| Character | Actor | Main Plot in 1x03 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | John Doman | Sends his children from Rome to avoid scandal. Engages in aggressive vote-buying in the Conclave. | | Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere | Dejan Čukić | Rodrigo's primary adversary who schemes to prevent his election. | | Cesare Borgia | Mark Ryder | Abandons his infant son as a sacrifice to the church, showing his brutal pragmatism. | | Lucrezia Borgia | Isolda Dychauk | Becomes gravely ill in a remote convent, a symbol of the family's vulnerability. |
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As the Pope, Rodrigo is faced with a new challenge: the Catholic Church is at odds with the French and Spanish kingdoms, and he must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the European powers.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the series, The Borgias is set in 15th-century Italy, during the Renaissance period. The show revolves around the lives of Rodrigo Borgia (played by Jeremy Irons), a cunning and ambitious pope, and his children, Cesare (played by Kevin McKidd), Lucrezia (played by Sarah Gadon), and Giovanni (played by David Oakes). The family's rise to power is marked by their ruthless pursuit of wealth, influence, and control, often through deceit, manipulation, and violence. borgia 1x03 full
As the cardinals gather for the traditional nine requiem masses for the deceased pope, Rodrigo learns that his trusted ally, Cardinal Carafa, has betrayed him and will not vote in his favor. With the election hanging in the balance, Rodrigo is forced to rely on promises of political favors, ecclesiastical offices, and outright bribery to secure the necessary votes. The atmosphere is tense, with cardinals arguing furiously as they try to decide the fate of Christendom. When the first ballots are drawn, no decision is reached, plunging the process into a tense stalemate.
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
Juan Borgia, seeing Djem as a threat or a burden, takes matters into his own hands and suffocates the Prince, an act that deeply affects the family. The Borgias Wiki Cast and Production Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia, and Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia. Direction & Writing | Character | Actor | Main Plot in
Rodrigo forces the rebellious Cardinal Orsini to sit on a throne that is actually a torture device (a cathedra with hidden spikes). He then reveals he has bought the loyalty of the French army via Ludovico. But the masterstroke is the "prodigal son" ruse: He publicly forgives his enemies, only to have them arrested the moment they leave the basilica.
: Giulio Bianchi's portrayal of Cesare continues to intrigue, as he navigates his complex relationship with his father and siblings. His desire for power and recognition drives his actions, setting the stage for future conflicts.
The series, including this episode, received attention for its portrayal of historical figures and events, with some critics praising the performances and the show's ambition, while others criticized it for historical inaccuracies and explicit content. | | Cesare Borgia | Mark Ryder |
As the nine cardinals perform the requiem masses for Innocent, Rodrigo delivers a powerful sermon about improving the Church’s morality—just as three suns seem to appear in the sky. Cardinal della Rovere (Christian McKay), a rival for the papacy, immediately complains that the people will take this as a divine omen for Rodrigo. This forces the cardinals to be sequestered for the duration of the papal conclave.
As the episode progresses, viewers are treated to a masterful performance by the cast, particularly Irons, who brings his signature charm and charisma to the role of Rodrigo Borgia. The character's Machi by design and calculated manipulation of those around him are both fascinating and unsettling, making him a compelling figure to watch.
"The Borgias" is a historical drama television series that aired from 2011 to 2013. Created by Neil Jordan, the show is set in the early 15th century and revolves around the Borgia family, who rose to power in the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. The series stars Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, Peter Gadiot as Cesare Borgia, and Holliday Grainger as Vannozza dei Cattanei, among others.