The Borgias Recap 'The Gunpowder Plot'

Season 3 Episode 9

This second to the last episode of The Borgias is a strong one. I wish I were writing this while less tired. Anyway, here is what happened.

Micheletto and Pascal

The episode opens with Micheletto and Pascal, both shirtless and standing in front of each other. Pascal briefly writes something on the floor. Standing again, Micheletto slashes his lover's wrist. Pascal asks Micheletto to hold him. Micheletto slashes the other wrist. Pascal holds on to Micheletto, getting blood all over him. Pascal straightens up, holds up his bloody arms over Micheletto so that his blood drips over Micheletto's face. Micheletto asks Pascal to forgive him. They embrace as Pascal dies. 

After Cesare is told that Micheletto is gone, Cesare insists that Micheletto does not flee. Do you think Cesare is a tad uncomfortable at how he might not have fully comprehended how Micheletto felt about Pascal? Anyway, two Cardinals stopped and bowed as Cesare passed by them. They know the younger Borgia has substantial power now.

Cesare goes to Micheletto's house and finds Pascal's body on the floor. Written with blood is one word --- Goodbye. Cesare tells his new cohorts (the scions of some of Italy's most powerful families) they will find no trace of Micheletto, unless he wants them to. He says Micheletto's only code is loyalty. No, Cesare. Micheletto's only code is loyalty to you. 

Lucrezia

Lucrezia arranges a Festival of Bacchus, with the help of that old lady in the woods and her friends. Alfonso actually plays his part here well. Everyone is happy at the Festival, including the King. Lucrezia gives the guards who are shadowing her wine.

The whole castle has fallen asleep, which prompts Alfonso to remark that it is as though they are in a fairy tale. Lucrezia gives money and thanks her co-conspirators, who are busy stealing from the sleeping members of court. Lucrezia is pretty good at making friends and winning hearts; back in the first season, she befriended the staff at her cruel husband's castle too. Of course, she then became overly friendly with the groom (I am beginning to regret not recapping the first season). I realise the old lady has her own reasons for helping Lucrezia, among them, profit, but at the same time, when she puts her mind to it, I think Lucrezia has a way with people her siblings do not have. Lucrezia, baby Giovanni and the nanny get in a carriage while Alfonso follows them on horseback as they flee Naples.

Cesare is on his way to Naples with his new friends. They stop on the road, and a carriage passes them. Alone on horseback, Alfonso recognises Cesare, calls him 'Brother.' Lucrezia stops the carriage and yells for Cesare. Cesare runs toward his sister, lifts her into an embrace, kisses her way too passionately. Alfonso and the scions of Rome's powerful families watch.

Back in Rome, Cesare gives Orsini the task of Lucrezia's protection. Orsini is also to choose Lucrezia's staff. Cesare wants to know where Lucrezia and her husband are every hour.

Inside Lucrezia's suite, Cesare says something mean about Alfonso, which makes Lucrezia giggle, then leaves husband, wife and child. Lucrezia tries to charm Alfonso, tells him he is the joy of her life, but Alfonso is not amused. Well, he did just watch you make out with your brother, Lucrezia. Alfonso seems weary, asks Lucrezia how long they can last like this. 

Cesare presents Lucrezia with her new house. Poor Alfonso is not to be allowed to ride back to Naples. Lucrezia says Alfonso could cause public scandal if he implies any impropriety between brother and sister. Cesare says they are family and they love each other and asks where the scandal is. Lucrezia chides her brother, tells him he knows where the scandal is.

In the kitchen of her new house, Lucrezia realises she is surrounded by new staff. At the market, she is followed, not very subtly, by Cesare's guards. Lucrezia purchases a bird in a cage and mutters at how appropriate it is. She later complains to Vanozza about being in prison in Naples, and now in Rome. Lucrezia wants to leave Rome and take with her Vanozza, baby Giovanni, and even Alfonso if he wants to come. Vanozza is unimpressed with her daughter's whining and tells Lucrezia to go home.

The Gunpowder Plot

Rodrigo wants to know what Cesare is up to, but Vanozza says their eldest son does not share his plans with her. Vanozza suggests that Rodrigo talk to Cesare, and forgive him, and wisely deduces that the trouble is, father and son are too alike. Rodrigo says the trouble is, he misses Cesare.

Rodrigo wants Mattai to help him control the supply of sulphur. According to Rodrigo, gunpowder has two ingredients, one that can be easily be made (sorry, I could not make out the name), and sulphur. I Googled the ingredients and read that there are three, including sulphur. It does not matter. The point is, according to Rodrigo, there is only one source of sulphur; he wants to buy all the sulphur with the coin he saved (remember, with Mattai's help, Rodrigo won his crusade without spending much). Rodrigo wants Mattai to trim his beard and present himself as a Christian. Mattai is not happy with this.

Mattai buys up the sulphur supply for the entire year, then arranges for the sulphur to be brought inside Rome. He bribes a guard at the gates. As the waggons of sulphur roll in, traces of the yellowish powder are left on the ground.

Cesare approaches Rodrigo about the Caterina issue, but Rodrigo acts almost bored. Cesare manages to gain permission to survey the papal troops, who are being re-equipped. Rodrigo says he has reason to believe Caterina will wait.

Caterina rides back to her castle and is met by Rufio. Caterina says Florence will neither help nor hinder them, and that Machiavelli will do nothing. Rufio informs his mistress that someone bought out the supply of sulphur. Caterina's mind immediately jumps to Cesare.

The papal army now has a canon (or perhaps more), but Cesare is informed of the sulphur shortage. Cesare immediately thinks it is Caterina's doing. I love how, in this game of theirs, when there is a clever move, Cesare and Caterina immediately think of each other. Cesare tasks Prospero to sniff out sulphur.

While inspecting the papal army, Cesare finds Alfonso in sword play. Alfonso wants Cesare to spar with him. Cesare refuses initially, but the two of them end up crossing swords. Alfonso is obviously angry and says that, rumour has it, there are three in his marriage. Cesare disarms Alfonso, picks up the blade, hands it to his sister's husband and says, 'You are both so dear to my heart.' Poor Alfonso.

Prospero finds the traces of sulphur, and the guard Mattai bribed. He follows the sulphur trail to a warehouse, and meets Mattai. Mattai insists he only collects gravel.

Prospero tells another whose name I did not get about the sulphur. Prospero wants the two of them to take the sulphur for themselves. Prospero is betrayed, however, and the following night Cesare is there to mete his punishment. With sulphur all over his body, Cesare lights Prospero up. Cesare says let that be a lesson to those who would betray him, then dismisses his cohorts so he can speak to Mattai alone. Aw. If Micheletto were around, he would certainly be allowed to stay with Cesare.

Mattai admits he brought the sulphur into the city at Rodrigo's behest. Cesare is angry at this. Mattai says Rodrigo fears Cesare, then offers to intercede between father and son. Mattai really wants to be rid of Rodrigo, I guess. Cesare is a suitable replacement.

Mattai talks to Rodrigo inside the palace while Cesare listens in the next room. Mattai says he wants to leave, but Rodrigo says he needs him (Mattai). Mattai says he has found a man for Rodrigo who is pained that his talents are underused.

The moment father and son set eyes on each other, they start yelling. Cesare accuses Rodrigo of playing games with him by denying him sulphur; Rodrigo throws the presence of French troops on Italian soil back at his son. Rodrigo tells Cesare he (Cesare) does not share his plans with him (Rodrigo).

Mattai breaks up the verbal fight and reminds them they are family. He tells Rodrigo Cesare is his image. This only upsets Rodrigo more. 'He is me!' he yells. They have the same drive, the same pitiless ambition. 'I look into his eyes, I see myself! Do you expect me to love that?'

Cesare silently gestures Mattai to leave, then calmly talks to his father. He asks Rodrigo to open his heart to him. Rodrigo seems uneasy with the path the family is taking. Cesare says that if they weaken now, their enemies will destroy them. He promises his father he will carve him an empire. Cesare asks for Rodrigo's trust; Rodrigo gives it. Cesare asks for Rodrigo's forgiveness; in Rodrigo's hesitation hangs the ghost of Juan. Finally, he gives his forgiveness, and father and son embrace.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)

Season: Three

Episode Title: The Gunpowder Plot

Episode Writer: Neil Jordan

Episode Director: Neil Jordan

Original Air Date: June 9, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'The Face of Death'

Season 3 Episode 1

I wish I were able to recap this show in proper order. As it is, I write recaps of the episodes I managed to take notes on as I watched them. This episode, the first of the third season, I watched distractedly some time ago. I was only able to watch it again recently, and so I am writing the recap now.

Dottore Lucrezia

The episode opens with Rodrigo dying of cantarella, administered by that creepy kid who volunteered to carry out Cardinal Della Rovere's plan. The doctor says there is no cure. Lucrezia takes charge and pronounces charcoal pushed down Rodrigo's throat as the remedy. I remember watching this episode for the first time and really, really disliking the explanation of how Lucrezia knew of the remedy --- that she read it in a book.

