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

The Borgias Recap 'World of Wonders'

Season 2 Episode 9

This is another packed episode of The Borgias. It opens with Lucrezia waking up in her bedroom, with the panther she had given to Calvino Palaviccini near her bed. The panther is still caged, of course, and it is not amused. I think it is echoing my feelings for Lucrezia in the last few episodes.

Calvino Palaviccini tells the Pope that he cannot marry his daughter. Rafaello steps in and presents himself as the brother offering marriage. Rodrigo rants about Rafaello being the second son, which I find amusing because of how much Rodrigo favours his second son. Cardinal Sforza cuts the ranting with news of Brother Bernardino's death.

Still royally irritated, Rodrigo bursts into Vanozza's house and yells for her. Rodrigo knows his daughter more than I thought, because he has deduced that Lucrezia slept with Rafaello. Vanozza admits to advising Lucrezia to marry Calvino and take Rafaello as a lover. Lucrezia interrupts her parents' argument and says she would have married Calvino but, if she followed her heart, she would have married neither brother. This is a short scene, but I love Holliday Grainger's work here. Her words and her stance carried Lucrezia's subdued pain.

Savonarola

In Florence, Cesare, Machiavelli and Micheletto traipse through the ashen remains of Savonarola's bonfire of the vanities. Cesare wonders out loud how the people of Florence, who had a good life, still hang on to Savonarola's every word despite being deprived of the life they were accustomed. Machiavelli says that if Cesare can understand that, he will have the key to bring down Savonarola. Break the spell, Cesare says, break the man. In the background, Micheletto sits on a chair, seemingly trying to catch ash in the air. Heh. Micheletto is too precious.

Back in Rome, Cardinal Sforza offers to be the Pope's taster until a suitable replacement for Brother Bernardino is found. This is the kind of thing that makes Cardinal Sforza an awesome character --- you never know whether he is being dutiful or cunning, or kind. One could snark that he knows the food will be safe because he will not poison the Pope while he is taster. He could also have a servant taste the food before he tastes it himself. This could be his way of further ingratiating himself to the Pope. This could be a genuine offer, borne out of faith in a Higher Power, if not in Pope Alexander Sixtus himself. One simply does not know, which makes Cardinal Sforza one of the most fascinating characters in this series.

Rodrigo says he will personally vet the potential tasters. He then turns Cardinal Sforza's attention to another matter --- the excommunication of Friar Savonarola. He tells the Cardinal the basilica is to be prepared for the ceremony.

In Florence, Cesare, Macchiavelli and Micheletto still strive to find how to beat Savonarola. There are people heading to the burning of a woman, whom they accuse of being a witch. Machiavelli says that Savonarola understands people's fears, and that the friar trades in miracles. If Cesare could show him to be wrong, he would burn.

Cesare interrupts Savonarola's preaching. In his red Cardinal's robes, Cesare declares the message of excommunication. Savonarola mocks Cesare for being the Pope's bastard son. For the nth time, I really wish the show pointed out more that priests, even Popes, who have children are not uncommon at this time. Cardinal Della Rovere, later Pope Julius II, himself had children, one of whom survived to adulthood (Felice Della Rovere). I do not believe this would have distracted from the drama; rather, it might even have enriched the story.

Anyway, Savonarola does not recognise the Pope's power and says his authority comes from a higher being. This is exactly what Cesare wanted him to say. Cesare wants to put this to the test in a trial by fire; if Savonarola could walk through fire untouched, Cesare would follow him into the flames. With shouts of encouragement from the people, Savonarola agrees.

There are inter cutting images of the ceremony of excommunication in Rome, and the trial by fire in Florence. As Savonarola walks between burning piles of wood, his robe catches fire. Cesare mouths 'Burn.' Savonarola, on fire, falls to the ground. His most loyal followers gather to help him. The crowd chants 'Betrayer!' Savonarola is taken inside a church. Cesare, victorious, tells Micheletto to get Savonarola and take him to Rome.

Cesare gets back to Rome with news of his victory in Florence, and finds his father dealing with a near insensible Juan. Cesare tells Rodrigo Savonarola has been disgraced, and will confess in Rome after being put through the rack. Rodrigo is all glass-half-empty, and says Savonarola must be seen to be guilty. The friar must sign his confession, then be put to fire.

