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The Tudors · Season 2 · Episode 3

Checkmate

Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.

Violence between servants of Brandon and Thomas Boleyn exposes the hostility between their households. Words about Anne can now lead to a street fight, while the men whose interests those servants defend remain close to the king. Henry prepares to make Anne his wife and queen, and her pregnancy increases the urgency of that plan. Coronation arrangements fill her rooms with designs and expectations. Even as she admires the preparations with Mary Boleyn, her confidence briefly falters. The height she has reached gives her much to lose. Henry wants the country to love Anne as he does, leaving Cromwell with an expectation he cannot simply order into existence.

Brandon must serve as High Constable at Anne's coronation despite his dislike of what the day represents. His wife tells him to fulfil his duty and save his resentment for another time. Anne receives the crown, achieving the place she has pursued through the long dispute with Catherine. The expected son then becomes the focus of Henry's hopes as Anne goes into labour. She delivers a healthy daughter, Elizabeth, and apologises when Henry comes to see them. He tells her they are young and can have sons later, managing his disappointment while he remains in the room. Once he leaves, Anne is alone with the baby, and their triumph has already become less secure.

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