I know very little of the Borgias of history, but among those little things I know is that Lucrezia has a reputation, deserved or not, as a poisoner. It is an aspect of her character I have been looking forward to seeing developed in the show. It was jarring that her knowledge of poison was so casually explained by her having read it in a book. The show had two seasons to set up this aspect of her character. Poison was used in the first season (an early assassination attempt on Rodrigo that killed one of the cardinals, Juan's botched attempt to have Prince Cem killed) and the second season (Cesare and Micheletto's plot to kill Cardinal Della Rovere with poison, Cardinal Della Rovere's season-long plan to have Rodrigo killed); there were plenty of opportunities to show how interested Lucrezia was in herbs and their healing, and deadly powers. The seeds of Lucrezia's interest in poison should have been planted in the earlier seasons; it is rather frustrating that they were not.

Okay, rant over. Moving on. Cardinal Sforza says he has had the city closed. Micheletto found something on the boy's room that pointed to the Dominicans. Cesare and Micheletto attack a house presumably where the Dominicans have been hiding Cardinal Della Rovere. Cardinal Della Rovere is not there, because he is already at the Pope's bedside.

The Next Pope

As Rodrigo hovers between life and death, the Cardinals discuss who the next Pope will be. There seem to be a consensus that the next Pope should be Roman. Cardinal Della Rovere announces his presence to the other Cardinals; they all hover by Rodrigo's bedside. Cesare arrives and draws blade upon seeing Cardinal Della Rovere. Vanozza stops her son, pushes him out of the room, and tells him to think of what happens next if Rodrigo dies. Cesare tells his mother to look to him for safety.

Cesare asks Cardinal Sforza about the lines of allegiance within the Vatican. Cardinal Sforza says he has a list in his apartments. I would have thought the Cardinal would have this kind of thing memorised; after all, the number of important personages within Rome capable of doing the Borgias harm cannot number in the thousands. Anyway, this is Cardinal Sforza's excuse to go back to his apartments, where Rufio is waiting for him.

Cardinal Sforza asks Rufio is he is behind the poisoning of Rodrigo; Rufio denies this, but says certain matters have been arranged. All the Borgias will die, and Rufio requires Cardinal Sforza's help, the Cardinal being blood kin to Rufio's mistress Caterina. The choice for Cardinal Sforza is clear --- either help Caterina and Rufio kill Rodrigo, or confront him after he lost his entire family to Sforza hands.

Back by the sick bed, Cardinal Della Rovere is busy campaigning for Pope. He tells a handful of Cardinals none of them can beat Cardinal Sforza. Ascanio will pit them against each other, then beat them. Cardinal Della Rovere, on the other hand, can beat Cardianl Sforza. This campaigning becomes moot when Rodrigo wakes up and heaves ash on a Cardinal unfortunate enough to be standing nearest to him.

Cardinal Rovere tries to leave but is confronted outside the Palace by Cesare and some guards, who take him prisoner.

The Borgias

Members of Rodrigo's family are under heavy guard as they walk the streets from the Pope's Palace to Vanozza's villa. Earlier in the episode, there is a scene of Micheletto carrying little Giovanni in his arms while surrounded by guards, and with the nanny by his side. As much as I appreciate seeing Micheletto holding a baby, would it not have made more sense for the nanny to carry Giovanni, and for Micheletto to, you know, protect them?

Anyway, it seems that the Sforza men are holding the nanny's family hostage, and are threatening their lives if the nanny does not cooperate in the plot to kill the Borgias. At the market, the nanny meets with a guy who instructs her to leave a window unlatched when the Borgias have returned to Vanozza's villa. The nanny begs the guy to spare little Giovanni's life.

With Rodrigo alive, his family gather around him. Rodrigo asks where Juan is, and Cesare leaves. Later, with Rodrigo's faculties seemingly clearer, he tells Cesare that every crime must be seen to be punished. Basically, Rodrigo is telling Cesare to find someone to blame for Juan's murder. He also tells his eldest son he (Cesare) will have to find his own peace.

Cardinal Sforza tells Rufio to call off the assassination plot against Rodrigo's family, because Rodrigo has survived the poisoning. Rufio tells the Cardinal to kill the Pope with a dagger concealed in a crucifix inside Rodrigo's chambers.

The Plot

Cesare threatens Cardinal Della Rovere with torture, but another Cardinal frees him. The Cardinal I do not recognise, pragmatic soul, says others may succeed in killing Rodrigo and then, Rome will need Cardinal Della Rovere. Cesare is, of course, furious when he finds Cardinal Della Rovere gone.

Cardinal Sforza is frisked before entering Rodrigo's room, where he finds the dagger where Rufio said he would. The Cardinal looks ready to murder when Cesare arrives and tells him Cardinal Della Rovere escaped. Cardinal Sforza quickly tells Cesare about the plot to kill his family engineered by Caterina Sforza to happen this very night.

Would Cardinal Sforza have killed the Pope had Cesare not interrupted him? I truly do not know. After all, it is one thing to look the other way as a person is killed, quite another to wield the blade himself. I do find it interesting that Cardinal Sforza told Cesare the plot to kill his family after being told that Cardinal Della Rovere escaped. With Rodrigo dead and Cardinal Della Rovere in prison, Cardinal Sforza probably saw a clear path to the papacy. However, with Cardinal Della Rovere free, there was one man who could challenge Cardinal Sforza for the papacy, and win. Under Rodrigo, Cardinal Sforza enjoys a favoured position; a Sforza though he may be, but he is trusted by the Pope, and through that trust comes a lot of power. If Cardinal Della Rovere becomes Pope, Cardinal Sforza faces uncertainty. In the earlier scene by Rodrigo's bed side, it was established that Cardinal Della Rovere views Cardinal Sforza as a rival. As Pope, Della Rovere could clip Cardinal Sforza's powers considerably. In this instance, Cardinal Sforza decided to throw his lot with the Borgias.

Back at Vanozza's villa, the maid gives the signal, and the assassins enter. The maid tries to leave the villa, but Micheletto, standing by the stairs, blocks her way and asks her why she is not rushing to her charge Giovanni, who is crying. The maid confesses the plot.

Micheletto quickly kills one assassin. Another assassin enters a bedroom, presumably belonging to one of the Borgia ladies, and repeatedly stabs the woman lying there. He turns the face around and realises the lady is the nanny, already dead. Cesare arrives and kills the remaining assassin. The ladies and Giovanni, who have been hiding in Lucrezia's room, rush to embrace Cesare. Lucrezia actually gives Giovanni to Micheletto so she can hug her brother properly. Uncomfortable with the bloody assassin holding her grand child, Vanozza takes Giovanni from Micheletto.

Cesare meets up with Cardinal Sforza, who tells him about Rufio. Later, Rodrigo berates Cesare about the escape of Cardinal Della Rovere. Rodrigo pronounces they are at war.

Cardinal Della Rovere escapes Rome by hiding under dead bodies --- the bodies of the men and one woman killed in Vanozza's villa.

'Student of death' Rufio goes back to Caterina and tells her Ascanio betrayed them. Caterina decrees that there be no more assassinations. Instead, they are to form an alliance with the second sons of the most important Roman families.

The episode closes with Caterina on the streets of Rome.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)
Season: Three
Episode Title: The Face of Death
Episode Writer: Guy Burt
Episode Director: Kari Skogland
Original Air Date: April 14, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'Tears of Blood'

Season 3 Episode 8

Duelling Relics

It is the Year of the Jubilee, 1500, and the Sphere of Longinus has been unveiled to the public in an elaborate ceremony. Outside the confessional booths are lists of sins and their corresponding fines. As the pilgrims confess their sins, the priests instruct them on how to repent and how much money to donate to the Church.

With Cardinal Farnese supervising the counting of the donations, Rodrigo picks up a large ring of diamonds and black pearl and says, 'Adultery, no doubt.' Heh. The Pope wants the donations to the confessional fund be placed in a separate account to be called 'Constantinople Endeavour.'

Meanwhile, Caterina Sforza mourns for her son and plots her revenge at the same time. With her is Rufio and the former Cardinal de Luca. The pilgrims flocking to Rome must pass through Sforza land; Caterina wants them diverted to a relic of her own, thus depriving the Pope of more sources of funds. Cardinal de Luca suggests the Shroud of Constantinople, believed to have wrapped Christ's body, and which bears the imprint of His face. Cardinal de Luca wants to add a miracle to the Shroud, tears of blood.

Pilgrims on their way to Rome are herded into Sforza-controlled catacombs, where Caterina is kneeling in front of the Shroud. An elaborate contraption behind it makes it weep blood, which the pilgrims totally believe.

Rodrigo is not happy about the Sforza relic, and instructs Cesare to bring the Shroud to Rome to test its authenticity. Cesare wants the papal army for this task and others; Rodrigo tells his son to use his own army, and that he (Rodrigo) will pay him (Cesare). Rodrigo, you can be a real jerk to your son.

Caterina is warned of Cesare's advance by Pascal, and so she has her troops set up explosives inside the catacombs. Rufio warns Caterina that if the pilgrims are still around when Cesare arrives, many of them will die. I found myself warming to Rufio in this episode, and not because he showed token concern for civilians. Eight episodes in, and I have finally stopped thinking of Rufio as Micheletto-lite. I still do not like how it seems the character was created as a counterpoint for Micheletto, but I also cannot continuously dislike the character when Thure Lindhardt's performance has been consistently excellent. 