Savonarola, who arrives in Rome in a cage, knows that torture awaits him. Micheletto tells Cesare the friar is a bear, and will not break.

Antonello

Cardinal Della Rovere dispatches Antonello to the Pope with orders to present himself as a Franciscan. The Cardinal gives the young creepy poisoner a bottle of cantarella.

Cardinal Sforza, who seems to do everything for the Pope, says he has reduced the applicants for taster to three. Now this is very suspicious. The first guy has dirty hands; of course Rodrigo did not like him. The second guy is a Dominican; Rodrigo knows certain members of the Dominican order are not fond of him, and may be extra wary of them since he just had Dominican Savonarola excommunicated and ordered tortured. The third guy is Antonello who, with his evident fervent faith and clean hands, is clearly Rodrigo's only choice. Is Cardinal Sforza in on the assassination? Has he heard whispers of it, though is not actively involved? Did he get a whiff of ill intent when he saw Antonello, and decided to give him this sensitive post and watch what happens? We do not know, and again I can but express my love for the character that is Cardinal Sforza.

Lent is over, the Cardinals are eager to feast, yet the Pope says he will continue fasting, and requests sardines and water. There is a lot of awkwardness on the table. Cardinal Versucci offers to join the Pope in continuing to fast.

Inside the Pope's chambers, Giulia Farnese creeps in and rattles off the Pope's achievements to get him in the mood. She also mentions that little Giovanni, Lucrezia's child, needs to be baptised. Later, Rodrigo goes to Lucrezia, who is playing with Giovanni, and tells her of the baptism. This is weird. This is Lucrezia, who refused to eat, refused to feed her crying and ill baby, to give her lover Paolo a Christian burial. She understands lust and is free in her affections, she is in many ways a woman ahead of her time, yet she remains devout to Christian traditions. Her fear for Paolo's soul was real. It does not make sense that she would be remiss in ensuring her own child be baptised as soon as possible. Lucrezia would have badgered the Pope for a baptism. It would not have been left to Giulia to remind the Pope of it. Anyway, this episode needed an excuse for a party, and since what happens afterwards was so well done, I will stop complaining.

Cesare is the godfather of little Giovanni. Since the Pope is supposedly still fasting, Antonello pours the cantarella in a jug of water. However, the Pope asks for wine instead and Antonello spills the poisoned water. Rodrigo declares he is finished with fasting.

Juan

Juan, who seems to be having trouble urinating, has a conversation with little Juan. That's right, this scene really happened. Later, while smoking opium, he declares his suspicions of an improper relationship between his brother and sister.

The second season has been good at showing that Cesare and Lucrezia are a double act against Juan. However, I do not recall any set up to Juan thinking his brother and sister are lovers. Juan's musings seem to have come out of nowhere. Also, unless I blinked and missed it, it was not shown that anyone heard Juan (this would have been in nice conjunction with the 'No one is listening' line). It would have been a nice twist if the rumours about Cesare and Lucrezia's improper relationship began with Juan's idle mutterings while under the influence of opium.

At the baptism party, Juan is a mess while everyone has a good time. He is nasty to his mother, too. A happy Lucrezia shows her father her gift to him --- women and children in white dancing to what is called the Angels and Virgins dance. The Pope watches with Lucrezia, Vanozza and Giulia. Cesare watches with the other cardinals. Juan is alone with his sword.

Cesare approaches Juan, and of course Micheletto is nearby. Cesare again taunts Juan with 'Ten more sons.' Juan says it was a foolish insult that cost Caterina her son's life. So, he is done pretending this whole thing never happened. Cesare laughs and says Benito is alive. He proceeds to detail how Don Caballos brought Benito to Rome, and how the Sforza boy told his story to the Pope. This must be breaking the fibre of whatever humanity Juan has left; his relationship with his father is one that he truly values.

Juan gets aggressive with Cesare and immediately, Micheletto is on alert. We do not see it, but it is safe to assume Micheletto already has one hand on a weapon, ready to slay to save the master he chose. Juan taunts Cesare about wanting his life, his sword, of being stuck in a cleric's robes. 'I am the light of his life,' he says of his father. I think he wishes this were still true. After Juan leaves, Cesare and Micheletto exchange a look.

