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11:32 am
March 26, 2011
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What did everyone think of the portrayal of Culpepper in 'The Tudors'?
I thought it was really different from what I had seen/read before…often he seems to be portrayed as very young, naive, and almost as vulnerable as Katherine herself. In 'The Tudors' he gives Henry a run for his money as top 'bad guy'!
What I thought was interesting about this though is that he was manipulative and he seemed to control Katherine, which I think was good as it made me feel even more sympathetic towards her…even though she is still shown as being foolish it's not like she wakes up one morning and goes “I think I will cheat on the King today, what young gentleman shall I pick”. In other words, it shows her as being easily led rather than looking for trouble.
Did anyone think he was too sinister in parts and they made his character too extreme in 'The Tudors' or do you think they got it just right?
12:22 pm
February 24, 2010
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I liked the way The Tudors portrayed Culpeper. He was certainly not naive, nor was he a nice guy. I think he was manipulative. He certainly had the court ladies in a swoon. He must have had some ego to think he could cuckhold the King and get away with it. I'd like to think he and Catherine were in love but I can't say that. If they were, I don't think they would have been blaming each other for the affair. It would have been nice if one of them had owned up to it.
Claire wrote an article about the two Thomas Culpepers:
/thomas-culpeper/5066/
12:49 pm
June 7, 2010
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I felt The Tudors's Culpepper was a great character whose cockiness knew no bounds. He used and abused, and had the King's favour regardless. Sleeping withe Queen overstepped any boundary, but I doubt the real or ficticious Culpepper would care. He though, like so many who came before, that we was safe in the King's favour. Wrong.
I agree with Sharon. I doubt KH or TC really loved each other. There are so many other reasons for being together, and love was not on my radar of what I understand about their relationship. In the end, in order to save their heads, they pointed fingers. It was not going to end well, regardless.
TC in The Tudors was cunning, and my rule is to never trust a cunning person. They are too dangerous to be around, and they will throw you under the bus (or horse carriage, as it were) to save themselves. His behavious and choices (yes, even the infamous rape) spoke to his total disregard to protocol or civility. His ego was stronger than anything. I was not sad to see him die. He got what he deserved, and I doubt anyone at the Tudor court looked back.
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
3:51 pm
April 11, 2011
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DuchessofBrittany said:
TC in The Tudors was cunning, and my rule is to never trust a cunning person. They are too dangerous to be around, and they will throw you under the bus (or horse carriage, as it were) to save themselves. His behavious and choices (yes, even the infamous rape) spoke to his total disregard to protocol or civility. His ego was stronger than anything. I was not sad to see him die. He got what he deserved, and I doubt anyone at the Tudor court looked back.
Yes, Duchess, I agree that TC was arrogant, cruel, selfish and above all cunning. My only regret regarding his execution was that beheading let him of lightly, to be hanged, drawn and quartered would have been his just punishment. Golly, I'm not usually this bloodthirsty, but there is something about TC that brings out the worst in me! How did his brother (also Thomas Culpepper) fare after the execution? One must imagine that being stuck with the same name wouldn't have made him a popular figure at court.
4:20 pm
June 7, 2010
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Neil Kemp said:
Yes, Duchess, I agree that TC was arrogant, cruel, selfish and above all cunning. My only regret regarding his execution was that beheading let him of lightly, to be hanged, drawn and quartered would have been his just punishment. Golly, I'm not usually this bloodthirsty, but there is something about TC that brings out the worst in me! How did his brother (also Thomas Culpepper) fare after the execution? One must imagine that being stuck with the same name wouldn't have made him a popular figure at court.
Neil, TC brings out the worst in me too. I just wanted to slap that smug face of his, and that is very out of character for me.
I forgot that TC was given a traitor's death (historically) and it's a shame they did not show it as it happened. Who does not enjoy a good old hanged, drawn and quartering?!
It's a shame someone else had to share his name. It must have been bad enough to be his brother, but to share the name with an infamous traitor is another.
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
11:56 pm
April 9, 2011
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Thomas was initially handed down a sentence of a traitor's death, but for some reason (he had a mancrush on him?? I dunno) Henry changed it to a more merciful beheading.
I look forward to Season 3 to learn more about KH and TC. I'll admit the last 3 wives I know very little about, so I look forward to get the Harlequin Cliffnote's introduction to their story.
