Wolf Hall fans left 'traumatised' by graphic opening of new series on BBC

Viewers were transported back to one of Tudor England's darkest moments as BBC's Wolf Hall returned with The Mirror and the Light. Fans experienced Anne Boleyn's gruesome execution as scenes from the show's first season were replayed.

The ghastly dance of the executioner, who decisively sliced off Anne's head while her ladies in waiting sombrely placed her body into a coffin, was broadcast once again.

Thomas Cromwell, portrayed by Mark Rylance, observed the bloody spectacle alongside his son Gregory, amidst a sea of onlookers - King Henry VIII notably absent, instead adorned in gold as he readied himself for his forthcoming nuptials to Jane Seymour.

BBC audiences lauded the potent storytelling of the opening scene, albeit declaring it "harrowing" and revealing their feelings of being "traumatised", reports .

Social media reactions ranged from one viewer commenting on X: "Still traumatised by Anne Boleyn's execution from the last series of #wolfhall. *Please* don't show it again."

Another expressed their admiration yet shock: "Brutal from the off. Superb. #TheMirrorAndTheLight."

Seized by the depiction, a third viewer praised: "The opening scenes, harrowing. This is the BBC at its absolute best. #TheMirrorAndTheLight," while another was struck by the graphic nature of capital punishment even when portrayed in drama, adding: "#TheMirrorAndTheLight The sheer brutality of capital punishment always horrifies me, even in drama."

There's a storm of drama brewing in the upcoming episodes, foreshadowing Cromwell's chilling end, an event that lead actor Mark Rylance reflected on: "I think that's a good question for the audience to consider, it's one of the delights you'll have watching the programme."

He delved into Cromwell's psyche further: "I think he gets tired and there are times when he fantasises for a different life. He's always aware that something bad could happen. You are reaping great benefits, great wealth, but you are dealing with people who are trying to put a knife in your back."

Highlighting the brutal nature of the era, Rylance added: "You're dealing with a very violent regime that is sustained by violence. And you are an agent of that regime."

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light continues Sunday on BBC One at 9pm.