Keep Your Knife Bright

January 1547, England – The show begins with a group of men removing a large wooden crate from a carriage. The crate is carried indoors and opened, exposing a mummified corpse. King Henry VIII’s death resulted in a tumultuous England. Two men set out to retrieve the dead king’s children. Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine) asks if the King is dead. She appears to be content with the man’s response.

Princess Mary (Ramola Garai) is in prayer when the men arrive. She is escorted through a large door. Edward (Oliver Zetterstrom) is escorted by his uncle through a dark hallway. Elizabeth I (Alicia Von Rittberg) is escorted through a dark tunnel, where she meets Edward and Mary. Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset (John Heffernan) orders the door to be barred. Mary asks what he has in store for them. He informs them of the King’s death. Kneeling, he says, “Long live the King.”

As Elizabeth rushes outside to inquire about Edward’s destination. Kate Ashley (Alexandra Gilbreath) tries to get her attention, but she ignores her calls. She asks Somerset where Edward is being taken. Edward Seymour informs her that he is accompanying his uncle without providing the exact destination. She demands to know why Edward isn’t permitted to speak for himself. Edward denies knowing his destination. Edward Seymour suggests she have faith while waiting on instructions. She asks faith in what as they ride away. She tells Kat that no time has been dedicated to grieving the King’s death. Kat assures her that they grieve.

In the meantime, Catherine is having sex with Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen). Thomas asks her personal questions about her sexual relationship with the King. She warns him of the ramifications of a pregnancy because the King was in no state to have sexual relations with her. She tells him that she will speak with Edward about him not returning to Scotland or France. Reminding her of Edward being the new King, he suggests not making him feel pushed around. She assures him that Edward is no more than a child and as his mother, she should be the one to speak for him. She questions the whereabouts of Lord Dudley. He assures her that he is in bed in a nearby room. A servant informs him that Edward Seymour and Edward left during the night.

Edward Seymour scolds Edward for weeping. Taking him off to the side, he explains how he has a 16-man council to rule for him. He pleads with him to permit him to be his voice.

Catherine Parr’s Residence – As the carriage nears Catherine’s home, Kat reaches over to squeeze Elizabeth’s hand. When Kat refers to Queen Catherine as a “gracious lady” for inviting Elizabeth to stay in her home, Elizabeth tells her that she is no longer the Queen. Kat assures her that once a Queen, always a Queen whether the King is alive or dead. Elizabeth admits to feeling weighed down by the target on her and her sibling’s backs.

Elizabeth refers to Catherine as her “loving mother.” Catherine reminds her that she isn’t her biological mother but can be as good as her mother. She assures her the King’s wishes for England and her will be obeyed.

As the council meeting is set to commence, Edward Seymour prohibits Henry Grey (Leo Bill) access. Henry is stunned by the decision to ban him from the council meeting.

Edward Seymour introduces King Edward VI who is caught off-guard when he is asked to speak. Thomas is surprised when Edward names Edward Seymour his Lord Protector. He reminds Edward Seymour of them sharing the same mother and sister, Jane Seymour, the king’s mother. He says that makes them both the King’s uncle. Edward acknowledges they are both his uncles. Thomas asks why he has chosen only one Lord Protector before Edward Seymour ejects him from the counsil. Once the door is barred, Henry demands to know what is going on.

Elizabeth is awakened by a boisterous Thomas who sings “God Save the King.” Richard (Ryan Nolan) tries to quieten him down. Elizabeth gradually approaches to get a better look. Thomas introduces himself to her. As they continue to converse, Kat emerges from her room. She scolds Elizabeth for being inappropriately dressed. Catherine orders him to go downstairs. When they are out of earshot, he informs her of Edward Seymour being chosen as Edward’s Lord Protector. She assures him like his brother, she has a pawn in the game. He gently touches her face before they kiss.

Elizabeth approaches Thomas as he sleeps on a window ledge. Upon awakening, he asks if he has been chosen as her specimen to study. Catherine assures him that he doesn’t want to give Elizabeth the impression Edward is being governed by the witless and feckless. Heaving, he briskly walks away from them but only gets a few feet before vomiting. Catherine pleads with him to not flirt with Elizabeth. She informs him of Edward Seymour’s planned visit to Scotland after Edward’s coronation. He says Edward will be left alone. She offers him her hand. He suggests they marry while there is still time.

