Starz’s new historical drama Becoming Elizabeth episode one opens in January 1547 in England. A carriage makes its way through the night and it’s revealed to be carrying the dead body of King Henry VIII. He leaves behind a childless Queen and a country in turmoil.
King Henry VIII’s survivors include his three children: Princess Mary (a Catholic), the daughter of Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon; Princess Elizabeth (a Protestant), the daughter of Henry’s second wife, Anne Boleyn; and Prince Edward (also a Protestant), the son of Henry’s third wife, Jane Seymour. The siblings are quickly rounded up and informed their father is dead. Their uncle, Edward Seymour (the soon-to-be Duke of Somerset), bows down in front of Edward and says, “Long live the King.”
Edward Seymour (John Heffernan) acts as the new king’s governor and 14-year-old Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg) is understandably concerned the following morning when Edward rides off with her younger brother. Elizabeth’s upset they’re not being given a chance to grieve, however, her stepmother – King Henry’s sixth wife Queen Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine) – seems to rejoice in the death of her husband.
Catherine appears to be celebrating his demise while in bed with her lover, Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen). It was a loveless marriage and she’s dreamed of the day when she can be with Thomas. She expresses her desire for a quick marriage which should be a possibility given the fact Henry’s physical state made him unable to have sex. There’s absolutely no way she could be pregnant.
Thomas Seymour suggests she should be patient, but Catherine is anxious to tell young King Edward she wants to remarry. Again, Thomas suggests patience. “Telling” the new king anything is not a wise idea. King Edward VI needs to believe their marriage is his idea.
Catherine’s happy mood dampens a little when a servant informs the couple that Thomas’ older brother Edward Seymour got the jump on them by taking off during the night and rounding up the deceased king’s children. He’s taken on the task of guiding young Edward, a position Catherine believed would go to Thomas since he’s Edward’s favorite uncle.
Edward Seymour brings King Edward (Oliver Zetterstrom) to Whitehall Palace and reminds him he’s no longer a boy and should never cry. Edward Seymour takes this moment alone with his nephew to warn him he’s about to meet with the council made up of 16 men assigned by King Henry VIII. Edward Seymour suggests everyone will be scrambling to speak for their young King, and that King Edward should allow him to be his only voice.
A confused Edward appears to agree.
Elizabeth is brought to Chelsea Manor, Catherine Parr’s residence, and struggles to determine her place in this political game she’s been thrust into. Elizabeth is aware there’s a target on her back, as well as on the backs of her siblings.
Catherine greets her stepdaughter with a smile, declaring she looks thin and sad. Elizabeth replies, “I am very grateful for your invitation to stay here at Chelsea with you, my loving mother.”
Catherine empathizes with Elizabeth’s position and warns her not to pay attention to the designs of men. Catherine only wants Elizabeth to be happy and safe with her at Chelsea.
Thomas Seymour’s also concerned about the size of the group chosen by King Henry VIII to assist Edward. He’s shocked to learn all 16 have given Edward Seymour authorization to act as King Edward’s voice.
Edward Seymour begins the council meeting by introducing King Edward. The newly crowned monarch thanks them for their service to his father and names Edward as Lord Protector. Thomas Seymour speaks up and reminds his brother they share the same sister – King Edward’s mother. Therefore, they should both be Lord Protector.
No one responds or lends their support to Thomas, and his brother suggests he step outside to calm down. Thomas Seymour does so, upset he’s been outmaneuvered.
Later, Elizabeth wakes in the night to hear Thomas Seymour drunkenly singing, “God Save the King.” She rises from bed and greets him in the hallway, and he introduces himself. She remembers he’s her brother’s uncle and he jokes about being remembered for what he is rather than who he is.
Their lighthearted exchange comes to a close when Elizabeth’s lady in waiting Kat Ashley (Alexandra Gilbreath) suggests she head back to bed.
Catherine also rises due to all this racket, and Kat mutters about the lack of decorum.
Once Catherine and Thomas are alone, he informs her his brother’s been named Lord Protector. “He is in and we are out,” says Thomas. However, Catherine believes they’re still in the game since they have Elizabeth staying under their roof. That brings a smile to Thomas’ face and he caresses Catherine’s cheek and leans in for a kiss. She laughs and pushes him away, reminding him he’s drunk.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth lies in bed and also smiles as she recalls her conversation with Thomas.
