Showtime has caught up with HBO with regards to series television. I originally ignored their shows, thinking that no other premium cable channel could match HBO. But with the death of the Sopranos and Sex and the City, I was in need of something else that satisfied that hunger for something more than network or even cable network programming. Well, I had added Showtime’s’ shows to my watching list and am thoroughly impressed.
I have, now, caught up with Weeds, Dexter and most recently the Tudors. The Tudors have impressed me the most. The other shows are quite interesting and push the envelope to certain extents, but the Tudors have taken history and served it up to the masses the only way television can. This show has everything a good soap opera should, backstabbing, political intrigue, passion, mistresses, etc, but the one jewel of the show is that it is based in historical fact. Like many have said, “No one can write anything better than reality”.
I have only done minor research, as far as Henry VIII’s wives and children, and have some memory leftover from my History major, but so far the fact is there. Now, one could argue that the show has rushed things, like Henry’ bastard son’s death, but one can suggest that liberty can be given for the better good. If there wasn’t so much nudity and sex, I would suggest this series to be shown to high school students. I am sure they would be able to understand History much better. Alas, I think that would not be a suggestion most school districts would take up.
I would strongly suggest that you check out these fine Showtime shows and if you are a history buff then definitely check out the Tudors. I wonder how far this series will go. The Tudors ruled England for over 187 years and left many great kings and queens in their path. This is surely TV gold for many years.