Cesare's army shoo the civilians away while Cesare and Micheletto check the Shroud. Cesare notes the tears of blood and Micheletto says he sheds them often. Oh Micheletto, you will be shedding them later in the episode. Micheletto tastes the blood and pronounces it fake, because, of course Micheletto knows how blood, human or otherwise, tastes like. Micheletto notices the explosive trail and he and Cesare run. The catacombs explode but Cesare and Micheletto survive because the show still has a couple of episodes to go, and it would not do to upset fangirls like myself at this stage. It is weird that, Micheletto aside, not one of Cesare's troops stayed behind to watch their master's back.

Cesare tells his father about the Shroud and the explosion, and says he doubts it is Caterina's invention. Father and son seem disposed to giving Rufio credit for this latest volley from Caterina.

The Wrong Brother

Rodrigo grants papal investiture to King Federigo, who later asks the Pope that Lucrezia be named Special Ambassador between the Holy See and Naples. Lucrezia looks very pleased while Cesare is suspicious.

Later, Lucrezia caresses a sleeping Cesare; he wakes and nearly throttles her, then nuzzles her neck. Lucrezia has so been lulled by Federigo into a false sense of security. Also, it is rather difficult to focus on the dialogue with all that Cesare finger biting action happening. Lucrezia asks her brother to visit soon, and leaves.

People cheer as the carriage containing Federigo, Alfonso and Lucrezia head to the gates of Naples. Lucrezia asks Federigo what her duties as ambassador are. Federigo says it is to keep him informed of Rodrigo and Cesare's designs. Lucrezia notes the King's change in tone.

Even inside the castle, Lucrezia is constantly shadowed. Her husband does nothing because, of course. Lucrezia confronts Federigo, who informs her bluntly she is a prisoner. Federigo poisoned his dog and faked his own poisoning. Federigo mentions that poison is Lucrezia's hobby, and I am reminded of how this aspect of Lucrezia is so not set up well. There was plenty of time to develop Lucrezia's interest in poison in a natural manner; instead we got an 'I read it in a book' explanation at the beginning of the third season (I have not recapped that episode, by the way. I intend to, at some point). Anyway, Lucrezia faints and has to be carried back to her room.

The doctor asks Alfonso if Lucrezia may be pregnant; poor Alfonso is certain she is not. Lucrezia asks for the old woman in the forest to be sent to her.

The old woman examines Lucrezia's palm and sees Cesare. She also gives Lucrezia a sleeping potion.

Pascal

Micheletto can neither read nor write, but he has excellent memory and can remember shapes. After sending Pascal off to the market, Micheletto finds a coded letter underneath the loose floor board in his house. He remembers it and writes it down for Cesare, who decodes it. The letter is about someone who is locked in a cage, which is somehow related to the attack on Forli. Micheletto asks Cesare to kill him, but Cesare tells Micheletto to keep loving Pascal.

Micheletto finds another letter, and he and Cesare learn that Federigo is in league with Caterina, and that Lucrezia and her child are being held hostage. Cesare orders Micheletto to kill Pascal.

Micheletto confronts Pascal, who admits he took the job because he enjoyed the thrill and the danger. Micheletto asks him how he wants to die. Pascal wants to die in Micheletto's arms.

Rodrigo's BFF

Rodrigo and Mattai are still BFFs, and discussing how to destroy the Turkish fleet. Mattai wants Rodrigo to buy oil, a lot of it. Jews will burn the Turkish fleet in exchange for a papal bull allowing the Jews in Rome to live and trade freely.

Rodrigo signs the bull, and the episode closes with the Turkish fleet burning.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)

Season: Three

Episode Title: Tears of Blood

Episode Writer: Neil Jordan

Episode Director: David Leland

Original Air Date: June 2, 2013

The Borgias Recap ‘Lucrezia’s Gambit’

Season 3 Episode 7

Micheletto Has A Boyfriend

Micheletto gets shown around Milan by a good looking boy named Pascal (I think we met him in the previous episode). I was spoiled about this development before I even saw this episode so, by the time I watched it, I was filled with nothing but dread. Oh, Micheletto. Be careful with that heart some people think you do not have. Anyway, after some loving in Leonardo da Vinci's quarters, Micheletto finds a nifty weapon with a sight.

Later, back in Rome, Micheletto sees his erstwhile Milanese lover in the market. He threatens Pascal, then takes the boy back to his place, where a fully nekkid Micheletto lays down the law.

Before Micheletto leaves on another trip with Cesare, he totally tells Pascal where he left some money. Micheletto is all gruff and mumbly and whatever, but he admits he would like it if Pascal were around when he returns. Oh Micheletto.

Pascal is Caterina's spy, of course. Rufio visits him, and even asks if Pascal has fallen for Micheletto. Rufio says he is there to smell Micheletto's odour, and that one day they will meet. I hope so. Is it bad of me to look forward to Micheletto killing Rufio? I have no problem with the actor's performance, by the way, Thure Lindhardt is excellent. It is the character that bugs me. I feel that Rufio was created precisely as a counterpart to Micheletto. Cesare has his dark shadow and so his adversary, Caterina, must have one, too. It is too, well, obvious. 

Caterina, naturally, needed assistance in her war against the Borgias. Rather than create a new character, I would have preferred it if Benito Sforza was developed into his mother's competent second. Benito started off as a non-soldierly type, but he was shown to have steel in him during his torture, imprisonment, and subsequent trip to his release with Cesare and Micheletto. I thought he came off as almost frighteningly intelligent. Benito showing himself as an able strategist would surprise even his mother, though not Micheletto, who long scented the danger in the kid.

Anyway, going back to Rufio and Pascal, we find out that they are using a book code to communicate.

The Consequence of Disobeying Cesare

The King of France arrives in Milan and is met by Cesare; he is not pleased that Ludovico Sforza is alive. The King promises to hold Milan in the name of the Pope.

His work in Milan sort of finished, Cesare returns to Rome with Micheletto. He is met by a messenger boy who leads him to the palace of Cardinal Costanzo (I now know the name of Cardinal 1). Inside, Cesare and Micheletto find the disobedient Cardinal by the stairs, weak from the plague, with Caterina’s golden box near him. The Cardinal tells Cesare to burn down the palace; Cesare, in an act of mercy, throws the Cardinal a blade.

Rodrigo arrives on horseback to find Cardinal Costanzo’s palace on fire. He starts to berate his son, who explains about Caterina’s plot to send the Pope a message with plague. Rodrigo, angry about Milan and how Ludovico Sforza escaped, tells his son that Sforza is willing to hand over Caterina’s son Benito in exchange for his own safe passage. It was Cesare’s occasional BFF (yes, I know occasional BFF is contradictory, but then BFF tends to get used a lot improperly anyway, and here I am using it with a mixture of sarcasm and wariness) Machiavelli who delivered this message. What a piece of work Ludovico is. That is his blood, who just gave him a good turn by warning him of Cesare’s advance to Milan. Anyway, Rodrigo wants both Ludovico and Benito hauled in chains to Rome.

Lucrezia’s Gambit

Lucrezia plays nice with Alfonso, and tells him she has always wanted to be loved by a prince who could be king one day. For Lucrezia, this is not about hungering power; this is about ensuring her safety and that of her son’s. Alfonso, however, is third in line to the throne of Naples, and the poor boy has no interest in that kind of power.

Because she cannot rely on her husband, Lucrezia takes matters into her own hands and invites one of the claimants to the throne, Raphael, to play chess. Raphael tells Lucrezia in no uncertain terms that when he is king, there will be no place for little Giovanni in Naples. Lucrezia pulls the ‘I’m the Pope’s daughter’ card before walking away.

Lucrezia then meets with the other claimant to the throne, Raphael's half-brother Federigo. Federigo is friendly, even sympathetic to Lucrezia's troubles regarding Baby Giovanni. He says he has his dog eat off his own plate for fear of poison. Lucrezia says the Pope may withhold investiture to a king whose character is under question.

Federigo's poison fears seem to come true when Lucrezia finds his dog Sebastian dead. Federigo himself is gasping for breath. Lucrezia thinks the poison may be cantarella and sends her husband for a doctor. Lucrezia then tries to save Federigo's life the same way she did her father's in the opening episode of the season. However, when the doctor arrives, he quickly diagnoses the poison as galerina and administers a different treatment. While Federigo still gasps for breath, Lucrezia accuses Raphael of attempting to murder his brother.  

At night, Lucrezia goes to the forest to meet with the old lady witch. After payment, the old lady admits to giving powder whose name I did not catch to Prince Raphael. In a later meeting, Raphael insists the old lady lied. Lucrezia gives him two option: (1) pursue the crown and suffer a reputation as a murderer or (2) relinquish the throne and retire comfortably, with his reputation intact. Raphael points out a third option, killing both Lucrezia and Federigo. He then says he will take the second option, if only to watch Lucrezia realise her folly. Huh. For a hard man in a hard time, Raphael gave up his throne so easily. Sitting on a throne at that time does not only mean power, it means survival, too. Raphael had no guarantee that his brother, once in power, would not have him killed. Also, why is reputation suddenly so important? An old king of Naples had a creative torture chamber and a thoroughly grotesque supper table. It is true the Pope may refuse investiture to the king who irritated his beloved daughter, but for how long? At the very least, Raphael could have fought Lucrezia longer. 

In any case, Federigo is crowned King of Naples. Lucrezia thinks she won.

My compliments to Luke Allen-Gale as Federigo and Jamie Blackley as Raphael; they were both fantastic in their roles.