Juan goes to Lucrezia and Giovanni, who have left the party and are in a room. Lucrezia is clearly still angry at Juan; she brings up Paolo. Juan says everything he has done has been for the good of the family; in his warped mind, he truly believes this. Juan also says that had it not been for Rodrigo's fondness for Giovanni, he would have tossed the baby at the Tiber at birth. Lucrezia points out that they are all bastards. Juan counters that they are Borgia bastards, and that is the difference. Juan takes the baby and dangles him off a balcony. Cesare witnesses this; Juan lets Lucrezia take the baby. There is a stare down between the brothers.

The Pope is dancing at the party. Outside, the dancers in white run around the fountain as Juan watches.

Lucrezia angrily asks Cesare about poison; Cesare points out their father loves Juan. Their conversation is interrupted with the appearance of Rodrigo. Later, Rodrigo tries to calm Cesare down, though Cesare insists Juan will drag the whole family to ruin with him.

Outside, the giggling girls are still dancing, and are now chanting, 'Ten more sons.' I think the 'Ten more sons' chant is part of Juan's hallucination. When the girls see him, they run off, but Juan grabs the last girl and violates her. He makes the girl say 'Ten more sons' as he chokes her. Micheletto intervenes and grabs Juan by the throat.

Ever practical, Micheletto asks Juan where he intends to put the body. Juan threatens the expert assassin feebly. Micheletto kindly educates him on killing and tells the young hot-headed Borgia he is pressing on the wrong spot. Juan finally lets go of the girl, and Micheletto lets go of Juan.

With the party still ongoing, Micheletto follows the limping Juan to the opium den. Micheletto tells Juan's opium contact to tell Juan his brother wishes to speak to him.

The limping Juan finds Cesare outside the opium den, and asks his older brother if he came to beg forgiveness. Juan charitably says Cesare is forgiven. The crazy thing is, I think Juan means this. For all their fighting, I think Juan never took the quarrel with Cesare to heart.

As the brothers walk, Micheletto kills Juan's opium contact, the one loose end.

Juan speaks of visions of himself and Cesare in harmony while under the influence of opium. He says he has been in pain for many years. He says he knows Cesare is in pain too, which Cesare admits. There is talk of ending pain, and Cesare stabs Juan.

Juan staggers backwards as Micheletto, Cesare's dark angel, approaches. Cesare declares, 'Only God forgives' before he stabs Juan a few more times. Cesare and Micheletto toss Juan's body into the Tiber.

Ah, Juan --- vain, often unintelligent, cruel, yet David Oakes portrayed him phenomenally, especially in the second season, so that he is never a caricature villain but a tragic figure who wove tragedy around him. He will be missed.

Show: The Borgias (Showtime)

Season: Two

Episode Title: World of Wonders

Episode Writer: David Leland

Episode Director: David Leland

Original Air Date: June 10, 2012

The Borgias Recap 'Truth and Lies'

Season 2 Episode 8

The episode opens with news of the death of the King of France, brought to the Pope by the giggling cardinals Sforza and Versucci. Rodrigo is not amused. He commands the cardinals to kneel and pray the rosary three dozen times. I wish there had been a better set-up in earlier episodes regarding Rodrigo's respect for the King of France.

Juan Comes Home

How the wounded Juan made it back to Rome without being chased and captured by the combined forces of Ludovico and Caterina Sforza, we do not know. He just made it. He invents a battle fairy tale for his father that paints him as a hero, but which I doubt Rodrigo believes. Yes, I do not believe Rodrigo is that blind to his favourite son's failings (Which begs the question, why keep him as leader of the Papal Army? More on this later.). Juan also points out Cesare's failure to warn him of the approach of Ludovico Sforza's army. Again, I ask, did it not occur to anyone that Ludovico may help out his cousin in her hour of need? Rodrigo actually defends Cesare. Juan insists that it is impossible for Cesare not to know an army was on the move. Cesare was also with Machiavelli, and Machiavelli has spies and, according to Juan, knows everything. Did it not occur to you, Juan, that, as leader of the Papal Army, it might be useful for you to have spies somewhere too? Do you not have people in your employ to watch your army's back?

Meanwhile, Don Caballos takes Cesare and Micheletto to Benito Sforza, confined to a cell in a house that belongs to Cardinal Sforza. Cardinal Sforza is a fascinating character. Rodrigo does not trust him. The Borgias are enemies of the Sforzas. Yet, Cardinal Sforza is repository of many Borgia secrets. I wonder how this will play out in the next season (Yes, I still have not seen Season Three).

