Wolf Hall Season 2, Episode 5: The Mirror and the Light
What to Expect
The fifth episode of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, titled "Mirror," airs on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 9:00 PM on BBC One.
With only two episodes remaining in the season, the stakes are higher than ever as Thomas Cromwell maneuvers through one of his most ambitious and perilous political undertakings.
Plot Overview
Following the tragic death of Jane Seymour in Episode 4, this episode sees Cromwell (Mark Rylance) attempting to secure a powerful Protestant alliance through the marriage of Princess Anne of Cleves to King Henry VIII (Damian Lewis). The proposed union holds the potential to reshape the balance of power in Northern Europe, creating a Protestant superpower that could challenge the Catholic hegemony. However, Henry's mercurial temperament and Anne's unorthodox introduction to the English court threaten to derail Cromwell's plans.
Anne of Cleves, Queen of England
Henry’s fourth wife for around half a year. She was often referred to as the “ugly one.”
Themes and Tensions
At its heart is Cromwell’s struggle to balance his unwavering ambition with the growing volatility of the king. Anne of Cleves’ arrival introduces new dynamics to the court, with whispers of discontent and uncertainty about her suitability as queen. Cromwell’s once-unshakable position begins to waver, as both his allies and rivals question whether his legendary luck is running out.
What to Expect
Diplomatic Drama: Cromwell’s negotiations reveal the intricacies of royal diplomacy, as the stakes for England's future religious and political alignment hang by a thread.
Court Intrigue: The arrival of Anne of Cleves shifts the court's balance of power, with factions forming around the king’s whims and Cromwell’s plans.
Character Conflict: The episode is set to explore the evolving relationship between Cromwell and Henry VIII, highlighting the cracks in their alliance. The Duke of Norfolk (Timothy Spall) and other courtiers loom as ever-present threats to Cromwell’s ambitions.
Details at a Glance
Episode Title: Mirror
Season: 2
Episode Number: 5 of 6
Air Date: December 8, 2024
Air Time: 9:00 PM (BBC One and BBC iPlayer)
Runtime: 58 minutes
Streaming Availability: BBC iPlayer (international viewers may require a VPN)
Production Credits
Written by Peter Straughan and directed by Peter Kosminsky, this episode promises the immersive storytelling and historical accuracy that fans have come to expect from Playground Entertainment.