Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode seven finds John Dudley (Jamie Parker), the newly appointed Lord Protector, and King Edward (Oliver Zetterström) discussing if it’s possible to get a Catholic priest to convert moments before he’s due to die a fiery death. John doesn’t believe it’s possible, no matter who makes the request.
King Edward could show mercy, but instead, he’s of the opinion this heathen has condemned his own soul – as well as those of his followers – to burn in hell.
King Edward, Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg), John Dudley, Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley), and members of the council are seated watching the man scream as he burns. King Edward apologizes to his sister that she has to witness this but believes it’s necessary to teach his people this harsh lesson.
Edward Seymour (John Heffernan) looks through his executed brother’s possessions in the Tower. Edward was, like his brother, also taken to the Tower but unlike his brother, he’s been granted release.
Upon his release, Edward rejoins the council which irritates Henry Gold. Henry suggests Edward should be thankful he didn’t lose his head.
John Dudley declares their new objectives are to end the war in Scotland, reform the Church, and end dissent. “We are to make England great again,” says John, speaking on behalf of King Edward. He also mentions they need to reform alliances and then turns the meeting over to King Edward to explain.
King Edward believes women, in particular his sister, Mary, have been given too much autonomy. He wants to break her connection to Spain and make new ones in their place.
After the meeting, John Dudley and Edward Seymour argue over the position of Lord Protector. John claims he stepped in to keep Henry Grey or Princess Mary from becoming Lord Protector. John also reminds Edward he’s unpopular among the council – and with King Edward.
Edward refuses to admit he’d do just as John Dudley did. “I let you out because you’re my oldest friend. Don’t make me regret it,” warns John Dudley.
Bishop Gardiner (Alex Macqueen) and Spanish Ambassador Guzman de Silva (Olivier Huband) discuss what King Edward wants of Princess Mary. Gardiner explains the king believes she should be married to a Protestant – something Spain doesn’t want. Guzman says Spain wants Princess Mary safe but won’t go to war for her. Instead, Spain requests Princess Mary leave her home and move to Spain immediately.
King Edward’s guards have been replaced, and he’s in a happy mood as he plays cards with these newbies along with the Dudley brothers. Princess Elizabeth joins him and her brother brings up an upcoming visit from the Danish court. A Danish prince is about Elizabeth’s age and John Dudley thinks he’d be a good match. In fact, they’ve already written to arrange introductions.
Elizabeth’s shocked, and King Edward admits they’re also arranging a marriage for Princess Mary.
King Edward points out that at least she’ll get to meet the prince before she marries him. He never had the opportunity to meet Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth begs her brother not to make her do this, and he reminds her he’s the king. He will not change his mind.
Princess Elizabeth marches out of the room and Robert Dudley follows. He promises to talk to King Edward, even though he doesn’t have any power to change his mind. Elizabeth suggests he talk to his father instead, and Robert reluctantly gives in.
They argue a bit, and then Robert gently says, “The Danes can’t have you. England’s not done with you yet.”
Bishop Gardiner’s also breaking the news of an arranged marriage to Princess Mary at Framlingham Castle. They’re proposing a Protestant zealot and Mary reacts in anger, believing this is a punishment for practicing her faith. Gardiner assures her Catholic resisters would support her, as would Spain. Bishop Gardiner says one option is to pray in quiet, send Ambassador Guzman back to Spain, and attempt to show she’s not a threat.
Bishop Gardiner admits he doesn’t have a handle on the new Lord Protector and the world is not what it was. As if to prove that point, Mary’s informed John Dudley and his soldiers are once again raiding Catholic churches.
Bishop Gardiner’s tossed to the ground and taken into custody, bound for the Tower.
John Dudley isn’t in a negotiating mood and reminds Princess Mary she will wed whoever her brother chooses. It will be up to her husband, whoever he is, to decide if she can continue to practice her faith. As Mary continues to argue, Dudley’s had enough. He personally sets fire to the church’s possessions.
Princess Mary screams at his retreating back, “You will burn for this!”
Ambassador Guzman watches all this take place, and after Dudley leaves, he suggests Mary speak to the Spanish King (her cousin). She declares she’s not a possession of Spain; she is her brother’s heir and a Princess of England.
