'Wolf Hall' Recap: Episode 2

Henry's Marriage Plans

The episode opens with Henry VIII (Damian Lewis) discussing his marriage plans with Cardinal Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce). Henry is eager to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon (Claire Foy) so that he can marry Anne Boleyn (Claire Foy), but Wolsey is hesitant. He knows that annulling a marriage is a complex and dangerous process, and he worries that it will damage Henry's relationship with the Catholic Church.

Henry is determined to marry Anne, however, and he eventually persuades Wolsey to help him. Wolsey begins the process of annulling Henry's marriage, but it quickly becomes clear that it will not be easy. The Catholic Church is opposed to annulment, and Catherine is determined to fight to keep her marriage intact.

The Rise of Thomas Cromwell

In the midst of the marriage crisis, a new figure emerges: Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance). Cromwell is a brilliant lawyer and a master of manipulation. He quickly becomes Henry's most trusted advisor, and he plays a key role in the annulment of Henry's marriage.

Cromwell is a ruthless and ambitious man, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He is also a skilled politician, and he knows how to play the game of power. Cromwell's rise to power is a testament to his intelligence, his ambition, and his ruthlessness.

The Fall of Cardinal Wolsey

As Cromwell's power grows, Wolsey's power begins to decline. Wolsey is a proud and arrogant man, and he is unable to accept the fact that he is being replaced by Cromwell. He makes a series of mistakes, and Henry eventually loses confidence in him.

In 1529, Wolsey is arrested and charged with treason. He is stripped of his titles and his property, and he is sent to the Tower of London. Wolsey's fall is a tragic end to a brilliant career. He was a gifted statesman and a loyal servant to the crown, but he was ultimately undone by his own pride and ambition.