Rodrigo’s New BFF

Has Rodrigo ever had a BFF? I don’t think so. Cardinal Sforza does not count. Anyway, Rodrigo discusses Constantinople with his new BFF, Mattai. Mattai has an idea on how to destroy the Turkish fleet, in exchange for the Pope’s favour to the Jews in Rome.

Rodrigo also has dinner with Vanozza, who tells him Giulia has a new suitor she wants to introduce to him.

Cesare

Cesare spends some time with his mother, and they discuss Lucrezia, who complains of being watched constantly in Naples. Vanozza says Lucrezia loves Alfonso, and Cesara wonders if he is the only one Alfonso disappoints. Heh. Vanozza says Lucrezia wants power through Daddy's papal investiture.

Cesare then meets with Machiavelli, who tells him where to find Ludovico and Benito Sforza. This is a short scene but, Signor Machiavelli, always a pleasure.

Uncle and nephew arrive at the quarry with no escorts; Ludovico tells Benito they are there to meet forces loyal to the Sforzas who will escort Benito home to his mother. The two of them are quietly surrounded by Cesare's forces.

Micheletto gives Cesare that gun with sight he found in Leornardo da Vinci's chambers earlier. It is Micheletto who hits Benito with an arrow and kills the boy. Ludovico protests that the arrangement he made was to capture, not kill his nephew. He then demands his safe passage. Micheletto tosses him a piece of paper, which fools Ludovico. Cesare shoots him in the head.

Back in Rome, Giulia presents her new boy toy to Rodrigo, who is not impressed with him being a poet. Cesare arrives with news that he executed the Sforzas, which angers Rodrigo. Cesare says it is what the King of France wanted. Rodrigo is furious and wonders who he can trust and rely on. Cesare says, why, him, of course, because the Pope has no alternative. I can only imagine how tired Cesare must be of constantly trying to prove himself to his father while never fully earning his trust.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)

Season: Three

Title: Lucrezia’s Gambit

Episode Writer: Neil Jordan

Episode Director: David Leland

Original Air Date: May 26, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'Relics'

Season 3 Episode 6

Caterina’s Message

The episode opens with good old Rufio relieving himself by a hanging corpse. There are lots of bodies around, and a sole woman crying. With his sword Rufio carefully pries a piece of a corpse’s clothing and places it in a satchel, careful not to touch it and keep his nose and mouth covered as much as possible. Why did Rufio not just tie a cloth over his face? Anyway, Rufio empties his purse by the weeping woman. Aw, charitable Rufio.

At Forli, Rufio carefully places the plague-infected cloth in an ornate golden box. He tells his mistress Caterina to keep her distance. Caterina places the letter she wrote and what looks like a handkerchief with some embroidery on the floor and leaves. Rufio places these items in the box too, and seals it. The box is to be delivered to the Borgia Pope.

Rodrigo’s Jubilee

Rodrigo wants lavish celebrations for the following year, 1500. He wants a spectacle for the pilgrims who would be flocking to Rome. He wants relics and such. The pilgrim who kneels in awe, he says, will be more likely to contribute to the Church. Rodrigo, intentionally or not, hilariously confuses the Cardinals on whether they could already sit or not. The look on Cardinal Sforza’s face is priceless as always.

While Rodrigo is being painted, a Cardinal whose name I do not know approaches him with a proposal ---that they make sinners pay for forgiveness. 

While Rodrigo is engaging in beekeeping (his days do seem full), Cardinal Sforza approaches him about the Jews in Rome who want trading rights within the city. I am very much enjoying Cardinal Sforza's thinly veiled contempt and impatience. He also held the gate open for another beekeeper, a small touch that I like more than I can explain.

Rodrigo meets with some Jewish merchants and lists his financial demands, which one of them protests they cannot meet. The negotiation is interrupted with news that a contingent of the French army landed in Italy.

Rodrigo sends for his generals and immediately wonders what his son could possibly have done to cause a French invasion. 'Has he insulted the King? Raped some poor princess?' Does Rodrigo think Cesare is Juan? When they are in front of him, Rodrigo berates his generals. His yelling is interrupted with the arrival of Cesare.

Cesare’s Army

Cesare meets with Vitelli and proposes and allegiance, not just with Vitelli but with the other Italian families as well. To convince Vitelli, Cesare shows him the French army that has just landed in Italy.

Cesare then continues to Rome to inform his father of his plans. It is interesting that Cesare did not see fit to warn his father that he is bringing a foreign army into the shores of Italy. Cesare introduces the French Archbishop who is to become a Cardinal. Rodrigo looks livid at the gall of his son and orders everyone to leave. Cardinal Sforza is the last one to leave the room after herding everyone out.

Cesare finally fills his father in on part his plan --- take out Ludovico Sforza. Rodrigo saves face by commanding Cesare north when the doors of the room were open, and the others could hear him.

Cesare makes time to stop by Naples, either to see his sister or to pick up Micheletto, I do not know. The streets of Naples seem to be celebrating, which is weird because their king just died and a new king has not yet been named (Lucrezia's husband is third in line). There is a beautiful shot of Cesare and Lucrezia in front of spinning fireworks. There is another shot of the Borgia siblings framed with a heart that is part of an ongoing street puppetry. They both look great, particularly the one with the spinning fireworks, but the fireworks and heart allusions are not exactly subtle, and as such I found I did not enjoy them that much.

We next see Cesare back in Rome. So, Cesare went to Rome to see his father, then to Naples, then back to Rome? Huh. Would it not have made more sense for this scene to happen before Cesare went to Naples? Anyway, the box with the plague has arrived, and a Cardinal whose name I do not know (I am going to refer to him as Cardinal 1) is carrying it to the Pope. Cesare intercepts him and asks him what it is. When informed that it is a message of peace from Caterina, Cesare instructs Cardinal 1 to burn it. Cesare is comfortable making decisions for his father now.

At an inn, the representatives of the Italian families are discussing Cesare's proposal. Cesare arrives with Micheletto and a good number of French soldiers. Cesare shrewdly plays these second sons, enjoining them to 'carve out your own fate.' The tactic is effective; the soldiers of these second sons and bastard sons join Cesare's French army.

Caterina's son Benito spies on Cesare's camp. Micheletto's warning from last season proved prescient.

Cesare, after being cheered on by French soldiers, plays on the second sons' Daddy issues as he revs them up for tomorrow's fight. Micheletto gallops in with disturbing news; the gates of Milan are open. When Cesare and his army arrive in Milan, they find that Ludovico Sforza and his army have left the city. The French king has his Italian city, but Cesare still has yet to defeat his enemy. 

Relics

The Jews in Rome discuss the demands of the Pope; they all agree they do not have the money. One of them, Mattai, has an idea.

Mattai courses his proposal through Cardinal Farnese. He says they, the Jews, have the Spear of Longinus, which is known to have pierced the flesh of Christ. They will give it to the Pope in lieu of the money he is demanding.

Cardinal Farnese comes with Mattai to the Pope with the proposal. Cardinal Sforza, because he is awesome, casually leans against the wall and smirks. Cardinal Sforza later approaches another Cardinal to discuss Mattai's proposal. I need to watch this episode another time to see if this is the same Cardinal who received Caterina's box. Anyway, this Cardinal is suspicious of Mattai's offer.

Mattai brings the Pope the famous sphere. The suspicious Cardinal brings in another sphere, which Mattai breaks and proves false. In a private audience, Rodrigo makes it clear to Mattai that he is very well aware the sphere Mattai brought with him may be fake too. Rodrigo says he will choose to believe it is the real Sphere of Longinus. He then asks what other gifts Mattai brought him.

Plague

In his office, Cardinal 1 first instructs his servant to burn the box, then changes his mind and says the box is pretty and should be saved. He opens the box and takes out the letter, without looking at the rest of the contents. His servant lightly touches the handkerchief with embroidery before being told to leave. Cardinal 1 reads the letter. 

Cardinal 1 tells another Cardinal about Caterina's letter, which he says is an honest supplication of peace. He thinks it may be of use to him. So, did Cardinal 1 not check the box's other contents?

Later, Cardinal 1 calls for his servant, who touched the embroidered cloth inside the box. He finds this servant ill. The episode ends with the Cardinal yelling, 'Plague!'

Baby Giovanni

A king had to die horribly for this kid to be brought to Naples, so I have to include him in this recap; this scene happened early in this episode. However, even the sight of Micheletto cradling a baby is not enough to make me like this scene. Sure, Giovanni no longer looks like a newborn, but this kid should, at the very least, be walking and talking by now. Methinks forgetting to age this child is a big blunder.

Micheletto kneels in front of Lucrezia as he hands her her child. That may be a little curtsy Lucrezia gives him after sweetly touching his hair, or it may be just Lucrezia adjusting herself after taking hold of her baby. In any case, I am again left wondering what the Borgias told the Naples nobility about Micheletto.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)
Season: Three
Episode Title: Relics
Episode Writer: Guy Burt

Episode Director: Kari Skogland

Original Air Date: May 19, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'The Wolf and the Lamb'

Season 3 Episode 5

This is another solid episode of The Borgias. I felt the slow motions were not necessary, but they did not distract from the dark core of this story, the madness of Bianca, Duchess of Mantua, portrayed by Melia Kreiling. She was just a minor character, just another beautiful woman the Pope bedded, yet with this episode, she became an affecting tragic figure.

