Step inside the Tudor Dynasty with us as we handpick our favorite superlatives for each episode of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light – from ‘who wore it best’ fashionable costume and top villain, to outstanding scene and perfect cinematography – and everything else in between!
You can revisit any previous “best of” reviews here:
episode 1 Wreckage
episode 2 Obedience
episode 3 Defiance
episode 4 Jenneke
episode 5 Mirror
Up this week for our final installment:
Episode 6: Light
USA Air Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Plot Summary: Cromwell is stripped of his titles and brought to the Tower of London on a charge of treason. He has no friends to speak for him but plenty of enemies among his prosecutors.
Gingersnap
Who Wore It Best – Rafe Sadler
This teal green ensemble is a stunning color. The picture doesn’t do it justice.
Menacing Mirror – The Bookended Boat Rides
Cromwell has been arrested by his enemies in the King’s council and escorted to the Tower of London royal apartment by the same boat that escorted Anne Boleyn to her demise. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light opened with Anne’s boat ride in episode one and the series ended with Cromwell’s boat ride in the finale. Ominous parallels.
The Three Stooges, Plus One – Wriothsley, Norfolk, Riche, and Gardiner
Cromwell volleys verbal jousts during his interrogation as he sits across the table from his worst enemies and former friends. Cromwell utterly decimates these Stooges, pointing out the illogic of each question lodged at him. It was a riveting scene.
Best Quote – Thomas Cromwell
“A man made Earl in the morning and kicked out by afternoon.”
Soundtrack Suggestion – ‘Sunday, Bloody Sunday’ by U2
The Constable of the Tower of London tells Cromwell that the King has granted him mercy to be beheaded with an axe instead of hanging or burning, and the execution will occur on the same day that Henry will marry Katherine Howard – Sunday, July 28, 1540.
Lady Trader
Who Wore It Best – Thomas Cromwell
This week I’m not picking an outfit for my “Who Wore It Best” pick; however, Thomas Cromwell certainly wore his composure well in the face of a sham interrogation. How he didn’t lunge across the table at Riche and Wriothesley is a testament to his self-control.
Et tu, Brute? – Thomas Wriothesley
I think Cromwell expected Riche to throw him under the bus, but I think “Call Me” piling on was a surprise to the Earl of Essex. Wriothsely couldn’t even look at Cromwell he was so ashamed!
Worst Stepmother – Catherine Howard
Poor Lady Mary! Imagine having your new Step Mom being 13 years younger than you, and a simple minded one at that! Luckily for Mary, Henry’s next wife, Catherine Parr is a much better Step Mom.
Damianista
Who Wore It Best – Henry VIII
I remember Damian saying back in 2015 that Henry is very much the peacock, always the most colorful man there. And this magnificent red robe that we have seen in several episodes this season is no exception. Made of luxurious fabric, the costume emphasizes Henry’s broad shoulders and the voluminous sleeves create an imposing presence.
Here is Joanna Eatwell, the costume designer for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light, talking about working with Damian:
“I have to say, Damian is wonderful to work with. There isn’t an actor on this show who hasn’t enjoyed putting on the costumes. It’s such fun, it really is. But Damian, he inhabits the costume.”
Well, he really does.
Henry’s Luckiest Wife – Anne of Cleves
She was married to Henry only for six months but who cares? Anne of Cleves received a handsome settlement from Henry, had a friendly relationship with the King in which he called her “his sister” and always had a place in the court. To top it all, she had her own private residence and her independence. Can it get any better than that?
Nearly Headless Bride – Catherine Howard
Well, she was able to keep her head on her shoulders only for 18 months after marrying Henry!
Most Poetic Execution Scene – Cromwell’s Execution
Cromwell dreams of Launde Abbey as he gives a moving speech addressed to his true master Wolsey whose ghost is in the crowd watching is the perfect ending to this monumental production. An execution scene cannot get more poetic, and I am, as someone who can’t watch execution scenes, grateful for that.