Cesare immediately recognises Caterina Sforza's son. This has no bearing on this episode whatsoever, but I wonder if young Benito knows his mother boned Cesare. In the scenes within Forli Castle, Benito was presented as an innocent. I have no doubt this to be true, yet the lad also appears almost frighteningly intelligent. The stare down between Benito and Micheletto in this scene is both hilarious and creepy. Micheletto looked like he was scenting a threat to his master. He says the poison on Benito's wound (where Juan cut off the boy's finger) runs deep; the young one would lose an arm or a hand at least. Micheletto says it is better to kill the boy now. Whilst I believe Micheletto's diagnosis of infection, I also think he just wants to kill Benito before the boys grows into a man and becomes a real threat to Cesare.

Don Caballos objects. The boy is witness to the siege of Forli, where Juan ran like a coward. 'It is a matter of honour. I fight the men, not the boys.'

As Juan limps his way to his rolling chair, he runs into Cesare and Don Caballos. 'My brother, the hero,' says mocking, hot Cesare. As Juan is rolled away, Cesare and Don Caballos exchange a look.

Cesare goes to Rodrigo, who is seated and praying. Rodrigo declares that Juan fought within an inch of his life, but he says this in a way as though he is tasting the words, wondering if they are right. Rodrigo tells Cesare of Juan's suspicion that Cesare knew of Ludovico Sforza's attack and failed to warn Juan. Cesare says that if Rodrigo wants to know what happened in Forli, he should ask those who were there. Rodrigo says out loud what must have been in his mind since he heard the news of the defeat of the Papal Army --- if it were Cesare rather than Juan who was at Forli, would he have triumphed? Cesare says he would have been there to the end. I totally believe this.

Rodrigo changes the subject to Savonarola, who still preaches in Florence. He gives Cesare the authority to lay charges of heresy against the friar, and dispatches his one competent son to Florence. He then turns to his books, looking for 'God-given power to condemn to hell.' How disturbing is it that Rodrigo looks like a total book nerd whilst looking through dusty old books for this particularly awful power?

Cesare and Juan again meet by the stairs. Juan asks Cesare what Don Caballos told him. Cesare sasses Juan about fighting bravely and upholding the name Borgia. Juan then asks what Cesare told Rodrigo. There is more sass from Cesare about the truth.

Juan, on a visit to his doctor, is told that he can look forward to blindness, madness and death. This is just a guess, but could his unnamed disease be syphilis? Also, his injured leg may have to be removed. Life truly sucks for Juan right now. The doctor prescribes opium.

Cesare did not leave for Florence right away, because he has time to fight with Juan in the presence of Rodrigo. Rodrigo complains that they are being ridiculed. Caterina's 'Ten more sons!' declaration has spread. Heh. The writers knew those words were epic, and would resonate with fans. They were also delivered brilliantly by Gina McKee, who has been perfect as Caterina. Juan denies Caterina ever said those words, and says her son died in battle. Rodrigo obviously does not believe him. Juan, heartbroken, shows his father his wound, and tearfully asks what more is there for him to give. He again accuses Cesare of not warning him of Ludovico's march. Cesare denies knowing. Juan brings up Cesare's sexcapade with Caterina. Cesare taunts him with, 'Ten more sons.' Juan attacks Cesare, then cries in Rodrigo's arms. This family is f'ed up.

Don Caballos entrusts Benito to Cesare, because he is leaving. Cesare asks him to stay. Don Caballos says he does not 'wish to play this game I see you all play.' He also alludes to the possibility of him getting killed if he stays in Rome. Cesare and Don Caballos are both probably thinking of Juan. However, I would not put it past Cesare to murder someone, even someone like Don Caballos whom he obviously likes and respects, if he perceives him to be a serious threat to the family.

Micheletto, who still looks like he is itching to kill Benito, leads the boy out of his cell.

Remember the church whose roof collapsed after being hit with lightning? Rodrigo is there, and so is Benito. Rodrigo looks surprised, which means he is not in the church to meet Benito. Perchance the Pope is still meditating on God's message via the lightning-caused death and destruction in the church? Anyway, taking Benito to the church is Cesare's move against his brother.

