Following Cardinal Wolsey's (Sam Neill) exile, King Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) looks to consolidate his power by appointing Brandon (Henry Cavill) and Norfolk (Henry Czerny) as Co-Presidents of Council. Yet, even as his new chancellor, Thomas More, (Jeremy Northam) is cracking down on religious extremists, Henry is persuaded by Anne (Natalie Dormer) to consider Martin Luther's writings. Wolsey appeals to Anne as a way to get back into Henry's good graces. And as Henry sends Cromwell (James Frain) to test the waters, Norfolk frets over the possibility that a vengeful Wolsey will attempt a return to power.