Edward Seymore hands Edward a drawing of Mary, Queen of Scots. Edward argues that his father arranged the married when he was only 5 years old. Edward Seymore suggests he delay altering the King’s wishes until his coronation. Raising his voice, he tells him that he is the King of England. He assures him there isn’t enough money to support a war. Edward Seymore tells him that money is a mundane concern. He warns him of severe consequences if he loses. Edward Seymore asks if his death is consequence enough. After Edward leaves the room, John Dudley (Jamie Parker) suggests not to do it if Scotland and Edward don’t want it. Edward Seymour assures him that Scotland’s wishes are for Mary, Queen of Scots to be “married off to France.” He says an alliance between France and Scotland will leave them wedged between the godless and stupid.

Edward, Elizabeth, and Mary enjoy live entertainment. Elizabeth looks over to see Ambassador Guzman de Silva (Olivier Huband) whisper something in Mary’s ear before she walks away. Guzman asks Mary who will Spain recognize as England’s new ruler, a child who needs the Lord Protector’s protection or the Lord Protector who is void of social standing. He assures her Spain will heed her decision. Mary tells Guzman that Edward is the King of England. She suggests their invaluable opinions stay under wrath.

Elizabeth is enjoying the meeting room when Thomas enters. She informs him of her wishes to make her own decisions. He complains about being overwhelmed with decisions after the King’s death. They briefly discuss the King. Weeping, she assures him that she and her siblings knew very little of her father. He tells her that all children learn more about their parents after their death. He jokes about his being unwed.

Catherine compliments the book Elizabeth created for the King. Elizabeth asks if she was with her father when he died. She informs her that Edward Seymour was at his side. Elizabeth asks about Thomas’s new title as the Lord High Admiral. Catherine confirms the rumor.

Thomas arrives outside as Edward Seymour leaves to retrieve young Mary, Queen of Scots.

Kat tells Elizabeth that Thomas is a handsome man. Elizabeth accuses her of enticing her to gossip while she is supposed to be in mourning. She voices her concern about what others would think about her gossiping like a “who**.” Kat assures her no one would think of her as a worldly woman. Elizabeth says she should marry Thomas, not a foreigner. Kat is shocked by her revelation of marriage to Thomas. She suggests discussing it with Catherine when Edward’s Lord Protector returns from his trip to Scotland.

The priest (Shaun Mason) reminds Catherine that permission hasn’t been given for her to marry Thomas. She argues that her freedom is less than that of a peasant. The priest reminds them of the Lord Protector. Thomas tells him that the Lord Protector is away. When he continues to deny their marriage request, she bribes him with a handful of coins. Thomas asks what Edward will say about their marriage. She suggests waiting for the right moment to avoid execution. The priest officiates their wedding.

Scotland, Pinkie Cleugh – John Dudley and Edward Seymour meet with Pedro (Ekow Quartey) to discuss the war. Pedro informs them of Scotland’s refusal to surrender. Edward Seymour voices his frustration with his current status, a nursemaid for the stupid and feckless.

Thomas enters as Elizabeth plays the piano. He suggests a tournament be held if England wins the war. He tells her that he wants to prove his value by showing he is the best at everything. She suggests he is best at many things, but not riding. Kat informs him of Elizabeth’s expert riding skills. Bowing, he requests an opportunity to be her riding companion one day. As Catherine rushes him out of the room, Elizabeth promises to ride with him. When Catherine and Thomas leave the room, Kat tells Elizabeth that she assumed her speaking of marrying Thomas was fanciful. She says now she knows it is real. Elizabeth asks for her opinion on how she thinks Thomas feels about her. Kat points out that Thomas visited Chelsea just to talk to her. She assures her that they deserve each other.

Catherine warns Thomas that the King must learn about their secret marriage from them. She says anyone else may manipulate his way of thinking.

The English and Scottish army are at war.

John Dudley teases Thomas about his relationship with Catherine. When Thomas asks if he values his position, John suggests he should be concerned about losing his head. Henry Grey points out that his wife is King Edward’s cousin and his daughter, Jane Grey (Bella Ramsey) is in line for the throne. He demands to know why they are banished to the back of the hall.

Edward toasts England’s win over Scotland. Edward and Thomas discuss his marriage to Mary, Queen of Scots. Thomas suggests he must eventually marry someone. He asks if people no longer marry for love. When Thomas asks if he is in love with Jane Grey, he changes the subject to his sisters.

