I've waited a decade for more Wolf Hall - The Mirror and the Light is glorious

In 2015, Mark Rylance delivered a remarkable performance that drew us deep into the cunning mind of Thomas Cromwell, capturing his essence just as Hilary Mantel did in her celebrated novels, *Wolf Hall* and *Bring Up the Bodies*. Whether through the books or the BBC series, we were able to closely follow Cromwell’s journey from humble beginnings to his pivotal role in facilitating Henry VIII’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon, arranging his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and helping to make the King the Head of the Church of England.

Almost ten years have passed, and we finally have a wonderful adaptation of the last hefty volume in Mantel’s trilogy, "The Mirror and The Light." Adapted once again by Peter Straughan and directed by Peter Kosminsky, this six-part series begins in 1536, featuring Claire Foy’s anxious portrayal of Anne Boleyn as she is taken to her execution. As her head is severed, King Henry VIII (Damian Lewis, who delivers an outstanding performance) ties the knot with Jane Seymour (Kate Phillips), setting the stage for the aftermath of England's separation from the Catholic Church. Blood has already been shed, and it’s clear that more turmoil is on the horizon.

One person stands calm amidst the chaos: Thomas Cromwell, who has become Henry’s most trusted advisor, the mastermind behind the Reformation, and the Lord Privy Seal. Although Cromwell seems to have everything under control, there are subtle signs that his downfall is looming just ahead.

He is determined to uphold a risky vow made to the deceased Catherine of Aragon to safeguard her daughter, Lady Mary (played by Lilit Lesser). The spirit of his former mentor, Cardinal Wolsey (portrayed by Jonathan Pryce), lingers in his mind, reminding him of how precarious the King's support can be. Even more troubling, his feelings are starting to show more openly through displays of arrogance and aggression. It’s as if he’s suddenly become vulnerable.

The opening episode takes its time, reminding us of a cast of well-known characters along with a few newcomers, like Timothy Spall stepping in for Bernard Hill, who passed away last year, in the role of the Duke of Norfolk. The complex web of Tudor politics is just as skillfully crafted as in the original series; just as the candles dance in the light, so too do the shifting loyalties.

As the King enjoys his initial bliss, rumors surface about a scheme to elevate Mary to the throne. Meanwhile, Cromwell faces the challenge of being indispensable to someone like Henry, whose growing insecurities and physical decline heighten his unpredictable and frightening behavior, matching the size of his lavish garments.

When Harriet Walter’s fierce Lady Margaret Pole accuses Cromwell of being a snake, he responds by saying, “Oh, no… a dog, Ma’am.” Rylance’s performance is brilliantly subtle; he uses few words and limited eye contact to convey Cromwell's entrapment in a situation he has created for himself. By raising Anne Boleyn and then orchestrating her downfall while attacking the Catholic Church, he has revealed how fragile the established order is when confronted by someone as intelligent as he is. Now, Cromwell faces the dilemma of whether the world he has helped shape is one he truly wishes to inhabit.

Imposing and expressive (and yes, Mantel’s works have been turned into stage productions), The Mirror and the Light deserves this level of appreciation. It is stunning to behold but lacks the polish that sometimes alienates modern viewers from historical dramas. Much like Mantel’s prose, the adaptation is filled with authenticity – from the sound of floorboards creaking to the rustling of papers, capturing the weight of words that can’t be retracted once spoken.

Despite the nearly decade-long gap between the series, this installment feels like a natural continuation. Most importantly, it honors Mantel's remarkable talent for capturing the subtlety of this frequently exaggerated era. The result is a richly detailed narrative, intricately crafted and filled with profound human emotion.

"Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light" will be back next Sunday at 9 PM on BBC One.