Lucrezia Leaves Her Baby

Lucrezia has an emotional farewell with Baby Giovanni, whom she is leaving with her parents. I keep getting distracted with the thought that this poor child still has not grown. The creative team really should have remembered to age Baby Giovanni even just a bit.

Lucrezia is escorted into Naples by Micheletto. There is some talk about heart, just to emphasise how much Lucrezia misses her baby. Alfonso, clearly very happy to see his wife, lifts her from her horse. They greet the King of Naples. This is a much better welcome than the one Lucrezia got when she married Giovanni Sforza.

At a lavish banquet, the King gives a gracious toast, which Lucrezia throws back at his face by mentioning her child. The King says any child borne of the union between Lucrezia and Alfonso would be welcome; anyone else is best forgotten.

At a hunting party, Lucrezia is separated from the rest and meets an old woman, who warns her about poisonous mushrooms. Later, she asks Micheletto if he ever had a child. Micheletto says no. He gets a bit sentimental about Lucrezia's child. Lucrezia muses about who will succeed the King if he were to die. Micheletto says the King is strong and will be with them for a while.

At night, Lucrezia with a lamp goes looking for the poisonous mushrooms. Micheletto, who of course followed her, dissuades her from her plan and tells her to bid her time and to trust him. Listen to Micheletto, Lucrezia! She does.

At another hunting party, Micheletto and the King find themselves alone by a lake. The King wonders which the boar fears more, his arrow or the lake. Apparently, his uncle the late King Ferrante had the lake filled with lampreys, which are flesh-eating and which look like eels. The lampreys are for the ones King Ferrante hated the most. Micheletto says it is an original idea; the King says not really, it was from Seneca. I wonder what the Borgias told the King about Micheletto. Would the King be this chatty if he knew Micheletto to be a low-born assassin?

Anyway, the King hits the boar with an arrow, and the poor beast falls into the lake. Micheletto sees his chance to cheer up Lucrezia and pushes the King into the lake. The other hunters, including Alfonso, hear the King's screams. They rush to the lake but are too late.

As the body of the late King is brought back into the castle courtyard, Micheletto asks Lucrezia about Seneca. Lucrezia mentions Vedius Pollio, about whom Seneca wrote, and his pool of lampreys (according to Wikipedia, Vedius Pollio fed the servants who displeased him to his lampreys). Lucrezia wonders if she should bring her child to this theatre of cruelty; Micheletto says at least now, the choice is hers.

Caterina and Her Allies

At Forli Castle, Rufio tells Caterina that the Duke of Mantua will not join them. He did, however, make a contribution to their cause --- the insanity of his wife.

Caterina meets with members of important Italian families and persuades them to join her in a union against the Borgia pope. I have a girl crush on Gina McKee's Caterina. She manages to exude power just by standing there waiting for her bird to return to her. Her Caterina is the perfect adversary for Cesare; they are both smart, ruthless and sexy.

The men are not thrilled with the idea of a woman leading them, though she is the most powerful among them, as she points out. She says the papal army is weak; Juan Borgia was defeated outside her gates. One of the men points out that Cesare is not Juan. Caterina, perhaps recalling their sexy times, admits Cesare has 'vigour' but does not think the Pope trusts him with the papal army. The men decide they will keep their counsel until Cesare returns from France.

Cesare in France

Cesare gets a not so nice welcome in France; the archbishop who greets him calls him 'the bastard son of a Borgia pope.' Cesare, however, finds Machiavelli there. Machiavelli is just about to leave, but he stays long enough to give Cesare some fashion advice (stick to black). He also tells Cesare the King of France desires not just Naples but Milan as well. Why is Machiavelli helping Cesare?

Cesare is introduced at court but is largely ignored by the King until he mentions the golden word: divorce. The Queen also briefly speaks to Cesare about finding a wife among her ladies.

At a dance, the archbishop tells Cesare the Queen is barren. In exchange for an annulment, the archbishop details what the Borgias can expect --- a bride for Cesare, ancient French titles, an Order of the Golden Rose, and French support for the Pope's Italian adventures. Cesare wants an army that can cut through Italy. He also calls the archbishop 'Cardinal.' He then joins the dancing.

Cesare finds himself dancing with the Queen, who is not nice to him. She recommends Charlotte D'Albret to Cesare, whom she apparently hates. Cesare and Charlotte discuss, quite practically, their expectations in marriage. Cesare wants a title, an heir and a dowry. Charlotte wants a child, too, but she does not think she can live in Rome. Cesare tells her she will not have to. She asks jokingly if they are married already. Cesare lifts her and spins her. Aw, they like each other.

At a French hunt, the King tells Cesare, in exchange for an annulment, he can have Charlotte, a duchy and the Order of the Golden Rose. He cannot, however, give Cesare an army. Cesare dangles Milan. The King is shocked but obviously interested.

An angry Queen of France, who probably has just been told her marriage is to be dissolved, yells at Cesare and slaps him several times. Charlotte, who is sitting nearby, giggles. Cesare is all charm, they kiss, and Charlotte says she will marry him. The two of them sh@g and there is some talk of mutual satisfaction.

Cesare and Charlotte are married. By their marriage bed, Cesare drinks wine before taking off his shirt. The ladies of the court, who are present, giggle; I can only assume this is a nod to Cesare's fangirls. Heh. The newlyweds get under the covers, giggling. Charlotte asks Cesare about love, Cesare lies, Charlotte knows he lied and is cool with it. I like them together. They are two practical souls who take what joy they can from life.

Later, Cesare is seen with the French army. He finally got what he most wanted.

Bianca

This episode does not get into the fallout, if there was any, from the Duke of Mantua's very public denunciation of the Pope's relations with his wife. The Pope, however, spends much of the episode trying to convince Bianca to go back to her husband.

The lovers bathe, and the Pope tells Bianca that scandal is the prerogative of kings; he is a Pope and has a church to run. 'I am the lily of the valley and the king has brought me to his chambers,' Bianca says. Later, Bianca leaves the sleeping Rodrigo and walks into little Giovanni's chambers. She tries to pick up the baby but the nanny returns.

Bianca tells the Pope, who is still trying to get her to leave, that he is sad because his children left. She then says he does not have to be sad any longer because she is with child. Rodrigo seizes this as a reason for Bianca to go back to the Duke. Bianca says her husband asked her to abort the child, who is the Pope's, but she could not.

While sharing a meal, Rodrigo tells Bianca that if she will not return to her husband, he will send her to a convent. She repeats her 'lily of the valley' line and stabs a knife at the table. Melia Kreiling is selling Bianca's madness really, really well.

Bianca is examined by a doctor, who says she is not pregnant. She was with child, it was cut cruelly out of her; the event unhinged her. Rodrigo must not be an attentive lover, then; surely, the operation left scars. Rodrigo wonders what is best for her soul. The doctor suggests tranquillity and prayer. Bianca heartbreakingly smiles from the bed.

Bianca eats enthusiastically and speaks of her nonexistent child. Rodrigo gently, worriedly, tells her she has not slept in days. He embraces her. Two nuns come, and Rodrigo tells Bianca they are for the good of her eternal soul. They will take her to a house beyond the hills of Rome.

As the nuns lead Bianca away, she breaks from their grasp and runs. She locks herself inside Giovanni's chambers and finds a knife there. Rodrigo and the nuns run after her. Rodrigo breaks down the door. Bianca is standing by Giovanni's bed. When she turns to face Rodrigo, he sees that she has cut her neck.

Cardinal Sforza arrives and instructs the nuns to leave and not speak a word to anyone about what happened. Rodrigo is on the floor, cradling Bianca in his arms. Cardinal Sforza tells the Pope to let him handle this.

Cardinal Sforza and the Duke of Mantua discuss the annulment when they notice something dripping from the floor above. They go up and find Bianca in a tub, a case of suicide, according to the Cardinal. Cardinal Sforza blames the Duke as the man who drove her to it, and tells him to beg forgiveness.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)
Season: Three
Episode Title: The Wolf and the Lamb
Episode Writer: Neil Jordan
Episode Director: Kari Skogland
Original Air Date: May 12, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'The Banquet of Chestnuts'

Season 3 Episode 4

If you watched the third episode of the third season of The Borgias, then you know Cesare and Lucrezia already crossed the Targaryen/ Lannister line. At the risk of angering Cesare/ Lucrezia shippers, I must make a confession --- I never really wanted these two to get together. From the very first episode of this series, I noted the at times sweet, at times smouldering chemistry between Francois Arnaud and Holliday Grainger. Despite this, I did not want the show to 'go there.' I thought the tragedy of the Borgia siblings would be their unfulfilled passion, made exquisitely torturous by the chemistry between the two young leads.

Anyway, on her wedding night, Lucrezia walked into her brother's room and told him only a Borgia can love a Borgia. It was a scene I did not want to happen, but I thought it was done in the best possible way. Kudos to the show's creative team, and the actors.

Moving on to the recap...

Cardinal Farnese

This episode opens with Pope Alexander making Giulia Farnese's brother Alessandro (Cylon Melville) a Cardinal. History buffs, take note --- Alessandro Farnese will go on to become Pope Paul III, and serve from 1534 to his death in 1549.