Kat demands Elizabeth stop staring at Thomas. Elizabeth says no one owns her. As she leaves the table, Kat asks if she would willingly sell herself.

Catherine approaches Thomas to discuss their speaking to Edward about their marriage. He reminds her of the crime they committed when they wed. As she disappointedly walks away, Elizabeth approaches to ask about Edward Seymour’s well-being. He asks to speak with her in private. He leads her to a remote location, where they encounter Catherine and Edward. Edward informs Elizabeth of Catherine and Thomas’ secret marriage. While Elizabeth is speechless, Edward gives each of them a hug.

Edward Seymour informs Thomas that he and Catherine are no longer permitted to contact Edward. Thomas asks how he will manage it. He assures him that he will utilize everything in his power to prevent it. Thomas warns him that Edward won’t support it. Edward Seymour reminds him of them being brothers. Thomas admits to no longer have any trust in him. Grabbing his shoulders, Edward Seymour says he could’ve died in battle. He warns him that death is still imminent because war is never over.

Pedro voices his concern for a fleet of ships. He suggests someone very important has fled Scotland.

John Dudley informs Edward that Mary, Queen of Scott has fled to France. He suggests he no longer needs to marry her. John assures him that the Scottish Queen shares his feelings. Edward tells Edward Seymour that England lost 6,000 men. Edward Seymour says the English won the war. Raising his voice, Edward says a wedding announcement and a feast were held to celebrate his upcoming wedding. John tells him she was smuggled out of Scotland by the French. Edward Seymour defends his decision to return to court. Edward admits to giving Thomas and Catherine permission to marry.

Jane Seymour informs Elizabeth of her moving into Catherine’s home. She suggests being under Thomas and Catherine’s care could prove helpful for her since she is in line for the throne. Elizabeth says she and her siblings are in line for the throne. Jane reminds her that Edward is childless, and she and Mary could easily be deemed illegitimate. Elizabeth asks her what she is talking about. Jane informs her of the rumors that claim she is a bastard. Elizabeth demands to know why she is moving into her home. She assures her that it was not her choice.

Elizabeth accuses Catherine of dishonoring the King by remarrying. She scolds her for forcing her to share her home with a “brat” who fantasizes about taking Edward’s throne. Thomas confesses that Jane moving into Catherine’s home was his idea. He reminds her of being Edward’s sister and agrees to remove Jane from the home if necessary. With Catherine out of the room, he informs her that Edward is interested in Jane. He tells her that Edward was considering him marrying Mary. She reminds him of his decision to marry Catherine. He assures her that Mary wouldn’t have been his choice of the King’s sisters. They nearly kiss, but he stops himself. He questions what they will do before leaving Elizabeth alone as the episode comes to an end.

 

Becoming Elizabeth Review

Who doesn’t love a good period drama set in the Renaissance? I am always on board to be transported back in time to a bygone era. Who wouldn’t trade in their trousers for a rich, but uncomfortable Renaissance outfit? Period dramas are always embellished to captivate viewers. Becoming Elizabeth is void of two vital elements – suspense and intrigue.

There is nothing unique about the story, which has been told time and time again. I can name at least five films and miniseries that depict the extraordinary life of Elizabeth I. Actors who have portrayed the Virgin Queen include Judi Drench “Shakespeare in Love,” Flora Robson “Virgin Queen,” Quentin Crisp “Orlando,” Cate Blanchett “Elizabeth the Golden Age,” and the iconic Bette Davis “The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex.”

I felt the sex scene was inappropriate. I appreciate the modest approach to love making when it comes to Renaissance period dramas.

The cinematography needs to be fine-tuned. The camera rarely focuses directly on the characters’ faces. Some of the male characters are so similar, that it is difficult to differentiate between them. Visibility in some of the scenes was poor due to inappropriate lighting.

The attempt to reenact the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh was downright pitiful. The battle didn’t last more than a few minutes, ending with Edward Seymour appearing to be injured. He eventually reappeared without explanation, other than telling Thomas that he could’ve died in battle.

I’m sure some won’t agree with my review. We can agree to disagree. Please feel free to write a review, we will gladly respond.

The episode deserves a 6.5. Get more Becoming Elizabeth recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking here.