New Episode of “Saints” Explores St. Thomas Becket’s Legacy
The new episode of “Saints” dives into the intense and often tumultuous history of St. Thomas Becket. It’s a story woven with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and martyrdom, all brought to life with a signature intensity familiar to director Martin Scorsese. The narrative captures how a close bond between Becket and King Henry II spirals into severe conflict, highlighting Becket’s struggle between his friendship with the king and his devotion to God.
This episode, airing on Sunday, reiterates a powerful notion central to their story: the idea that “the Power of the Crown and the Power of the Church” are intertwined. It examines how that perspective contributed to a significant rift in history between the English monarchy and the church.
At a pivotal moment, Becket urges the king to engage in personal reflection and decision-making through prayer, which signals the beginning of their inevitable clash.
Once the Prime Minister of England, Becket’s transformation into the Archbishop of Canterbury ultimately led him toward sainthood but also paved the way for his tragic end. His assassination in Canterbury Cathedral by supporters of the king sent shockwaves through medieval society and resulted in his quick canonization by the Catholic Church.
This dramatic retelling of Becket’s journey to martyrdom is featured in the much-anticipated third episode of the second season of “Saints.” Scorsese has expressed that the series is a culmination of decades of desire to explore the lives of saints, reflecting his deep engagement with Christianity.
Scorsese remarked, “For many years, I dreamed of telling the lives of the saints. This series means a great deal to me, and it’s gratifying to see how people have embraced it. I’m thrilled to be creating this series.” St. Thomas Becket’s story features alongside other noteworthy Christian figures like St. Patrick and St. Peter, showcasing the enduring impact of these saints.
Subscribers to Fox Nation can stream the latest season of “The Saints,” which includes this new episode on St. Thomas Becket.
