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