The Tudors Season 4 Spoilers for Episodes 1-5

The much anticipated season four premier of The Tudors is just around the corner. The final season is scheduled to begin April 11 on Showtime.

There is so much of the story still to be told, but there is only one ending historically possible. After all, King Henry VIII didn't live forever, and sadly, neither can The Tudors. Season four promises to be the best, if that is at all possible.

So what will happen this season on The Tudors?

King Henry VIII will marry for the fifth time to a very young Katherine Howard who was just 17 years old. Katherine has a low background and is beautiful. Combine these with her age and what you get is a court-full of men lusting after her.

One of those men is Thomas Culpepper who makes no secret of his desire for the teen Queen. In fact, his desire is so strong that while on a hunting trip with the royal entourage, Culpepper rapes a peasant woman
and kill's her husband. I guess this is a case of, "If I can't have the real thing, I'll just substitute someone else in her place forcefully." The sheriff pays Henry a visit and confront's him with the charges against Thomas, however Henry takes Thomas' side. Something tells me the King will regret this move.

The Queen's best friend, Joan Bulmer, is hired on as a lady-in-waiting. Does she know about all the scandalous details of the Queen's sexual past? Did she get the job because she is blackmailing Katherine? It would seem Bulmer has a loose tongue because she clues in Lady Rochford who in turn tell's Culpepper he should seduce the young Queen.

Henry just can't keep up with the youngster's like he used to. He retires early during a Christmas party and thing's seem to get on the wild side. Henry's wife and ex-wife, Anne of Cleves, end up having a great time together. Henry's male courtiers openly ogle Katherine.

Henry seems to be more tolerant and forgiving this season - pardoning criminals, visiting with his estranged daughter, Princess Elizabeth, and planning on a trip to the north of England where the 'Pilgrimage of Grace' rebellion was concocted.

Could this be due to his young bride? Probably short lived since the Queen has submitted to the seduction of Thomas Culpepper. Why, Katherine? Don't you know what will happen to you if you cuckold the King? The last wife who (allegedly) had an affair while married to Henry lost her head. Literally.

Kids. You just can't tell them anything.

Teen Queen Katherine will never learn. Does she really want to go there? She begins a serious flirtation with the young and handsome Culpepper. That's alright, Katherine. While it's a capital offense to cuckold the King, he can do whatever he wants - and he does just that when he bed's Anne of Cleves.

Henry VIII, Queen Katherine, and Princess Mary - along with a large entourage - make their way to Lincoln in the north where Henry is appreciative of the warm reception he receives and in a speech, forgives the city for its revolt. Feeling benevolent and powerful, he wants nothing more than to be with his wife. Unfortunate for him, that darn leg wound is causing him grief, and a tired and irritable King Henry VIII is confined to his room. Don't worry Katherine. Thomas is there for you.

Once they return from their visit in the north, the King feels like a new man and longs to be with his Queen. Katherine's attention is elsewhere, though. Watch for Katherine's past to creep up when an old liaison, Francis
Dereham, arrives looking for a job, or else! But wait - before he can tell all about their sexual past, an anonymous letter makes its way to Henry accusing the Queen of adultery. Henry confines Katherine to her apartments until there has been an investigation.

Deeply upset by his young wife's past, Henry weeps. When Lord Hertford uncovers adultery, the King act's swiftly and decisively. Katherine is removed from court and her title of Queen is withdrawn. Will her life be spared? I think not. And what about Thomas Culpepper? What will be Dereham's fate? The fate of Joan Bulmer?

Tune in to Showtime Sunday, April 11 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time to catch the beginning of the riveting conclusion to this hit series.

See Also:
The Tudors Season 4 Spoilers for Episodes 6-10
The Tudors Final Season Brings New Characters to the Canvas