The New Murrey and Blue blog

This drama series, from Starz but now broadcast on Channel Four, follows the momentous but unheralded reign of Edward VI through the eyes of the future Elizabeth I. It features the literally fratricidal feud between the Seymour brothers as the elder, the Duke of Somerset, becomes Lord Protector but also the King’s governor, powers that were separated in the cases of Henry VI (childhood and insanity) and Edward V because these kings had paternal relatives, whilst the younger, the Lord High Admiral Thomas, plots against him, marries Katherine Parr and lunges towards Elizabeth. As the Seymour brothers take turns to visit Tower Hill, Edward’s new protector, John Dudley, created Duke of Northumberland, persuades him to omit his illegitimate half-sisters from the succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey. There is a large shadow over the royal court in the shape of a portly deceased king.

We all know what happened after Edward died but we can see the teenage Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittburg) imprisoned as Thomas Seymour is taken to the Tower, not for the only time in her life. Edward VI, despite his youth, is portrayed by a blond Norwich-born youth (Oliver Zetterstrom, appropriately as Kett’s rebellion is featured) as very assertive, particularly with regard to religion, creating some conflict with others. It must be almost twenty years since a C4 documentary was presented by David Starkey about Edward and Mary I‘s reigns. Thomas Seymour is the first leading character, among the four bearded men, to be executed, only in episode six out of eight, although it was in the first half of Edward’s reign. The Protector Somerset, although relieved of his duties, is still alive at the end of the seventh.

This show is well-acted and well worth catching up with. Indeed, it is to be regretted that a second series, covering Mary’s reign, has been cancelled. Towards the end of the series, she can be seen glowering ominously as Northumberland, in tune with the King, steps up their religious reforms, although one Protestant extremist is burnt in Whitehall, in full view of Edward and his council. Edward also seeks husbands for both his half-sisters, although this fails, whilst the last episode shows his final illness.