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Enter Cesare. In a scene that defines his character for the series, Cesare orchestrates the removal of the threat with chilling efficiency. It is a subtle maneuver, devoid of the bombast one might expect from a period drama, but it signals the birth of the Borgia "enforcer." Cesare realizes that his father’s holiness is a shield, and he must be the sword. The episode ends with an understanding: the Borgias are not just a family; they are a corporation, and Cesare is the new COO of
In the third episode of the first season of The Borgias , titled the newly elected Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) begins to realize that the papacy is as much about managing a checkbook as it is about ruling souls. Having depleted his personal coffers to secure his election, Rodrigo must now find creative—and often ruthless—ways to fund his reign and solidify his family's precarious power. A Diplomatic Hostage: Prince Djem
"A Sacred Vow" is where Borgia truly comes into its own. It’s an episode about the illusion of holiness and the reality of power, set against the claustrophobic backdrop of a 15th-century papal election. The show refuses to romanticize its characters, instead presenting them as deeply flawed humans driven by ambition, fear, and love for their family in equal measure. borgia 1x03 full
Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere (Colm Feore), hiding in exile, turns to the fire-and-brimstone preacher Girolamo Savonarola. Della Rovere plants the seed that the Borgia Pope is a heretic and a pagan. This subplot is chilling because it sets up the religious warfare that will consume Rome for the rest of the season. Savonarola’s sermons about God’s wrath are juxtaposed with Rodrigo’s actual, desperate prayers, blurring the line between who is truly holy.
In a crucial scene, Rodrigo’s associate Gacet introduces him to Petronio, a valet-cum-spy who promises to aid him in gaining the necessary cardinal votes. Rodrigo then visits the elderly Ardicino della Porta, persuading him to become a cardinal again. He promises enacting positive moral change, though the old man remains deeply pessimistic about the Church’s "moral standards".
The final 10 minutes are a masterclass in tension. When the white smoke finally rises, you’ve earned the exhaustion. A quick search on JustWatch or Reelgood for
To avoid any scandal that could derail his ambition, Rodrigo (played with fierce intensity by John Doman) makes a ruthless decision. He sends his children away, showcasing the cold pragmatism that will become his hallmark.
The show's production values are, as always, impressive, with lavish costumes, sets, and cinematography transporting viewers to 15th-century Italy. The attention to historical detail is also noteworthy, with the show's creators consulting with historians to ensure accuracy in their portrayal of the Borgia family and their world.
"The Influence of Lucrezia" stands out as a pivotal episode in the series, not merely for its exploration of character dynamics but also for its depiction of the treacherous political landscape of Renaissance Italy. This episode masterfully intertwines historical facts with fictional narratives, offering viewers a rich tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and familial loyalty. It is a subtle maneuver, devoid of the
Lucrezia’s realization that her father’s "Sacred Rite" is a business of blood, not just prayer. Where to Watch While the series left
The keyword encapsulates a unique moment in television history. Both series, arriving almost simultaneously, offer a potent and violent portrait of one of history's most infamous families.