The following morning, she stands over Thomas as he sleeps in a great room. They once again engage in lighthearted banter, and he wonders if her tutors have assigned him as something to study. Catherine joins them and asks if he’s apologized for making a disgrace of himself the previous evening. When Catherine suggests Elizabeth may be led to believe her brother’s governed by the “feckless and the witless,” Thomas replies, “That may well be true.”
Elizabeth laughs before she can catch herself.
Drink’s gotten the best of him and Thomas races from the room to throw up. Catherine follows and warns him to stop outrageously flirting with Elizabeth. She’s in a teasing mood as she informs her lover that his brother will be taking off after the coronation to do battle in Scotland. Apparently, Edward Seymour’s always ready for a fight.
That means King Edward will be alone without his Lord Protector, giving Thomas a chance to renew his relationship with his nephew. Catherine offers him her hand and would like to marry soon. “My brother’s going away, you say. Well, best marry you while I have the chance then,” responds Thomas.
A gorgeous smile lights up Catherine’s face.
Elsewhere, young King Edward’s handed a drawing of Mary, Queen of Scots, and he’s unimpressed. He reminds Edward Seymour that he was only a prince when he was betrothed to Mary. He’s also upset an army will be needed to fetch his five-year-old future queen. Edward doesn’t believe they can afford a war at this time and warns his Lord Protector there will be serious consequences if he loses.
Edward Seymour understands Scotland wants Mary to solidify a Scottish-French alliance by marrying French royalty. That would weaken England’s standing and Seymour will not allow that to happen.
A lavish ceremony with acrobatics and dancing is enjoyed by the court as Edward’s officially crowned king. During the ceremony, Princess Mary (Romola Garai) is drawn into a conversation with Ambassador Guzman (Olivier Huband) who desires to know who Spain believes rules England – the Lord Protector or the child King? Mary’s opinion as the daughter of Catherine of Aragon will sway Spain’s decision on what to believe.
“My brother is king. Your and my opinions, Ambassador, are best kept to ourselves for they are of no worth,” replies Princess Mary.
We’re provided our first look at Lady Jane Grey (Bella Ramsey) as she’s manipulated by her father, Henry (Leo Bill), into standing near young King Edward.
Princess Elizabeth leaves the festivities and wanders into the council room. She takes a seat at the head of the table and is surprised when Thomas Seymour appears. They have a brief conversation in which Princess Elizabeth confesses she longs to be able to make decisions for herself. However, she doesn’t admit to wanting power.
Thomas Seymour reveals many doors have opened since her father’s death and he’s unsure which ones to walk through. They discuss her father and Thomas assures her that while there’s a new king, her father will never be forgotten.
Princess Elizabeth cries, upset that although she was his daughter, she barely knew him. “Every lord and lady out there knew him better than me,” says Elizabeth, sobbing. “His children stand knowing least about him.”
Thomas attempts to comfort Elizabeth by explaining we always learn much more about our parents after they’re dead. And that’s even more true when it comes to kings.
The talk turns to marriage and Thomas confesses he earned a smack in the face from King Henry (and was sent away) for wanting to marry someone he shouldn’t.
The following day Catherine compliments Princess Elizabeth on her writing, recalling the beautiful book she made her father. Elizabeth wonders if her father had that book with him when he died and Catherine confesses she wasn’t with him at the time of his death. However, she assures Elizabeth that King Henry cherished it.
Elizabeth smiles and asks if they’ll be seeing more of the Lord High Admiral. Catherine can’t hide her shock and although it’s obvious she was unaware that is Thomas Seymour’s new title, she claims it slipped her mind.
Later, Princess Elizabeth pretends her interest in Thomas Seymour only has to do with wanting to know more about the court. However, she’s unable to conceal the blush on her cheeks or the way her eyes sparkle when she thinks of Thomas. Yet, she’s also fully aware of her mother’s sordid reputation and worries people will also believe she’s also a whore.
Princess Elizabeth confesses she believes Thomas would make a perfect husband, given both their statuses.
While Elizabeth’s musing about marrying Thomas, the Lord High Admiral and Catherine Parr are secretly meeting with a priest while Thomas’ brother is off in Scotland. After much discussion, Catherine bribes the priest to perform the ceremony.
They agree to wait until the time is right to tell King Edward.
Edward Seymour and 16,000 men are prepared to take on the Scottish army in Scotland at Pinkie Cleugh. Pedro (Ekow Quartey) informs Edward he can end this war before it begins by agreeing to single combat. Edward declines, preferring to do battle.