Cardinal Sforza gives the newly-minted Cardinal Farnese his assignment --- to try and bring some order to the Vatican finances. Cardinal Sforza had few lines in this episode, but his presence was felt even in his absence.

The Pope later visits the hard at work Cardinal Farnese, who protests at Rodrigo's insinuations and insists he did not ask his sister to demand the position for him. The Pope tells Cardinal Farnese he should make his report on the Vatican finances directly to him and not through the other Cardinals.

Cardinal Farnese may have gotten his position through his sister, but he seems to take his job seriously. It is late at night and Giulia visits him. He says the Vatican accounts are 'lies and confusion' and asks for Giulia's help in making sense of the numbers. Giulia, as we may recall, has experience in this from the previous season.

While looking into the report on the Vatican accounts, Rodrigo recognises Giulia's handwriting. Cardinal Sforza and the papal guards bring a hastily dressed Giulia to the Pope late at night. Once alone, Rodrigo berates her for doing the work rather than her brother. Giulia protests that she only helped her brother. She promises the Pope to help him figure out how to ensure the loyalty of the Consistory.

There are inter cutting scenes of Caterina Sforza meeting with her Micheletto (all right, Rufio) and Giulia meeting with the Pope. Caterina and Giulia both come to the conclusion on what most frequently gets men in trouble. Caterina has allied with Gonzaga, the Duke of Mantua, whose lovely wife was one of the Pope's conquests. Giulia proposes a banquet for the Cardinals that will be chronicled. This chronicle will ensure the Cardinal's loyalty to the Pope.

Cardinal Versucci

In the previous episode, Cardinal Versucci (Vernon Dobtcheff) took his revenge on the Pope by stealing a large chunk of the Vatican's riches before leaving. Here he walks in tattered garments and well-worn sandals, executing his version of redistributing wealth. He goes to a religious house and hands a nun a document, wealth that used to belong to this house, taken by the Vatican, now given back. Away from the pomp and ceremony of Rome, the Cardinal seems closer to peace.

Cesare, when told by the Pope of what Cardinal Versucci did, is angry. Rodrigo, however, just laughed and said the coffers would be replenished. He then ordered Cesare to teach Cardinal Versucci the error of his ways.

Of course Cesare passed on the order to Micheletto. Does he have any other unquestionably loyal, hyper competent servant? Does he need another?

The object of Micheletto's hunt struggles to walk. The first time I watched The Borgias, I barely paid attention to his character. Now, Cardinal Versucci's journey is kind of breaking my heart.

Micheletto finds the house where Cardinal Versucci is staying. Through the boy who answered the door, Cardinal Versucci asks Micheletto to meet him at dusk at the old Roman baths. Micheletto must be certain the Cardinal is not going to run, because he did not push his way into the house to kill the Cardinal right then and there. Perhaps Micheletto is just as certain that he can find the Cardinal wherever he may go. 

Cardinal Versucci is charitable as well as true to his word --- he waited for Micheletto at the bath. In the presence of Death himself, as I often think of Micheletto, Cardinal Versucci takes initiative and kills himself, but not before Micheletto could inform him that the Pope laughed upon learning what he did to the Vatican coffers.

Rodrigo

The Pope gets a visit from an envoy from Venice, who informs him that the Turks have been attacking trade convoys and raiding coastal towns. Cardinal Sforza quietly stands in the background while the Pope promises to give the problem some thought.

At a banquet with bankers and merchants, The Pope promises to wage a 'holy war' against the Turks. After his speech, however, proclamations regarding papal levies to fund the 'holy war' are read. Rodrigo wasted no time in replenishing the coffers.

Rodrigo also sends Cesare off to France. Cardinal Sforza informs him the Duke of Mantua requests an audience.

Lucrezia

Rodrigo and Cesare run into Lucrezia, whom the fond father calls a 'blushing bride.' Awkward.

King Ferdinand II of Naples (Matias Varela) asks Alfonso how Lucrezia was in bed. The creep asked for details. Alfonso is forced to admit the marriage was not consummated.

Alfonso later tries to consummate his marriage, but it is clear Lucrezia is not interested. She suggests they be like brother and sister, and if Alfonso knew that happened between Cesare and Lucrezia, he might happily agree to this. Lucrezia almost confesses with a 'something more happened' but stops herself. 

The Pope and Cesare meet with the King of Naples, who informs them Alfonso and Lucrezia have yet to do the deed. The expression on Cesare's face when the Pope thunders 'If it is unconsummated, then whose fault is that?' is priceless. The King demands to witness the consummation. Dude, you are sick. Also, I may think the character is a creep but Matias Varela's performance is very good. Cesare is furious but he offers to tell Lucrezia.

Lucrezia is heartbreaking here. She calls Cesare weak, shameless. If she were a man, she says, she would have killed the King. To suit her father's plans, Lucrezia as a teenager was married off to Giovanni Sforza, an experience that effectively ended her childhood. Now, she is married again, to a boy she is fond of but not attracted to, and must endure fresh humiliation to preserve her father's latest alliance. She rails against Cesare, who kisses and silences her.

Lucrezia prepares for her ordeal with her mother Vanozza. I do believe Lucrezia will make someone pay for this night.

The audience for the consummation are Cesare and the King of Naples, separated from Alfonso and Lucrezia by a thin curtain. Lucrezia first ensures that Alfonso, who is probably as uncomfortable as she is, is focused on her and not paying attention to his lecherous relative. Then, her eyes bore on Cesare, and stayed with him until they finish.

Lucrezia and Cesare discuss Cesare's possible marriage to a French princess. Cesare seems intent on moving on, tells Lucrezia what happened between the two of them belongs in the past. Lucrezia's 'Come back soon' is my favourite in Holliday Grainger's strong work in this episode. Three words, and she managed to convey Lucrezia's weariness, her disappointment, her lingering love for her brother, her confusion and uneasiness about the future, even some of her simmering anger.

The Banquet

Giulia warns her brother not to go to dinner with the Cardinals that night. Gee, I wonder why.

The title of this episode is derived from this next scene. The historical account of the Ballet of Chestnuts (written by Johann Burchard, which states that it was Cesare who arranged the banquet) is subject to dispute. In this series, it is Giulia Farnese who plays hostess to the Cardinals and some very fetching nuns who turn out to be ladies of the night. First, the Cardinals bid on the nun's clothing, then the scene devolved into an o@!# involving chestnuts creatively picked up off the floor. The entire scene is chronicled and, I do not know if I just missed him, but I do not think Cardinal Sforza is in this scene.

While the debauchery is going on, the Pope gets a visit from the Duchess of Mantua. It would be unfair for the Pope to spend the night alone when most of the Cardinals were getting laid, right? Outside his palace, the Duke of Mantua tells Rufio his wife's insanity is his contribution to Caterina Sforza's war.

The following morning, the chastened Cardinals listen to the chronicle of their adventures. Message delivered and received.

Later, the Duke of Mantua asks the Pope for an annulment, the reason being his wife's infidelity with His Holiness himself.

I enjoyed this episode. The pacing was excellent. Lucrezia broke my heart, and so did Cardinal Versucci. Giulia shined in this episode because it was her intelligence and her own brand of ruthlessness that was highlighted, not her beauty (though she is a beauty) or her relationship with the Pope. Cardinal Sforza hovered over the episode, an unfailingly competent retainer to the Pope but an unpredictable and intriguing presence nonetheless. I especially loved Rodrigo's smooth way of replenishing Rome's coffers; it was a welcome demonstration of his strategic mind.

There has been some criticism over the banquet which I feel is justified. Confronted by an overtly sexual auction, not one of the Cardinals present protested. Not one of them was shown leaving, or even disgusted, when the o@!# commenced. Are we to believe that all Cardinals of the time were cool with such activities? This is, of course, just a TV show, and one that, according to history experts, has taken quite a number of liberties. I do not have reservations over the way the banquet was presented because it is not in keeping with history. As I pointed out earlier, even the historical record is disputed. I have reservations over it because it feels like a missed opportunity. A Cardinal who takes his vows seriously would be interesting to watch amidst ladies of the night dressed as nuns and Cardinals bidding on their clothing. How would other Cardinals react the moment even one of them walked out in protest? How would Giulia handle the possible unravelling of her plan? Also, this scene made me wonder if there are other religions or religious orders whose high-ranking members were portrayed in scenes like this on TV or film.

Overall, though, this is a tight, well-executed episode. We can only hope for more.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)
Season: Three
Episode Title: The Banquet of Chestnuts

Episode Writer: Guy Burt

Episode Director: Jon Amiel

Original Air Date: May 5, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'The Purge'

Season 3 Episode 2

The third, and apparently last, season of The Borgias opened with the Pope surviving an assassination attempt engineered by Cardinal Della Rovere. The Cardinal is imprisoned but manages to escape. Caterina Sforza fast tracks her plan to kill the Borgias, but Cardinal Ascanio Sforza decides to throw his lot with the Borgias (or perhaps he simply could not stomach actually murdering anyone) and warns Cesare. The Borgias survive and on this episode, they begin their revenge.

Purge Inside the Vatican

Rodrigo, still noticeably weak after surviving the poisoning, is being shaved, first by an unnamed servant who nicks him, then by Cesare, who is much better at this shaving thing. Rodrigo wants to know who helped Cardinal Della Rovere escaped. He is in such a dark place that he even entertains the thought that Cesare is in league with his enemy. He then says he will cleanse the College of the Cardinals.

