The second installment of Wolf Hall's sophomore season, titled "Obedience," brilliantly continues Hilary Mantel's intricate and captivating narrative, skillfully intertwining the labyrinthine complexities of power dynamics, unwavering loyalty, and profound personal torment amidst the tumultuous Tudor court. Mark Rylance's portrayal of Thomas Cromwell is nothing short of enchanting, as he skillfully navigates the perilous terrain of Henry VIII's fickle favor and the treacherous political manipulations of the era.
The episode opens with a haunting revisitation of Cardinal Wolsey's tragic downfall, casting a melancholic shadow over the unfolding saga. This retrospective serves not merely as a mnemonic aid for the viewers but as a poignant harbinger of the fate that may await Cromwell. The striking parallels between Wolsey and Cromwell—both men ascending from modest beginnings to wield immense influence, yet ultimately confronting the fierce wrath of a moody monarch—are eerily evident.
Cromwell's vulnerability is starkly exposed in his encounter with Dorothea, a scene that stands in stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor. His profound sorrow over her conviction that he betrayed her father, Cardinal Wolsey, is tangibly heart-wrenching. Rylance's performance captures the soul of a man who has always been the adept master of his emotions, now stripped bare by the harsh words of a woman blinded by her own grief. This scene serves as a powerful testament to Mantel's exceptional ability to breathe humanity into historical figures, transforming Cromwell from a flat, one-dimensional villain into a multifaceted and deeply complex character.
The episode delves deep into Cromwell's intricate relationship with Wolsey, a towering presence in his psyche. Their imagined conversations offer a rare and intimate glimpse into Cromwell's unguarded moments, where he is free to articulate his boundless love and loyalty for the mentor who shaped his destiny. The agonizing pain of believing that Wolsey harbored suspicions of his betrayal is nearly unbearable for Cromwell, underscoring the immense emotional stakes in his ruthless political games.
The Duke of Norfolk's shroud of intrigue casts an even deeper shadow over this episode, his absence keenly felt as his influence weaves through the actions of all who cross his path. The interrogation of Thomas Howard stands out as a particularly gripping moment, showcasing Cromwell's wit and intellect in full, glittering display. The inquiry into who conceived the notion of marrying the king's niece and aspiring to the throne is merely rhetorical, with Norfolk's involvement in the plot as plain as the nose on one's face.
Norfolk's machinations also extend to the malicious rumor that Henry intends to wed Cromwell to his daughter, Mary. This calculated fabrication aims to incite the king's fury, exploiting the prejudices of the nobility against Cromwell's humble origins. Yet, Cromwell's actions towards Mary remain enigmatic. The gifting of a ring and his contemplation of her desire for a child hint at a man possibly testing the boundaries of his sway.
This episode is a study in stark contrasts, pitting Cromwell's strategic prowess against Henry's increasingly erratic demeanor. The scene of the king in a Turkish disguise serves as a comedic interlude, underscoring his buffoonery and standing in stark juxtaposition to Cromwell's deliberate actions. Both men bear the stain of blood on their hands, yet it is Cromwell who earns the audience's sympathy in this adaptation by Peter Straughan and Peter Kosminsky.
Cromwell's legacy and his vision for the future of the Church of England are also examined. His fervent speech to his son, Gregory, uncovers a man driven by more than mere personal ambition. He looks beyond his own lifetime, teaching the next generation how to navigate the world he has played a pivotal role in shaping.
"Obedience" is a powerful episode that dives deep into the psyche of Thomas Cromwell, a man ensnared between his own desires and the demands of a ruthless regime. It serves as a testament to Mantel's prowess as a writer and Rylance's mastery as an actor, bringing such a rich and nuanced portrayal to life on screen, prompting the audience to question the nature of power, loyalty, and the heavy human toll of ambition. As the episode draws to a close, we are left contemplating Cromwell's fate and the legacy he will leave behind, a legacy as much shaped by his own hands as by the historical currents that surround him.