Juan, who has been introduced to an opium den, comes home late and runs into his father. Rodrigo looks tired and defeated in this scene. He informs his favourite son that he will find someone else to lead the papal armies. He says Juan is in no fit state to defend anything, not even himself. Juan threatens suicide, and Rodrigo relents, and says Juan's estate remains in his hands. Juan leaves, and Rodrigo kneels and prays. Juan is a pretty bad egg, but I love David Oakes's portrayal of him.

Cardinal Sforza takes Benito, who is holding a branch of olive, to Cesare and Micheletto, to be returned to his mother. While resting by a river, Micheletto tells Cesare, 'They say drowning is like dreaming.' Cesare irately asks who could possibly know that. Micheletto reiterates his desire to kill Benito. He says the Sforza boy has the smell of revenge about him. I love the promise of an interesting story line here; I hope we get to see more of Benito Sforza in the next season.

Before they leave the river, Micheletto tells Benito he offered to drown him, but his Master said no. Benito eerily parrots Micheletto's words: 'They say drowning is like dreaming.' Micheletto asks him how he knows. Benito says he heard Micheletto tell his master. Love it. Sean Harris is never not awesome as Micheletto. He is a great actor. It says a lot about young Noah Silver that he is more than able to keep pace with Sean Harris.

At the edge of the forest near Castle Forli, Cesare lets Benito go, but not before telling him to remember this as an act of mercy. I very much doubt Benito sees it that way, Cesare. Micheletto agrees with me, and warns his master this dog will come back and bite. Cesare, remembering Don Caballos, says he fights men, not boys.

Lucrezia and Her Boys

Rodrigo rants at the baby-carrying Vanozza that there is still no betrothal between Lucrezia and Calvino Palaviccini. Vanozza is irate at being handed this task. I do not know if it is intentional for Rodrigo to be hilarious in this scene, but he is. They are fighting, but there is nice chemistry between Jeremy Irons and Joanne Whalley. Also, has anyone noticed how Lucrezia's baby does not seem to grow? I am not clear on the timeline of this show, but certainly a lot has happened since Lucrezia gave birth. Surely the baby should have already celebrated a birthday or two.

The baby's mother is busy hovering over Rafaello, who is drawing. She leans over his ear and whispers, 'Beautiful.' Gah. I so do not like this part of the story.

Lucrezia later goes to the Palaviccini chambers. She is obviously looking for Rafaello, but finds Calvino instead. Calvino looks and seems perfectly nice. That Lucrezia cannot seem to see this, that it was not written for her character to see this, that there are two men, brothers, who appear to both be good and are now ensnared in a tangled web of Lucrezia's sense of duty and lust, that there appears to be a single-minded pursuit of the other brother just because, irritates me so. I can accept that Lucrezia is simply attracted to Rafaello and not to Calvino; there is much dramatic potential here. I think what bothers me about this story line is that Lucrezia almost seems giddy in her pursuit of Rafaello. I wish Lucrezia's transition from victim to vixen had taken a different route.

Later, Vanozza uses food to teach her daughter that it is possible for her to have both men --- marry one brother and take the other one as lover. A good student, Lucrezia wastes no time in finding a practical application for her mother's lesson. She sleeps with Rafaello, then publicly accepts Calvino's proposal of marriage. Rodrigo looks delighted, Rafaello guilty, Calvino earnest, Lucrezia lusty and b@tchy. Ah, Lucrezia. You will be much better on Season Three, right? Right?

The Poison Plot

Cardinal Della Rovere is still trying to kill the Pope. The roadblock to his plan now is the Pope's taster, Brother Bernardino, who he says is a charitable soul. The Cardinal walks through the market with Antonello, and tells him of the duties of the taster. Later, Antonello asks the Dominicans about the taster. Antonello is really creepy.

Creepy Antonello watches Brother Bernardino through the marketplace. The taster drowns while fishing in the river. Creepy Antonello confesses to Cardinal Della Rovere that he pushed the taster to the water, then asks if he is fulfilling his mission. 'More than one could have hoped for,' the Cardinal replies.

I have largely been indifferent to this particular storyline, but this final scene between Cardinal Della Rovere and creepy Antonello is chilling. I love the expression on Colm Feore's face; I hope they give him more to do because he is a fantastic actor.


Show: The Borgias (Showtime)
Season: Two
Episode Number in Series: 17
Episode Number in Season: Eight
Episode Title: Truth and Lies
Episode Writer: John Maybury
Episode Director: David Leland
Original Air Date: June 3, 2012