Rufio assembles a meeting of members of the most important families of Italy. I like both the actor, but every time I see Rufio I cannot help but think he is Micheletto-lite. He describes himself as the 'black heart of the Borgia nightmare.' I do not think you are quite there yet, dude. Anyway, he enjoins the Roman aristocracy to put aside their enmities and join Caterina Sforza in bringing down the Borgias.

Rodrigo is being wheeled around by Cesare and, for a moment, I think of Juan. Rodrigo is telling Cesare how the great Italian families are represented inside the Vatican by their members who are in the College of Cardinals. These threads report to Caterina Sforza. Rodrigo wants Cesare to trace these threads outside the Vatican walls while he deals with the traitors from within. There seems to be an understanding between father and son that Juan's death would be blamed on these conspirators.

In a darkened street nobleman Vitelli walks with his bodyguards, whom Micheletto easily dispatches of. Vitelli is left alone to speak to Cesare. Cesare brings up the attempted assassination of his family. He also says it is rumoured that Caterina had help. Cesare tells Micheletto to alert the night's watch regarding the attack on Vitelli's party, then says he will escort Vitelli home himself.

Inside a pub are the Orsinis, members of another noble family. There is sudden quiet when Cesare announces his presence. They speak of a game --- if the Pope dies, who is to succeed him? An Orisini says the Pope lives so the game is over. The accusation not so subtly thrown is that the Orsinis remain there to more easily confer with their cousin Cardinal Orsini. There is a Cardinal Orsini who died of poison in the first season. Can we assume that there is another Cardinal Orsini? Did I just hear the name wrong?

Anyway, Cesare also brings up their involvement with Caterina Sforza. One of the Orsinis puts a knife to Cesare's throat; Micheletto grabs another Orsini and returns the favour. They eventually let go, and one of the Orsinis warns Cesare to be careful of making accusations. Rome is a city of rumours. It is made clear that there has been talk of Cesare murdering Juan.

In Rodrigo's dream, Juan is a little boy again. They play and run, and the ground gives way. Rodrigo grabs hold of Juan's hand, but Juan eventually falls into a pit of darkness. Rodrigo must have been muttering Juan's name because when Cesare wakes him, he says, 'Cesare, Holy Father. Your loving son.' Rodrigo speaks of an inquisition within the Vatican walls.

Rodrigo begins with Cardinal Sforza, who kneels in front of him and swears his innocence. The Pope tasks him to interrogate all the cardinals and to begin with Cardinal De Luca, who is to be threatened with torture. Cardinal Sforza points out that the Pope cannot torture a prince of the Church. Rodrigo explains that Cardinal De Luca is merely to be threatened with torture; Rodrigo is certain the Cardinal will break and will name names.

Cardinals Sforza and De Luca discuss what Cardinal De Luca may confess to. They walk to Castel Sant'Angelo, where Cardinal De Luca is left screaming in fear, believing he is to be tortured. Micheletto is there, so this belief is not unfounded.

Cardinal De Luca says he is sure Micheletto has used the rack. Micheletto says he has suffered in them. He says the rack does not elicit truth because a man will say anything on the rack to make it stop. Cardinal De Luca asks why he is there, then. Micheletto says to learn to lie, to say what is needed. Cardinal, I hope you appreciate that Micheletto is giving you a road map on how to get out of Castel Sant'Angelo alive and unharmed.

Later, Cardinal Sforza brings Cardinal De Luca some water. Cardinal De Luca says he had a waking dream, and begins to detail exactly what Rodrigo wanted him to say.

Cardinal De Luca recounts this same invented tale in front of the College of Cardinals, who loudly protest. He speaks of conspiracy to murder the Pope and his entire family, including Juan (effectively clearing Cesare of this crime). He names names of cardinals from important families. Rodrigo decrees that these cardinals are stripped of their titles, their properties returned to the Church, and are forbidden entry into Rome.

A defrocking ceremony commences. A cardinal whose name I did not get requests a private confession with the Pope. Cardinal Sforza and Cesare remain to continue with the ceremony.

Inside private chambers, the cardinal kneels in front of the Pope and speaks of his greatest sin --- murder. He attacks Rodrigo with a dagger, a fight ensues, and Rodrigo wins, killing the cardinal. Outside, another cardinal angrily stomps at his Cardinal's hat. Cesare says the confession is taking too long. He enters the room to find his father with a dagger in hand, drenched in blood.

The scene of this latest attempt on the Pope's life was well done; I am just not sure what the purpose was. Why was that scene included? To show Rodrigo with actual blood on his hands rather than metaphorical ones? I do not know.

Lucrezia's Desires

Alfonso carries baby Giovanni, who is not a Sforza. He is realising, or perhaps he has suspected before but is simply confirming, that his betrothed is sexually experienced, and not just through her first husband. He confesses he made a vow to St. Agnes to remain a virgin until his marriage.

Later, while Lucrezia watches baby Giovanni (who still has not grown despite the time that has passed since his birth and the many events that happened)  sleep, Alfonso walks in and says he has received word from his uncle the King of Naples. Apparently the King is not exactly thrilled at the prospect of having Lucrezia's baby in his court. If the creative people behind The Borgias had not forgotten to age this kid, he might even be old enough to be sent to boarding school by this time.

Cesare, the one who is tasked to negotiate Lucrezia's dowry, is being fitted with armour. Lucrezia asks if she must trade one love for another. Cesare asks if she means himself for Alfonso. I think that revving engine I just heard is the incest story line. Lucrezia tells her brother her baby is not welcome in the court of Naples. Cesare promises his beloved sister that whoever gets in the way of her happiness will meet his wrath.

Later, Cesare knocks on Lucrezia's door and Lucrezia says something about her wedding dress I did not catch. Cesare enters the room and finds Lucrezia nekkid and posed seductively on the bed. This sibling seduction scene is sold by the acting chops of and chemistry between Francois Arnaud and Holliday Grainger. Lucrezia complains Alfonso would not bed her. So you decided to bed your brother instead? Their kiss is interrupted with the arrival of the dressmaker.

Giulia's Exit

Lucrezia is not the only one in the Borgia household with a frustrating lover. Giulia tries to make love to Rodrigo but he cannot, uh, perform. They blame the poison and say it will pass.

Rodrigo discusses his impotence with Vanozza. They talk of life without the papacy. Rodrigo weaves a fantasy of the two of them in a garden with flowers and a beehive, watching their grandchildren, being at peace.

Later, it is Giulia who comes to Vanozza to discuss Rodrigo's lack of interest. Giulia says something has changed; she knows Rodrigo's affections for her have cooled. Vanozza, because she is the coolest person ever, advises Giulia to negotiate her exit. Giulia says she wants a palace like Vanozza's, and a Cardinal's hat for her brother.

In the steps of an empty palace previously owned by one of the cardinals Rodrigo dismissed, he and Vanozza discuss Giulia. Joanne Whalley is so beautiful, and she and Jeremy Irons have great chemistry. They  walk into a bedroom in the palace, which has a pretty nice bed, and there is this charming, shy smile on Rodrigo's face. Vanozza figures out his impotence was not caused by poison; he simply did not want Giulia, but he wants her, the mistress he discarded when he became pope. They kiss, and Rodrigo says he feels safe with Vanozza. Of all the pairings in this show, Rodrigo and Vanozza are the ones who interest me the most.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)

Season: Three

Episode Title: The Purge

Episode Writer: Neil Jordan

Episode Director: Kari Skogland

Original Air Date: April 21, 2013

The Borgias Recap 'The Confession'

Season 2 Episode 10

It is not easy to recap so emotional an episode as this. Here, deep wounds within the family are culled, leading to some truly great scenes, especially between Jeremy Irons and Francois Arnaud.

The episode opens with Savonarola's screams. He is on the rack, being tortured. Micheletto walks in and tells the friar to sign his confession and end his pain. Savonarola, surprisingly, says yes, and his torturer helps him sit up. Instead of signing. Savonarola pours ink on the paper. The torture continues.

Rodrigo, playing the disappointed father, tells the weary Cesare he is to bring him two things --- Savonarola's confession, and Juan. Cesare says Savonarola will confess, and that he has had all of Rome searched for Juan. Rodrigo orders him to make more effort to find his brother.

Outside, Cesare is with the ever present Cardinal Sforza. Cesare tells one whom I assume to be a member of the papal guard to search everywhere again, then walks off. Cardinal Sforza rattles off the places that have been searched, then orders the guard to start with the mortuaries. Cardinal Sforza's gaze trails to the arrival of an obviously wealthy personage.

Within the palatial halls Lucrezia runs into this new face, a young man of apparent high birth. In the voice of one used to being mistress of her every environment, she commands him to stop. He does. Obedient boy. She asks him who he is. He introduces himself as Prince Alfonso d'Aragona, Duke of Biscoglie and Prince of Salerno. He says he is suitor to Lucrezia Borgia. 'Poor boy,' Lucrezia murmurs.

Lucrezia takes her new toy to a bedroom, then orders him to take off his coat. He tries to play with her, but she is too good, too self-possessed for him. She next orders him to turn around, and when he asks, she turns too. They are both pleased with each other, and, though I realise it has a purpose, I am bored with this scene.

