Review: The Borgias "Day of Ashes" - Your Entertainment Corner

Review: The Borgias, S2, Ep. 206 – “Day of Ashes”

Airdate: Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:00PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“Trust me. My name is Borgia.” ~ Cesare Borgia

It should read more like ‘trust me, this episode is boring.’ After seeing the promos for “Day of Ashes,” I truly hoped for a more grandiose episode filled with lusty temptations but alas, I am left wanting. It was bound to happen sooner or later – the dreaded filler episode of the season. Some series have more than one and some, sad to say, are compromised entirely of filler episodes until the climatic season finale. Thankfully, The Borgias is not one of those.

“Day of Ashes” sets up what is to come – a day of reckoning, but for whom? The Pope (Jeremy Irons) keeps his word to atone for his sins in light of the disaster caused by lightning, which resulted in numerous casualties and and a few fatalities. But, giving sacrament to the people hardly seems penance enough for the type of sins the Pope has committed. I will say, washing the feet of an elderly woman is a kind gesture, but feeding her and providing her with warmer clothes and shoes would have been more befitting.

Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia/Pope Alexander VI

There’s a difference in how the Pope gives sacrament versus his rival, Father Savonarola (Steven Berkoff). The lavishly dressed Pope is protected by a golden awning with many of his Cardinals standing by while Savonarola, dressed modestly, stands exposed on a wooden platform. I find it strange that a woman of wealth must cut her hair as a sign she’s given herself to God. I would think her beautiful long hair would be seen as a gift from God. The interpretations of the scriptures’ meanings seem to be molded to suite the reader’s needs.

Francois Arnaud as Cesare Borgia and Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia/Pope Alexander VI

When Cesare (François Arnaud) finally returns from his trip to Forli, Italy, he asks his father to hear his confession. I guess if you’re a Catholic, it’s a huge perk to have the Holy Father as your dad, at least when it comes to confession. But, I’m sure, like any parent, hearing that your son has fornicated and committed murder isn’t something you want to know. You have to love the Pope’s response upon hearing the news, “Violence and fornication; how often these two are united.” It’s almost like, ‘Ah, well. Shit happens, ya know.’ I did find it curious when the Pope asks aloud before Cesare arrives, “To whom does the Pope confess, my Lord?” Fair question. Usually, we hold ourselves responsible for our actions. Sometimes answering to ourselves is much more daunting than you could imagine. I mean, you have to live with yourself and the choices/decisions you make every day. Living with guilt can become a prison like no other.

Observations:

The Pope insists that Lucrezia must marry much to her chagrin

“Day of Ashes” brings several story arcs to the fold. One revolves around Cesare’s action in Forli, Italy, which will most likely bring war to Rome. It also means Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger) will have to marry again. She doesn’t seem too keen on that prospect. I think it’s a bit shady how her father enlists her mother Vanozza’s (Joanne Whalley) help to vet her potential suitors. And how does the Pope not realize how beautiful his wife is? I guess his sacrificing carnal relations and meat for Lent are beginning to wear on him. Seeing Vanozza relaxing in a large bath must have been torturous. I loved her retort to his compliments, reminding him of his choice to abstain for atonement.

Cesare is so determined to prove to his father that he should shed his Cardinal robes for Papal Army armor. But his hopes are once again dashed even after obtaining Piero De Medici’s (Cesare Taurasi) gold. I think once Juan (David Oakes) returns home from Spain next week, the sibling rivalry will grow even more contentious. I have to be honest, I haven’t missed Juan since he left but I think he creates the much needed tension the show requires for the Borgia family.

Sean Harris as Micheletto and Francois Arnaud as Cesare Borgia

Micheletto (Sean Harris) graciously declines Cesare’s offer to become the Papal Army’s Captain stating he was “born in the shadows,” and should remain there. Of course, Micheletto doesn’t want any attention focused on him or his lifestyle. It’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ Renaissance style.

Della Rovere (Colm Feore) tries to condition a young Friar in training by making him ingest doses of cantarella poison. What an idiot! With each dose given, Della Rovere asks the young man, “Do you have faith?” Faith isn’t going to save you from poison…because it’s poison!

***

I was very unenthused by this episode. Even Lucrezia peeking out at her potential suitors wasn’t fun for me. I will say the lavish set designs, costumes, and the acting were all superb but that can’t save a flawed script. Even filler episodes need to have dialogue that’s cohesive and in sync with where the show is headed. After watching “Day of Ashes,” it appears we are headed to war, a wedding, and possibly more murder, all of which should excite me more than it does at the moment. But, I have faith…in the writers, that is.

Tune in to The Borgias, Sundays at 10:00PM ET/PT, only on Showtime.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.