for Erin Karpluk. 

Epic historical drama "The Tudors" did not score on any of its major category nominations but did receive 4 Geminis during the non-broadcast ceremonies that were held in October, including Best Photography in a Dramatic Series, Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Series, Best Production Design and Best Sound.

The comedy award nominations were surprising with "Corner Gas", which ended its six year run this year,  not even being nominated despite back to back wins in 2005, 2006 and 2007.   Winner "The Rick Mercer Report" took home the Best Comedy Series and the cancelled "Three Chords from Truth" the Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy. 

 Best Comedy Writing went to "Billable Hours" while Best Dramatic Writing went to the now defunct "Stargate: Atlantis."

The ground-breaking, mostly green screen, sci-fi drama Sanctuary won for Best Visual Effects but did not take home any awards for its three acting nominations.

In the reality corner, Dragon's Den won for Best Reality Program or Series.  In an odd turn, Dragon's Den is holding onto its popularity and ratings while the American Version "Shark Tank" is struggling.

The full list of Gemini nominees and winners can be found here.

"Flashpoint", "The Tudors" multiple winners at 2009 Gemini Awards

Missing The Tudors?  Want to know when the new show Nurse Jackie will return for its second season?

Showtime has posted the release dates for five of its shows that will be returning in the late winter and early spring of 2010:

Secret Diary of a Call Girl - January 25

Tracey Ullman's State of the Union - January 25

Nurse Jackie - March 22

United States of Tara - March 22

The Tudors - April 11

Source: THR Feed

Showtime Sets 2010 Return Dates for Several Shows

Am I the only person who thought that Kings was an incredible show?  From the amazing cast to the intriguing storylines and superb writing to the vast and wonderful world that was created in but a few episodes, Kings was something new and different for network television.

Apparently a little too new and different, since NBC failed to properly understand and market it.  I don't buy their argument that the audience wants shows that can summed up in 30 second sound bites.  Look at Lost.  Look at FlashForward (you're not summing that sucker up in 30 seconds, I assure you).  But if it's true, if people shied away from Kings because it was a bit too complex then I'm just sad.  And a little pissed.

Nothing can replace Kings, but if you're into epic tales of betrayal, greed, royalty and riches, then I have 3 suggestions for you to look forward to that might help heal the pain:

(1) The Tudors (Showtime, Spring 2010)

The Tudors is such a delicious show that I can't even begin to do it justice with words.  I will admit that it spent a little too much time in its third season talking about religious rebellion and not enough time on sex and medieval royal shenanigans, but I still love it.  I miss Natalie Dormer, who played Anne Boleyn like no one's business, but Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII is outstanding.

Want to see the philandering king go through his six wives one by one, while bedding the various ladies of his court, breaking away from the papacy in Rome and plotting against the French and the Spanish (or befriending them, depending on what day of the week it is)?  If so, this is the show for you.  The costumes and set designs are gorgeous, the sex and violence is plentiful and the intrigue is....intriguing.

The Tudors returns for its forth and final season in the spring of 2010.  If you can, catch up on the DVDs of seasons 1-3 (season 3 is yet to be released).  I promise you, you won't be disappointed, especially by seasons 1 and 2.

(2) Spartacus: Blood and Sand (Starz, January 2010)

Anything I say about this show is purely speculation, because the series will be premiering in January and I haven't seen it yet, but the plot sounds compelling:

Betrayed by his country. Beaten into slavery. Reborn as a warrior. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" is a graphic and visceral account of Rome’s most famous gladiator.  When he’s separated from the love of his life, Spartacus is forced into the gruesome and bloodthirsty arena, where a grisly death is primetime entertainment.

Spartacus must fight for survival, befriend his enemies and play politics in this new world of corruption, violence, sex and fame. He’ll be seduced by power and tormented by vengeance. But his passion will give him the strength to prevail over every obstacle, in this modern and uninhibited tale of death, honor and endurance.

Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" an epic television event.

"Graphic and visceral"?  Two great words.  "Play[ing] politics" and "seduced by power"?  HOT.  You know what else is hot?  The lead actor - Andy Whitfield.  Can I just ask, what are they feeding the boys down in Australia?  Because they are fine.  I need to take a trip down under.

Learn more about the show at the official Starz page and you can watch a trailer there as well.

(3) Game of Thrones (HBO, 2009/2010)

Not much is known about this new HBO show yet, but it was recently announced that Lena Headey joined the cast.  Based on George R.R. Martin's book series called "A Song of Fire and Ice", Game of Thrones will tell the story of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.  Each kingdom appears to have a ruling family or "house" and there's all sorts of political intrigue and power grabs.

We'll have to wait several months for these shows to return or premiere, but at least it's something to look forward to.  Go out and get The Tudors on DVD and try to fill the void that NBC created when they canceled Kings.

Filling the Void Left by the Cancellation of "Kings"