8:10 am
March 26, 2011
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I've read Claire's article on the two Thomas Culpepers, it certainly is very interesting and I guess in some ways 'The Tudors' portrayal is quite historically accurate. I wonder why so many novels and dramatisations try to make him look innocent? I thought in 'Henry VIII' with Emily Blunt, Blunt's portrayal of Katherine made her seem like the seductress whilst Culpeper seemed to be the one who was seduced.
I did think that in 'The Tudors' they picked a fantastic actor to play Thomas Culpeper and so the portrayal was very effective- As DuchessofBrittany pointed out..very cunning and dangerous! It's one of those where they show the characters true colours to the audience so that you end up shouting 'No Katherine, don't trust him, he's bad!' to the TV screen- even though you know what is going to happen!
8:46 am
June 7, 2010
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Claire-Louise said:
I did think that in 'The Tudors' they picked a fantastic actor to play Thomas Culpeper and so the portrayal was very effective- As DuchessofBrittany pointed out..very cunning and dangerous! It's one of those where they show the characters true colours to the audience so that you end up shouting 'No Katherine, don't trust him, he's bad!' to the TV screen- even though you know what is going to happen!
I am so glad I'm not the only person who shouts at the TV!
You're so right, Claire-Lousie. The writers of The Tudors hid nothing about TC's character and intentions. I felt he was as historically accurate as a TV show format can manage. I still cannot like the show interpretation of KH, and felt bad for her character on the show. Poor girl did not see it coming. Never trust a man like TC: too pretty, too cunning, and too dangerous for a girl's own good.
I was shouting, “run, Katherine, run!” Thankfully I was home alone (expect my dog), so I did not make myself look totally insane!
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
8:52 am
November 18, 2010
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DuchessofBrittany said:
Claire-Louise said:
I did think that in 'The Tudors' they picked a fantastic actor to play Thomas Culpeper and so the portrayal was very effective- As DuchessofBrittany pointed out..very cunning and dangerous! It's one of those where they show the characters true colours to the audience so that you end up shouting 'No Katherine, don't trust him, he's bad!' to the TV screen- even though you know what is going to happen!
I am so glad I'm not the only person who shouts at the TV!
I think a lot of us here do . I know Dh was arguing with the refs on the Habs/Bruins games the past few days.
It's always bunnies.
8:54 am
November 18, 2010
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DuchessofBrittany said:
You're so right, Claire-Lousie. The writers of The Tudors hid nothing about TC's character and intentions. I felt he was as historically accurate as a TV show format can manage. I still cannot like the show interpretation of KH, and felt bad for her character on the show. Poor girl did not see it coming. Never trust a man like TC: too pretty, too cunning, and too dangerous for a girl's own good.
I was shouting, “run, Katherine, run!” Thankfully I was home alone (expect my dog), so I did not make myself look totally insane!
I really must watch this show properly. I saw most of the last season but didn't analyse it since I was in soap-opera mind.
It's always bunnies.
8:59 am
June 7, 2010
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Anyanka said:
DuchessofBrittany said:
You're so right, Claire-Lousie. The writers of The Tudors hid nothing about TC's character and intentions. I felt he was as historically accurate as a TV show format can manage. I still cannot like the show interpretation of KH, and felt bad for her character on the show. Poor girl did not see it coming. Never trust a man like TC: too pretty, too cunning, and too dangerous for a girl's own good.
I was shouting, “run, Katherine, run!” Thankfully I was home alone (expect my dog), so I did not make myself look totally insane!
I really must watch this show properly. I saw most of the last season but didn't analyse it since I was in soap-opera mind.
Anyanka, I read way too much into this show sometimes. I really don't have much else going on in life. Sadly, The Tudors was my entertainment. Please don't judge!
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
9:06 am
February 24, 2010
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Claire-Louise said:
I wonder why so many novels and dramatisations try to make him look innocent? I thought in 'Henry VIII' with Emily Blunt, Blunt's portrayal of Katherine made her seem like the seductress whilst Culpeper seemed to be the one who was seduced.
I did think that in 'The Tudors' they picked a fantastic actor to play Thomas Culpeper and so the portrayal was very effective- As DuchessofBrittany pointed out..very cunning and dangerous! It's one of those where they show the characters true colours to the audience so that you end up shouting 'No Katherine, don't trust him, he's bad!' to the TV screen- even though you know what is going to happen!