Back at Chelsea Manor, Princess Elizabeth plays the piano while everyone relaxes. Thomas’ arrival makes at least two of the women giddy and Elizabeth sparks to the idea he’d like to prove his worth to her in a tournament after his brother returns. Thomas goes on and on about his impressive qualities, including his outstanding horsemanship skills.
Elizabeth believes he may be quite good at many things but hints that she’s a better rider. He bows to her skills and asks to be permitted to ride with her one day. Catherine drags Thomas away, obviously uncomfortable over the amount of flirting going on.
After Catherine and Thomas leave the room, Elizabeth and Kat discuss his apparent interest in her. Both women assume Elizabeth’s the only reason Thomas keeps showing up at Chelsea Manor.
Catherine pushes Thomas away, reminding him they must be the ones who break the news to King Edward. She chides him over his flirtatious behavior, but Thomas only has eyes for his new bride and pays little attention to her advice to leave Elizabeth alone.
A toast is made to King Edward VI as England’s resounding victory over Scotland is announced. Edward confides in Thomas that he doesn’t believe he needs to actually wed Mary, Queen of Scots; she simply needs to be brought to England. Thomas points out he needs to marry someone and Edward wonders if he can just marry for love.
They discuss Jane Grey as a potential wife, and Edward recalls playing cards with her as a child. That’s about all he knows about Jane.
King Edward thinks it’s time for his sisters to marry and that Princess Mary will need a strong man to bring her to “the true faith.” Edward hints that maybe Thomas is that man but Thomas brushes that off as Princess Elizabeth stares at him from across the table.
Moments later, Catherine and Thomas have a whispered conversation away from the table. Catherine thinks the timing is right to speak with King Edward. Thomas reminds her that what they’ve done is treason, and Catherine wants to hurry and talk to King Edward before the Lord Protector returns.
Catherine hurries away with King Edward as Princess Elizabeth takes the opportunity to chat with Thomas. He asks her to accompany him to speak to her brother and she follows, unaware of what’s about to be revealed.
As Thomas and Elizabeth join King Edward, the young monarch is rejoicing over Catherine’s marriage.
The mood is much darker when Thomas speaks with his brother. The Lord Protector forbids Thomas and Catherine from ever seeing King Edward again. Thomas angers his brother even more when he argues that he’d never have been allowed to marry either Princess Mary or Princess Elizabeth. Edward’s shocked his brother would even consider such a marriage a remote possibility.
Edward doesn’t believe his brother married Catherine for love, but Thomas reminds him they’ve been in love since before she married King Henry. There’s no love lost between the brothers and Thomas expresses his hope that Edward will ultimately die in war.
News arrives that Mary, Queen of Scots, has fled to France. King Edward’s enraged that they won the war but still Mary has escaped to France. He didn’t want to take her as his bride, but he also didn’t want France to have her. Money’s been wasted on war and King Edward’s upset that he announced they were victorious only to learn they won nothing.
Meanwhile, Lady Jane Grey is moved into Chelsea Manor, much to Elizabeth’s dismay. Jane explains she’s being put under Catherine’s care because she’s in the line of succession, and Elizabeth points out she, Mary, and any children of Edward’s are ahead of her in that line. Jane argues Edward doesn’t have children and there’s a possibility both Mary and Elizabeth could be found illegitimate.
Elizabeth rushes to see Catherine and confronts her about her quick marriage after King Henry’s death and about moving a child who wants Edward’s throne into their home. Thomas makes his presence known and takes full blame for Jane moving into Chelsea Manor. He’ll move her out if Elizabeth so desires.
Thomas asks for a moment alone with Elizabeth and Catherine steps out. He confesses King Edward is interested in Jane, describing the girl as coming from an excellent family and being as meek as a mouse. Thomas is able to make Elizabeth laugh as they talk about their strong personalities, and then he reveals King Edward thought maybe he should marry Princess Mary. Thomas had no interest in that arrangement; plus his brother informed him he wasn’t meant to marry a princess.
“Anyway, if I had the choice of sisters do you think I would have chosen her?” asks Thomas.
The mood turns seductive as Thomas strokes her face and adds, “If only we were all free…free to act as we chose.”
Elizabeth moves toward him for a kiss but Thomas pulls away.
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 2 “You Cannot Keep the Birds From Flying Over Your Head” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 3 “Either Learn Or Be Silent” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 4 “Lighten Our Darkness” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 5 “Necessity Compels Me to Plague You” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 6 “What Cannot Be Cured” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 7 “To Laugh, To Lie, To Flatter, To Face” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 8 “To Death We Must Stoop” Recap
