THE LAST WHITE ROSE - EPISODE EIGHT: "ZUGZWANG"

One page synopsis of Episode Eight of "The Last White Rose": "Zugzwang" As Richard III consults with Sir John Howard over battle armor for the impending Battle of Bosworth, Merlin is off to the side with a chessboard on a flatrock, illustrating the pieces to the viewers, "You see the Woodville Queen. She is a crafty one. She plots and maneuvers, using her pawns and Knights to position her favorably. It is the Bishops she must call upon for protection." Ah, the prelates. In this episode they come to the fore and we will learn of Bishop Morton and his cunning, of Bishop Stillington's secret. When Merlin makes the board visible to Richard, the king asks if what he has done be fair. Merlin responds, "By no means be treachery ever fair. But you have been in an uncomfortable circumstance on this board, what would be called Zugzwang. Were you not the king, there would be no problem. But you were forced to make the move you wanted not, but all other legal moves would lead to even more treachery such as denying your kingship." Therein lies the rub for Richard is conflicted whether he did the right thing and is forced to relive those events that cause him consternation. Merlin insists that all must be told, back to where this deadly chess game began on April 24, 1483. The match begins on the outskirts of Ludlow where the Earl of Rivers Anthony Woodville and his troops have been instructed by the Woodville Queen to escort young Edward the Fifth to London. Because he is too young to assume the crown, she desires to rule through him. They're accompanied by a battalion of troops and Sir Richard Grey as the procession winds east toward Northampton. Meanwhile, Richard rides with his men south toward Northampton to negotiate with Rivers who agrees to a meeting at the local inn. Both sides camp on opposite sides of the village. Rivers and Grey have planned an ambush, but Richard is savvy and has a way to counter. The atmosphere in the inn is tense. Only Richard and Rivers are there and little said. Richard is determined to wait him out after announcing Buckingham is on his way. It takes Anthony by surprise. Rivers tries to intimidate Richard that his troops are no match for Gloucester's meager band. Then Henry Stafford arrives. Rivers opts to complete negotiations in the morning so he can better assess Richard's move to bring in Buckingham who has plans of his own, feigning loyalty to Richard. Rivers' plan is to attack Richard's flanks in the morning, but in the darkness Buckingham steals into River's camp to capture him and his men. The troops and Rivers in manacles, they ride to meet Richard at the Inn in Stony Stafford where the young prince has been sleeping. Richard overwhelms the guards and gains the upper hand. Knowing the Woodville Queen's plot, he entreats the troops to disburse to their homes since it is his duty to protect the young prince, the heir to the throne and escort him safely to London. Though the young prince is reluctant and prejudiced against Richard, he accedes to his uncle's request and assuages the troops. Richard rides triumphantly into London with the young ward under his protection, causing Elizabeth Woodville to confiscate the remaining treasures and property. She stashes them in a room in Westminster where she locks herself and her daughters inside where Richard cannot get her. In her self-imposed keep she continues to plot. Richard immerses himself at Parliament in trying to restore England's prestige. He brings Anne south to Crosby Hall and entreats her to visit the young prince and win over his trust. Anne is plunged into the London scene, hearing of many conspiracies, several surrounding the Stanley brothers and Bishop Morton as well as Henry of Richmond, supported by French gold. Suspicions grow over Will Hastings and Buckingham's loyalties as well as Bishop Rotherham. The expectations and fears for Richard take their toll on Anne and she grows weaker in health. She tries to convey her fears and proud Cis' advise for Richard to act before the Woodvilles do. The clock is ticking toward June 25 when Parliament is to confirm Richard's Protectorship and allow him to rule for Edward V until he comes of age. More is revealed of the secret Bishop Stillington holds which Clarence took to his grave: proof that Woodville's children are illegitimate, making the young princes ineligible for the throne. For the first time the idea of Richard being king comes to the fore as Richard and Anne dare discuss the possibilities and the repercussions. As Richard and Anne ponder the future and who to trust, Merlin appears at the edge of their bed and warns, "How long before the chess players turn? Beware, Richard of checkmate."