Wolf Hall (2015)

The series provides a rarefied viewing experience like having a bath in champagne. It slows the royal melodrama to listlessness but delivers tremendous performances, especially from Claire Foy and Mark Rylance.

The series is a six-week splendour with no weak links in the cast or flaws in direction and writing. The final episode's handling of Anne Boleyn's execution stands out as exceptional.

The critic praises the series as a quiet, unromanticized Masterpiece anchored by Mark Rylance’s towering performance as Thomas Cromwell. It singles out the strong ensemble cast and the methodical pace that reveals the underlying treachery and politicking.

The critic calls the miniseries a terrific yarn about the British royals, highlighting the gripping behind-the-scenes political machinations and backstabbing. It singles out Mark Rylance’s placid yet compelling portrayal of Cromwell and the excellent supporting performances.

The critic calls Wolf Hall largely excellent prestige television with an unexpected sense of humor and admirable restraint that avoids excess. They single out the strong performances and psychology for praise while noting some stiffness in direction and one lead performance as minor complaints.

The critic calls it a masterful series full of wit and intrigue, a showcase for Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell. They single out the understated, naturalistic filmmaking and direction by Peter Kosminsky that creates a pristine atmosphere through natural light and focus on the supporting players in the Tudor court.

The critic finds Wolf Hall a splendid, well-cast and surprisingly modern political drama that stands out from other historical series for its rich texture and lack of cheap titillation. Praise goes to the nimble script, strong performances especially Mark Rylance's Cromwell, and the robust, sumptuous production design and direction.