Princess Elizabeth attempts to speak with Edward Seymour while watching King Edward and the Dudleys joist. Elizabeth asks Edward to speak with Princess Mary who’s upset over the prospect of an arranged marriage. Edward wipes his hands of Elizabeth’s entire family, reminding her his sister died giving birth to King Edward and his brother died after bringing her into his house. He’s sacrificed enough for the Tudors. (He has a valid argument.)
Princess Elizabeth has a secret meeting with her sister, and the idea of marrying a Protestant is weighing heavily on Mary’s mind. Mary (Romola Garai) begs her sister to speak with their brother, but Elizabeth’s quick to point out Edward doesn’t listen to her and is also arranging her marriage.
Mary’s bitter that Elizabeth won’t speak on her behalf and snidely remarks how Elizabeth was okay with accepting Thomas Seymour’s proposal, adding that led to Thomas committing treason. Elizabeth reminds her she didn’t control Thomas’ actions.
After a short argument, Elizabeth concedes she should have listened to Mary all along. Mary grabs her up in a hug, kisses her cheek, and admits Ambassador Guzman said she should go to Spain. Elizabeth thinks that would be a safe decision, and that leads to yet another argument. Mary thinks Elizabeth wants her to flee the country and abandon everything so that she can be next in line for the throne.
Princess Elizabeth meets with her brother while Robert Dudley is in attendance. She’s changed her mind and wants to know more about the Danish prince who may become her husband. Elizabeth even smiles as she’s talking, and King Edward’s obviously surprised by her change in attitude.
King Edward describes him as a 16-year-old who likes to ride. Robert chimes in that he’s illiterate and Elizabeth’s fine with that since she doesn’t read or write Danish.
Ambassador Guzman has made plans to sneak Princess Mary out of the country, insisting that no one can know Spain is assisting with her departure. Pedro’s shocked she’s considering fleeing, and Mary admits to being torn about the decision.
A messenger arrives at the Danish Ambassador’s residence, delivers a note, and rides away. Meanwhile, John Dudley warns Robert to hide his feelings and support King Edward’s decision to marry Elizabeth to the Danish prince. Robert doesn’t obey his father and instead suggests he should marry Elizabeth. John Dudley smacks his son’s face in response.
Princess Elizabeth looks gorgeous as she prepares to meet the Danish prince. Robert Dudley accompanies her up the stairs into the castle, and both admit they don’t want this marriage. Robert thinks they can leave together, but Elizabeth points out she’d be risking everything if she just takes off. Elizabeth takes offense when Robert says Thomas Seymour died for her. He then declares his love, saying the words out loud for the very first time.
Thomas begs her not to go through with this arrangement. He demands to know if she loves him, and she claims she does not. Robert thinks that’s a lie and Elizabeth replies, “Robert, the woman who loved you would never do this,” as she opens the door, leaving him on the stairs.
King Edward’s angry when Elizabeth finally enters the banquet room. Edward Seymour reads a letter from Denmark’s king turning down King Edward’s offer of his sister’s hand. They’ve heard of Anne Boleyn’s daughter and insinuate she’s a whore, just like her mother. Elizabeth blames Henry Grey for spreading rumors about her relationship with Thomas Seymour, rumors that have made their way abroad.
She reminds all those in attendance she was proved innocent. Elizabeth shames all the men who are gathered, asking if they all live in fear a girl of 14 will woo them away from their wives.
King Edward finally speaks up and reveals Princess Mary wrote to the Danes and told them Elizabeth’s mother was a whore and Elizabeth is a bastard – not King Henry VIII’s child. King Edward stifles a cough as Elizabeth glances around the room in silence before leaving.
Later that evening, King Edward has another coughing fit and blood splatters his handkerchief. He’s feeling cold and asks to keep his coat on seconds before passing out on his bed.
At the last minute, Princess Mary decides not to flee to Spain.
Robert Dudley rides to Norfolk and pays a visit to Amy Robsart. He confesses he thinks of her at the strangest times, and she jokes that he’s deeply in love with her. He also confesses he just realized he’s been sad and miserable, but he isn’t at this moment.
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 1 “Keep Your Knife Bright” Recap
- 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 8 “To Death We Must Stoop” Recap