Inside a small chapel, Antonello kneels for confession and details his failure to kill the Pope to Cardinal Della Rovere. The Cardinal gives him more poison.

Inside the torture chamber, Savonarola tells the eerily relaxed Micheletto that he knows what he is, and that he has had his kind stoned to death in Florence. Savonarola is referring to Micheletto's sexuality. I wonder how the friar could have known this. Savonarola says he will never confess to Micheletto, but he will confess to Micheletto's master.

In the gardens, Lucrezia and Alfonso are walking, with Lucrezia carrying a huge umbrella. Alfonso is obviously smitten with Lucrezia. He asks her to tell her Lady Lucrezia that he is 'inept or coarse or beyond ugly' He wants her to come with him and be his alone. Lucrezia asks him why he would turn down the Pope's daughter for her. The prince gives a properly besotted response. Lucrezia murmurs, 'Poor boy,' kisses him, and leaves. There is a shot of Alfonso holding a big umbrella, another innocent caught in the Borgia web.

Cesare complains to Machiavelli about Savonarola's endurance under torture while Machiavelli peels an apple. Heh. I am loving their bromance. Cesare rants about the need for a public confession and recanting of Savonarola's accusations. Machiavelli tells Cesare to simply give the confession to the public.

Rodrigo plays with baby Giovanni while Lucrezia offers some comfort about Juan. She says he will come home, as he always does. Wars begin and end, history marches on, yet baby Giovanni remains unchanging, never growing. What is up with this? Did the writers forget to age the kid?

Rodrigo says he has other things on his mind. Lucrezia correctly deduces he is referring to her possible marriage. She agrees to meet Alfonso, just as a matter of duty, she emphasises.

At court, the great and the good await Lucrezia. There is much pomp to this meeting. The lady arrives accompanied by song. Alfonso stammers in her presence. Before the poor prince could mutter a coherent sentence, or even a phrase, Lucrezia declares she will marry him. Rodrigo is ecstatic.

Rodrigo's joy is interrupted by the arrival of the guard earlier seen talking to Cesare and Cardinal Sforza. The guard tells Cardinal Sforza that they have a body.

The Pope and Cardinal Sforza view the body on a cart. It is not Juan. Rodrigo asks if Cesare ordered the search of mortuaries. Does he already have an inkling that his eldest son committed a crime against his brother? Cardinal Sforza says he ordered the search, and that he considers the possibility that Juan may be dead. Later, Rodrigo and Giulia are seen dressing for a night into town.

In the torture chamber, Cesare, with Micheletto in the background, tells Savonarola to end his pain. Savonarola seems to lose consciousness. Cesare angrily yells at Micheletto that he went too far. Micheletto props up Savonarola and shows the friar is alive. Cesare quickly signs the confession himself and leaves.

Left with Micheletto, Savonarola says he will damn the pope with his last strength and shout the falseness of the confession. Micheletto takes out the friar's tongue.

Devoted, strong Giulia goes with the Pope to look at bodies brought into a mortuary from the night before. I hope Giulia will have more to do next season. We have only been given glimpses of her strength and intelligence, and she is beautifully portrayed by Lotte Verbeek.

Rodrigo finds Juan's body, bloated from being in the water. Giulia goes to him; she looks at Juan's body as well. The heartbroken father orders his son's body to be brought home.

Cesare triumphantly presents Savonarola's 'signed confession' to his father, only to be brought back down by the sight of his brother's corpse. Giulia, his family and three cardinals (Cardinals Sforza, Versucci, and another one I do not know) are also in the room. Cesare orders the cardinals to leave.

Rodrigo embraces Cesare and tearfully asks who would dare harm Juan. Lucrezia quietly replies that it could have been anyone Juan harmed. Rodrigo snaps out of his grief and asks his only daughter to repeat what she said. Cesare immediately goes to Lucrezia, the sibling he will always protect. Lucrezia tries to take back her words, but Rodrigo is insistent. Lucrezia snaps too, and honestly, emotionally, answers Rodrigo's query. Lucrezia confesses that she has wished Juan dead a thousand times. Rodrigo turns his anger on Cesare, another sibling who seems to not mourn his favourite. Finally, he orders Cesare and Lucrezia to take themselves away from his sight.

Later, Cardinal Sforza is alone with Juan's body. Some people arrive, and he orders them to clean the corpse up.

Rodrigo and Vanozza sit on a bed, their hands touching. Rodrigo wonders how he could have missed such enmity within his family. Vanozza says he saw them with a father's eyes. Rodrigo asks if Vanozza wanted Juan dead too. Vanozza replies no, but there were many times when she wished he had never been born. She then tells her erstwhile lover to let go of Juan and bury him. Rodrigo refuses.

Savonarola in a cage is wheeled through Rome. Micheletto casually leans against what is to be Savonarola's funeral pyre. Savonarola is brought in front of the Cardinals, then walked to his death. He seems particularly peeved that Micheletto awaits him there. Micheletto straps him and hangs a HERETICUS sign around his neck.

Before Savonarola is burned, Rodrigo goes to his enemy and urges him to repent. Rodrigo says he is disposed to grant Savonarola absolution. Savonarola's response to this is a bloody spit to Rodrigo's face.

Lucrezia lies on a bed while Cesare rests his head on her thigh. Their hands touch. The pose is both innocent and intimate. Lucrezia asks Cesare to marry her. 'As you wish,' Francois replies, and the fangirl in me swoons. Cesare then weaves a fantasy of the two of them running away, changing their names, living in a little fishing village. They then discuss Lucrezia's marriage to Alfonso d'Aragon. Lucrezia thinks he is a good man, and that she believes she can love him. She wants Cesare to marry them. Cesare says no. He says his hands have seen too much blood and sin.

Cesare finds his father alone in a darkened room with Juan. Rodrigo has not been eating. He refuses to bury Juan until he finds out who killed him. He says that Rome is to be scoured for the murderer. Cesare says there is no need for that. Rodrigo asks him if he knows who killed Juan and Cesare says he does. Rodrigo sits down, waits to hear what in his heart he must already know.

Before he tells his father the identity of the murderer, Cesare first asks that Rodrigo hear his confession, release him from his Cardinal's vow, and forgive him for his sins. Rodrigo asks his eldest son what sins he has committed. Cesare rattles off his achievements --- he protected the papacy, made the family strong, brought Savonarola low, outwitted the French king. Rodrigo insists that Cesare tell him his sins. Cesare kneels. Rodrigo looks as though he recoils at the nearness of Cesare. There is some very fine work here by Jeremy Irons.

Finally, Cesare, in a voice that is both matter-of-fact and pained, confesses to killing his brother. He begs Rodrigo to release him from his Cardinal's vows.

Rodrigo grants Cesare's request to be released of his Cardinal's vows, but says nothing of forgiveness. Cesare hands his father his Cardinal's ring, but Rodrigo does not take it. Cesare places it on top of the body of the brother he murdered, then leaves. Rodrigo is left sobbing over the body of his second son.

Cesare, in black now rather than the red Cardinal's robes, finds his mother and sister pouring over some papers. He declares that a funeral for Juan is being arranged, and that the celebrations for Lucrezia's betrothal are to go ahead. Vanozza protests, but Cesare says it is for him to decide. Since when has all these been up to you, Cesare?

Rodrigo holds a solitary vigil over Juan's body while the celebrations for Lucrezia's betrothal to Alfonso commences. Cesare is very much the man of the house here. Lucrezia dances with her betrothed, Cesare with his mother, Giulia with some guy.

Rodrigo carries Juan, now in the body of a child, to the palace grounds, serving two purposes: (1) It shows how Rodrigo sees Juan, forever his beloved young boy; (2) It is easier for Jeremy Irons to carry the body of a child than drag poor David Oakes to the garden. A sobbing Rodrigo digs a shallow grave with what looks to be a pickaxe, then drags Juan's body to it. With his palms that must not have had any contact with manual labour in years, he covers his son's body with the recently dug earth. He also says some stuff in Latin --- prayers, most likely --- and for the nth time I regret not studying Latin as a teenager in school.

Young Alfonso watches as Cesare and Lucrezia dance, outside the glow of these siblings who are joined by more than blood. Later, Vanozza confronts his eldest son. She asks him what they are celebrating --- Lucrezia's betrothal or Juan's death? A full-on tiff between mother and son is interrupted by the appearance of Rodrigo, his papal robes caked in dirt. He wants to speak to Cesare.

Away from the dancing, Rodrigo and Cesare sit across each other. Rodrigo asks for wine. Antonello drinks some, pronounces the wine good, and pours some for the Pope. We already know where this is going,  but Francois Arnaud and especially Jeremy Irons still have one more scene to showcase what great actors they are. Rodrigo tells Cesare he has buried Juan. He then acknowledges that he did grant more favours to Juan, but this is because Cesare is too much like him. Cesare, both little boy and man, asks his father if he could have his forgiveness. We do not hear Rodrigo's answer because just then the poison takes effect. Blood runs down Antonello's eyes. The young poisoner falls to the floor. Rodrigo clutches his throat. Cesare screams for help. Rodrigo falls as Lucrezia, Vanozza, Giulia, Alfonso and three cardinals rush into the room.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)

Season: Two

Episode Title: The Confession

Episode Writer: Guy Burt

Episode Director: David Leland

Original Air Date: June 17, 2012