The inaugural episode of "Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light," titled "Wreckage," immerses viewers in the treacherous political milieu of England in 1536. It unfolds with a mournful and taut ambiance as Thomas Cromwell (portrayed by Mark Rylance) accompanies Anne Boleyn (played by Claire Foy) on a boat journey to the castle. Anne, standing on the brink of her execution, casts an apprehensive gaze upon the towering fortress, a grim harbinger of her impending doom. Meanwhile, King Henry VIII (Damian Lewis), in stark contrast to Anne's dire plight, undergoes a grooming session for his beard, exuding an air of detachment.
As Anne distributes coins to the people outside the castle walls, Gregory Cromwell (Charlie Rowe) inquires of his father, Thomas, about Anne's hopeful glance at the tower. Thomas interprets it as a lingering glimmer of hope still flickering within her. Inside, Henry's attendants meticulously dress him, preparing him for the solemn events of the day. A lady-in-waiting (Elizabeth Conboy) places a white hood over Anne's head and shrouds her eyes with a blindfold. Anne, her heart pounding with fear and acceptance of her fate, mutters a prayer while stifling her tears.
Rafe Sadler (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) observes Henry scrutinizing his reflection in the mirror, seemingly oblivious to the weight of the impending occasion. The Calais swordsman's (Philippe Spall) blade draws gasps from the onlookers as Anne, blinded, turns her head in his direction. Henry and his cortege arrive at the chapel, where Lady Jane Seymour (Kate Phillips), her attendants, and Archbishop Cranmer (Will Keen) await. As Anne's head falls to the block, Henry slips a wedding ring onto Jane's finger, emblematic of the swift metamorphosis of power and affection.
Thomas informs Rafe of the execution's conclusion, prompting Rafe to question the necessity of such harsh measures. Thomas responds with a chilling pragmatism, asserting that when all else fails, the enemy must be eliminated in their sleep. Cardinal Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce) expresses his delight in Henry and Jane's union, while Thomas Wriothesley (Harry Melling) arrives bearing a letter from Princess Mary (Lilit Lesser). Upon reading the letter, Thomas insists on secrecy regarding its contents, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.
Wriothesley conveys to Cromwell a summons issued by Sir Geoffrey Pole, alias Pip Carter. Cromwell, declining to honor Geoffrey's request for a meeting, elucidates his preoccupation with deciphering Henry's body language, seeking to ascertain the wedding night's success. Gregory, with a tone tinged with sarcasm, comments on Jane's grave demeanor, hinting that it might not suffice to win Henry's favor.
As Cromwell approaches the throne, Henry extols Jane, describing her as delicate and refreshing, affirming that he has risen from the depths of hell to the heights of heaven in a single night. Henry elevates Cromwell to the position of Lord Privy Seal, a role previously occupied by Thomas Boleyn, Anne's father.
Henry interrogates Cromwell about a letter penned by Mary, which Cromwell firmly denies having received. Expressing frustration over Mary's relentless assertion of her right to the throne, Henry doubts Jane's capability to bear a male heir. Cromwell reassures Henry of Jane's potential to bestow upon him a son. Henry laments Mary's refusal to take the oath of obedience, and Cromwell vows to sway her.
Cromwell extends an invitation to Rafe, tasking him with journeying to Hunsdon to persuade Mary to pledge the oath. Geoffrey Pole, reminding Cromwell of their agreement, insists on Mary's reinstatement in the line of succession. Cromwell, determined to press ahead with his plans, forcefully pushes Geoffrey aside. Thomas assigns Richard Cromwell, portrayed by Joss Porter, to fetch Eustache Chapuys, portrayed by Karim Kadjar, for dinner.
During the meal, Eustache urges Cromwell to urge Henry to designate Mary as his heir. However, Cromwell remains steadfast in his focus on Jane's potential to bear a male heir. They deliberate on the religious unrest stemming from the schism between the Pope and the King. Cromwell stands firm on Mary's need to take the oath of obedience, while Chapuys cautions him of the repercussions if she declines.
Cromwell remains resolute, citing the executions of Bishop Fisher and Thomas More as examples of the fate awaiting those who refuse to take the oath. Chapuys warns Cromwell of the perils of losing Henry's favor.
Wriothesley informs Cromwell that Mary vows never to take the oath. Rafe suggests Mary wants Cromwell to force her, so she faces no consequences. Henry, stewing over Reginald Pole's book, expresses his hatred for disloyalty and ingratitude. He orders Cromwell to find Reginald and bring him to justice. Cromwell shares his meeting with Henry with Wriothesley, who suggests taking down the Poles. Cromwell, however, remains cautious.
Cromwell's orders lead to a search of Mary's house, uncovering several letters. Margaret Pole (Harriet Walter) insists Cromwell owes them for stopping the Boleyns from killing him, but Cromwell remains loyal to the King. He urges them to help convince Mary to take the oath. Henry threatens his Privy Council with treason if they support Mary, planning to bring her to trial. Fitzwilliam pleads with Henry to reconsider, warning that executing Mary would make him look like a monster.
Cromwell confiscates Fitzwilliam's gold chain and throws him out of the meeting. Henry demands Cromwell quickly resolve the issue with Mary. Cromwell tells Eustache that Henry will kill him if Mary refuses to take the oath. Eustache claims Mary isn't afraid of death, having promised her mother, Catherine, to never take the oath. Cromwell devises a plan to write a letter to Henry, claiming it is from Mary, to avoid her signing the traditional oath.
Mary reluctantly signs the letter, acknowledging Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England and her mother's marriage as incestuous. Cromwell assures her of her father's love and promises her a horse from his stable. Mary expresses her desire to ride again, and Cromwell offers her a horse named Douceur, which she renames Pomegranate.
Cromwell offers solace to Mary, whose tears flow freely, while Anne Shelton (Lucy Russell) gently guides her to Lady Bryan, intent on setting her straight. The Duke of Norfolk insists on beholding Mary's signed letter, and Cromwell, without hesitation, presents it to him. The Duke contends that it is not the official oath, yet Cromwell stands firm, asserting that it acknowledges Henry's supremacy. With confidence, Cromwell assures Henry that Mary is prepared, and she, in turn, expresses her gratitude to Cromwell for the steed.
Henry heaps praise upon Cromwell, rewarding both him and his household generously. Outside, amidst the company of Rafe Sadler and others, Cromwell reflects on the encounter, recalling his solemn promise to Catherine to shield Mary. His loyalty and pragmatic nature shine brightly as he navigates the perilous political terrain, each step fraught with potential pitfalls.
The episode draws to a close with a visit from Cardinal Wolsey, who issues a stern warning to Cromwell about the perils of being perceived as disloyal. However, Cromwell remains resolute, fully aware that in the volatile and ever-changing world of Henry VIII's court, there are no definitive endings, only the relentless dawn of new beginnings.
