England, twenties of the 16th century. A country on the brink of disaster: if King Henry VIII dies without an heir, civil war will inevitably break out. And so Thomas Cromwell, the son of a rebellious blacksmith, a political genius, whose means of influence are bribes, threats, and flattery, appears on the scene of history. But he has a great goal - to transform England in accordance with his will and the wishes of the king, whom he faithfully serves.