Many books and movies make Katherine out to be the wanton because history has generally portrayed her as one. TC was a favorite of Henry's. Why would anyone blame a most loyal groom, when the woman involved has a questionable background? She must have been the seducer, right? 
IMO, The Tudor's portrayed TC exactly as he was in life. But look how they portrayed Katherine. Most of the time she didn't wear any clothing. They made her look like the little wanton 'til the very end. The Tower scene where she practiced placing her head on the block should have been a very emotional scene, and it could have been if it wasn't so…well…distracting. There was no reason for her to be naked in that scene except for the shock value. The 'wanton' sells.
1:04 pm
March 26, 2011
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Sharon said:
Many books and movies make Katherine out to be the wanton because history has generally portrayed her as one. TC was a favorite of Henry's. Why would anyone blame a most loyal groom, when the woman involved has a questionable background? She must have been the seducer, right?
IMO, The Tudor's portrayed TC exactly as he was in life. But look how they portrayed Katherine. Most of the time she didn't wear any clothing. They made her look like the little wanton 'til the very end. The Tower scene where she practiced placing her head on the block should have been a very emotional scene, and it could have been if it wasn't so…well…distracting. There was no reason for her to be naked in that scene except for the shock value. The 'wanton' sells.
That's very true Sharon, it's a shame that there aren't some softer, slightly less wanton portrayals of Katherine as it would be good to see her story from a different angle.
3:25 am
April 18, 2011
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I didn't really know much about TC, apart from what I had read in fictional books so I was a bit surprised the Tudors portrayed him as someone who wasn't very nice, cunning, manipulative etc. Since then I have read a lot more about him, and I think the show protrayed him as spot on.
3:53 am
April 11, 2011
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Yes, BoleynBlue, TC was a real nasty bit of work, perhaps that's why he was a favourite of Henry's, until he did the dirty on him of course!
11:39 am
April 18, 2011
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Like kindered spirits, if that is the right term.
12:27 pm
October 31, 2010
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We clearly must give props to the actor who portrayed TC (Torrance Coombs–TC as well….weird) as he managed to elicit emotions from all of us that are unusual. He certainly was a nasty, conniving piece of work.
While I found his affair with KH reckless and manipulative, I found his relationship with Jane Parker creepy and weird. I didn't even understand the point of it–was that supposed to be Jane's “payment” for helping TC access KH? Was TC just trying to have sex with as many women as possible and Jane was lonely? Either way, Jane just comes off more and more pathetic.
Meanwhile, TC just reminds me of too many students I have taught.
"We mustn't let our passions destroy our dreams…"
1:20 pm
February 24, 2010
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Personally I think Culpeper wanted to have sex with every woman he laid eyes on. The Queen was the ultimate catch. It was all about the sex, Meg. That includes that thing with Jane. He was a dispicable character. And yes, he reminds me of a high school preppy who thinks he is A gift to all women.
7:48 pm
November 18, 2010
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DuchessofBrittany said:
Anyanka said:
DuchessofBrittany said:
You're so right, Claire-Lousie. The writers of The Tudors hid nothing about TC's character and intentions. I felt he was as historically accurate as a TV show format can manage. I still cannot like the show interpretation of KH, and felt bad for her character on the show. Poor girl did not see it coming. Never trust a man like TC: too pretty, too cunning, and too dangerous for a girl's own good.
I was shouting, “run, Katherine, run!” Thankfully I was home alone (expect my dog), so I did not make myself look totally insane!
I really must watch this show properly. I saw most of the last season but didn't analyse it since I was in soap-opera mind.
Anyanka, I read way too much into this show sometimes. I really don't have much else going on in life. Sadly, The Tudors was my entertainment. Please don't judge!
Given my choice in tv progs…..I'm in no position to judge….
It's always bunnies.
4:51 am
October 8, 2013
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The King did on one occasion refer to him as a “High spirited young buck”! So that should tell you something about him! But I think the actors portrayal of him was good but as for wether he slept with Jane Parker I highly doubt it there is no evidence to prove it another inaccuracy in the series but it makes for entertainment as well as gets a viewing and as for Kateryn I think that she loved him I think that there was and had been a degree of affection between them to a degree just read the letter she wrote but I am in two minds as to wether it was a platonic affair like Starkey thinks or more!
