The Borgias is in my opinion one of the best period dramas that I have seen in later years, for the past weeks it only got raving reviews from me, but the last episode didn’t really convince me. We learn a little more about Juan who was at best a secondary character throughout the series so far, but his development is rather poorly handled. He is made even less likable – and that’s a feat – considering just how poorly his character was doing up until now. David Oakes is good at playing Juan – ignoring the mullet, but his character is just more and more corrupt and his actor seems unable to draw any sympathy for Juan from me. Considering this is a series about the Borgias where murder is at every corner, plots are weaved to destroy enemies and former friends alike, it is saying something about him. Perhaps I am too picky in my dislike for Juan based on the fact that so far he demonstrated no shred of intelligence, but I had expected better from the writers. He is adamant that he deserves to marry a princess or a queen, rather than a bastard – even [...]
Lucrezia’s Wedding – The Borgias
The fourth episode came and went and The Borgias seems to be only getting better and better. This week’s episode focused on the marriage of Lucrezia Borgia(Holliday Grainger), the only daughter of Pope Alexander VII (Jeremy Irons) with the courtesan Vanozza(Joanne Whalley). I had to mention the mother because even though there was little focus on her character so far, this time she had a lot to say. The Pope has decided to give his daughter’s hand in marriage to Giovanni Sforza(Ronan Vibert) due to his political position that could come in handy. The episode shows a lot of the political power plays of the time. “Selling” your daughter to the highest bidder was not uncommon. The Pope is no stranger to this practice as we have seen, he embraces the opportunity to fortify his position as Pope of Rome and ruler of the catholic world. It’s a little disturbing to see the wedding and think that Lucrezia was around fourteen when she married Sforza who was obviously much older than her. I think the show did a great job at portraying the customs of the time, however unpleasant they were. Let’s keep the story short – Vannozza is banned [...]
The Borgias
The Borgias is a new period drama, presenting the history of, as you might have guessed. the Borgia family. Unlike it’s predecessor from 1981, this adaptation of historical events is well scripted, well acted and has some pretty amazing sets. I won’t deny I was being skeptical, even with a cast that has Jeremy Irons, Joanne Whalley and Colm Feore in it. Yet another adaptation seemed redundant. However, whatever complaints I might have had have been properly disposed of after watching the pilot episode of the series. From the intro that is possibly one of the best I have ever seen, you are transported to 1492 in Rome where the Vatican is nothing more than a theater of lies and deceit, with cardinals fighting not for the people or their fate but for the Papal chair.Getting the coveted title of Pope is a task that requires all the resources a man of God can use – threats, bribery and a whole load of corruption. The main theme of the show in my opinion is the constant search for power, but also the search for someone to trust, someone to have your back in a world where you are in constant [...]
