Sometimes the greatest shock comes from what we already know and expect, but are afraid to say.
“Only two episodes left.”
When I saw the words at the end of Episode 6 of the Tudors Season 3, I felt a pain in my chest; the likes of which I have not felt since Optimus Prime’s black and white death in Transformers the Movie (1986). Times are grim indeed. I don’t know why I’m shocked. I received the press packet well in advance of the third season’s premiere alerting me to the eight-episode order – two episodes shorter than the previous two seasons. Maybe, it wasn’t the end of season 3 I was feeling the loss of, as much as the reality of what would come next. The end of the Tudors.
Showtime’s recent announcement as to the end of The Tudors with season 4 was a heartfelt stab to most fans. Many, including myself, wouldn’t mind seeing the Tudors saga live on beyond the days of Henry and explore the life of Mary and even moreso Elizabeth. But, Michael Hirst, like a stern father has proclaimed, “I brought you into this world, and I’ll take you out.” TV mortality is painful, and after two more episodes, The Tudors will have outlived the average number of seasons for a typical television show.
It was less than a year ago that I joined The Tudors cast for the premiere of Season 2. It was then that I was indoctrinated into the world of Showtime. My eyes were opened to a world that had eluded me for too long. The Tudors was just the tip of the iceberg. I slowly learned the beauty of Weed… Uhm, I mean Weeds. Californication. The United States of Tara. And, of course, who could forget the Dark Avenger Dexter – the serial killer we all secretly aspire to be. The new breed of Showtime shows changed the way we viewed both the half-hour sitcom and the hour drama. Irreverant. Dark. And, utterly twisted. These shows will pave the way for more great television as the norm is bashed, broken and shattered. But, “Death Be Not Proud” – one day those shows too will see an untimely end.
So, while premature regrets of “only the good die young” riddle my heart, I prepare myself mentally to bid The Tudors adieu. Michael Hirst penned a memorable series. The Tudors will be missed, but not forgotten.
About The Tudors Season 3 Episode 7:
Edward Seymour and The Duke of Suffolk conspire against Cromwell.
Please, someone must get a word through to Michael Hirst and tell him that people is claiming for the continuation of The Tudors!!
I saw all seasons and loved it from the first chapter of the first season and would love it to go on for years and years! The renaissance is a fascinating period of human history and Michael´s vision of the Tudors dinasty and characters are fantastic! PLEASE DON´T LET IT END!!!!
I was crushed when I just read that Season four would be the end of the Tudors. I got my BA in Medieval History and put much of my focus into English History especially the Mary Tudor. I was really wanting to see Mary portrayed in her own right. The movies she is portrayed in are all about other Tudors such as Elizabeth and they do not paint an accurate portrait of her. I’m hoping that Michael Hirst will change his mind and bring the series back for a few more seasons, because like others of you have stated, Tudor history doesn’t end with Henry’s death. That’s when the story just starts to get interesting.
When can I send mail to beg them to go on with the story. The legacy of the Tudors gets really good when you get into “the kids”!. Mary & Edwards story has never really been told other than in books. Though they are both short reigns, theirs (especially Mary’s) is a fantastic story. Not a happy life, poor girl, but just everything leading up to her getting the crown, would make fantastic television. And the girl playing Mary has been absolutely OUTSTANDING! She’s done a beautiful job with it. I know Elizabeth’s life is well documented but can you think of what they could do with it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON’T Drop the Tudors. When Henry dies, the kingdom is pretty depleted of money. It struggles with disease, famine etc. Of course we know Mary attempts to bring back Catholicism and it’s bloody. But Elizabeth brings a true renaissance of art, culture, education & prosperity and returns England to it’s glory. The story of the Tudors doesn’t end when Henry dies, it only begins!!! There’s so much that could be done. If I had the means, I’d do it myself! So if anyone out there knows who to contact and start nagging about the idea of dropping the Tudors after next season, LET ME KNOW!! MUST HAVE MORE!!!
It makes sense to me. Applying the same writing and production values to continue the story through the entire Tudor dynasty (Edward, Mary and Elizabeth) would be a huge win for fans and for Showtime. This is an outstanding series, and there’s so much juicy material available, I’d hate to see it end.
I wouldn’t even mind seeing a pre-quel covering the origins of the Tudor reign with Henry VII.
gosh, i am hoping someone wakes up and realizes that we want MORE. What about Edward VI and the Lady Jane Grey and Mary would make a good season herself. And then there is Elizabeth. I have read so much on English History and The Tudors are the best. There are so many Elizabeth movies out there i know, but i would love to see this version. Besides The Tudors are over until she dies. Please bring it back.
I agree 100% that the Tudors should continue in with Mary and Elizabeth. Showtime for me has NOTHING to offer except for The Tudors and the two shows following it ( Weeds & United States Of Tara.)
HOWEVER, when the Tudors ends I will cancel my Showtime with Direct TV cause it’s the only reason I got it. I got hooked on it during a free 6 month trial and purchased it for season 3. The other shows while good are not good enough for me to pay the monthly cost for showtime for, as I said the Showtime channels offer nothing else.
P.S. To show just how good I think The Tudors is, I purchased season 1 & 2 at Best Buy and will purchase season 3 for my collection even though I have seen them already.
QUESTION? I would think ratings would have something to do with whether or not a series like this would continue?
SOooooooo Sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111
NOT HAPPY AT ALL!!! WANT MORE TUDORS!!! They should of called it “King Henry and his Mama’z full of Drama’z” instead.
I can not believe that they are not bringing back this show it is such a disapointment. It’s the only show on tv that has drama and mystery and such a good story line and cast. Not to add great looking men. Shame, Shame, Shame.
Well Henry has to die sometime and JRM is what brings this show alive so I guess time is running out. He’s been incredible this season. I hope he gets an emmy
I love The Tudors, despite some of the liberties it has taken with Tudor history. I think it’s fantastic that it has sparked people’s interest in this wonderful period of history and I think it’s had a brilliant cast. I too will miss it and can’t believe that it will finish after Season 4 - shame. Yes, it would be great to see a show based on Mary or Elizabeth, both interesting characters and strong monarchs.