Does wolf hall get better?

[Cantonet]

I've just watched the first episode of the first series in preparation for the new series.
I feel like I'm watching a deeply repressive, utterly grim play. Is this series a slow burner? Or shall I give up watching now?

Lots of people loved it. I didn't (though I loved the books and plays). It's not compulsory to like it.

I'm just wondering why most seem to have really enjoyed it. What am I missing?
If course i'm aware it's not compulsory to like everything....

I think it is one of those marmite programmes. I loved it and the books. I think it helps to have read the books. The final episode is superb IMHO.

I found the book utterly turgid and just couldn't get past the 4th chapter but I really enjoyed the TV adaption. Stick with it, I found it got better. Can't wait for the new one tonight.

Hated the TV series. Loved the books. If you also love the books I'd probably swerve it.

I hated the books, so I won’t be watching the programme

I absolutely loved the first series. I watched it alone so there were no interruptions and could enjoy every minute. Can’t wait for series 3

I did think the trying for authenticity went a bit far. So dark. (I spend most time on tv series looking at the architecture of building so this was a big blow for me.) Mumbling.

If you dont find Mark Rylance that compelling as an actor, it can all seem a bit "theatrical" and trying to hard.

But as a contrast to dippy, soapy series, that UK tv now seems to endlessly turn out, it was a bit of a change.

It just looks so cheap compared to streamer dramas, I also couldn’t watch it. And they’ve compressed it way too much. Loved the books though.

It has just taken me 9 months to read the book. H bought me the trilogy for last Christmas. I am not sure I can face the other two.
I have also just watched the first episode, thinking it might be easier. 🤦‍♀️

In my humble opinion it's excellent. Love Rylance. I'd marry the man based on his acting in this series (actually I'd marry him as Cromwell too)

But I tend to like my historical dramas pared down and not so 'modern glitz' with dramatic background music and lighting etc for the air of authenticity it lends, but I can see how it might be off-putting compared to many modern reenactments of that time period.

But coming to your question, I don't think it does get much better if you're finding it tough tbh. However the productive restraint does make the few key dramatic moments stand out more, so might be worth hanging in for those moments and then it might become less...dour-like.

I loved it. loved the books too. Love Mark Rylance. Looking forward to the 2nd series. I feel it's not an 'overview' like most historical dramas about the period, but more of a deep exploration of the character of Cromwell, so it's a bit different in that respect. I feel I've read every historical drama there is to read on Henry and his wives and I think Wolf Hall is by far the best. Maybe that's the key to enjoyment, you have to be really into the characters and events of that period? RIP Mantel, a truly great writer.

I studied medieval history at degree level, absolutely obsessed with historical fiction and the Tudor period, anyone who knew me would say it's right up my street but I just couldn't get into the books and I had to turn off the tv series when his daughters and wife died of the sweating sickness, was just too depressing for me. Conversely my partner, who isn't interested in history at all, absolutely loved the books. I really feel I need to give them another try but need to be in the right mindset to plough on!

God, I loved it. Haven't read the books as I'm a lazy reader and have the impression they're "hard work".

Don't really understand the "It just looks so cheap compared to streamer dramas". But I don't really want glitz.

I loved the books and loved the series.

The final scene of the final episode was devastating.

I love that in S1, the camera never entered a room ahead of Cromwell - it was always shot over his shoulder, from his POV. They also used candles to light the locations - no electric light at all. The dark, ‘hidden in the shadows’, claustrophobic and Machiavellian atmosphere is brilliantly captured.

I’ve got S2 on record and am going to watch S1 again in advance.

I loved it. In fact, I’ve watched the series time and time again over the years. I have to admit, I got a bit confused a couple of times watching it the first time but watching it a second time, everything clicked into place. Love the music, too.

I’ve already watched the first episode of the new series. I can’t wait for all the episodes to be uploaded onto iPlayer.

Yes. Mark Rylance is mesmerising as it continues. I had not been a big fan before watching but his performance is compelling and utterly believable. .

Funnily enough I watched episode 1 &2 today.
I gave up on the book, and gave up on episode 1 when series 1 one came out.
However I put down my phone and properly watched it today and really enjoyed it. I will preserve

I'm just watching the last few episodes of the 1st series before the 2nd starts and it feels very relevant to today. Machiavellian politicians manipulating the people and world around them. Reminds us that nothing has really changed which is weirdly comforting. Cromwell has always felt a very 'modern' character to me in that way. I do think Rylance absolutely makes him though. He's just so brilliant.

It took me a while to get into the books but ultimately I did. She was a powerful writer who experimented with language to create a very novel kind of point of view.

Without the book I think I would have found the show too terse. It lacks the multiple and deep viewpoints of the books.

I loved it, but can understand why some don't. It's not filmed in the high-paced, all action, modern music current fashion for historical drama (which I also enjoy). A lot of the best bits are very subtle.

I love the authenticity, lighting, camera angles etc to create a feeling of immersion. It's a fascinating interpretation of Cromwell as a talented ordinary man thriving (for now) in a world that is alien to him and you can feel his fear of this capricious King (also well-written and acted). He shows great kindness at times, and ruthlessness at times.

Mark Rylance is fabulous at acting without words ( I do get a little tired of the hang-dog expression so much of the time, but it's a guarded cautious one in character).

No-one could be expecting a happy story when they watch it, could they? There are happy moments but the whole story is about power, politics, betrayal, greed.

Most memorable phrase by the Duke of Norfolk: “By the thrice be-shitten shroud of Lazarus” 😂

I didn't dislike it for not being modern.

If anything I felt it was too pleased with itself, the sort of smug theatricals of Shakesperian acting.

Look at me, showing off my skills.

But then I dont find Rylance in any way interesting. as he is central!

But am now thinking I will challenge myself and maybe rewatch series 1 whilst recording the new series to binge watch.

Its a bit contrary of me, because I moaned about how unauthentic the tv series of Shardlake was.

I think if you didn't like episode one you probably won't like the rest of it.

I loved both the books and the TV adaptation, but they're not for everyone.

Mark Rylance is a brilliant actor but I think he was miscast as Cromwell. Cromwell's physicality is central to his character, and the slightly built, fine featured Rylance just doesn't convince. But putting that aside I thought it was brilliant and perfectly cast. I really enjoyed tonight's episode too, despite worrying that it might not work nearly a decade on. But it brought me right back into the Tudor world once again.