Review: The Borgias, Season 1, Ep 3 "The Moor"

Air Date: Sunday, April 10, 2011 10:00PM E/P

Grade: ★★★★★

“The Moor” opens in Naples where Cardinal Della Rovere (Colm Feore) has fled after the murdered body of the servant girl is found in his bed. However, his plans to depose Pope Alexander (Jeremy Irons) are still intact as he seeks an allegiance with the King of Naples. Unfortunately, the King is not in good health and is deaf, so his pompous son, Prince Alfonso (Augustus Prew), speaks on his father’s behalf. I want to strangle this annoying little brat. His nasally tone further enhances my agony. As Della Rovere bids for his support, Alfonso shows him what happens to adversaries who no longer have nice words for his father. It’s a most gruesome display reminiscent of the last supper and Alfonso asks whether the Pope will make a good Judas.

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Colm Feore as Cardinal Della Rovere

This is the time of the Spanish Inquisition and Queen Isabella of Spain expels the Spanish Jews to which the Pope welcomes into Rome, for a price. After depleting his funds to secure his seat on the papal throne, the Pope is willing to do what’s necessary to replenish his coin, especially since he’s intending to marry off his young daughter Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger). However, another opportunity to make a substantial amount of money presents itself when the Pope is asked to essentially babysit Djem (Elyes Gabel), a Turkish Prince. Djem is overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to him during his time with the Pope’s family so much so he wants to convert to Christianity, something that surprises Cesare exponentially.

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Turkish Prince Djem (Elyes Gabel) dancing with Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger)

What is surprising is how the Pope asks his mistress Giulia (Lotte Verbeek) to stay during a conversation with his son Cesare (François Arnaud), who is now a Cardinal, regarding this delicate matter. The conversation is quite telling.

Giulia: “You would invite heathens to Rome?”

Cesare: “My father has invited the Spanish Jews to Rome. He wants to amaze the Christian world. He sees his papacy as a coat of many colors.”

Pope: “We are all human, are we not, under the same God?”

Giulia: “Well, there are many who would disagree with that thesis.”

Pope: “Hm, but the Pope is not one of them.”

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Lotte Verbeek as Guilia Farnese and Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI

One aspect of the show which garners much sordid attention is the peculiar relationship between siblings Cesare and Lucrezia. As I watch these two interact, it’s palpable and wrought with an awkward tension. This conversation alone exhibits a love I would only want to experience with someone to whom I am NOT related. As Lucrezia asks about her upcoming nuptials, she learns that love in marriage is not always inclusive.

Lucrezia: “So then, I shall become a nun, for I shall never love a husband as I love you, Cesare.”

Cesare: “I am afraid dear sister, the Pope does not ask you to love your future husband, only to marry him.”

Lucrezia: “So love and marriage, are they incompatible?”

After Cesare explains there are variations of love and marriage, Lucrezia asks a most potent question.

Lucrezia: “And if my husband proves ungallant?”

Cesare: “I shall cut his heart out with a dinner knife and serve it to you.”

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L-R: François Arnaud as Cesare and Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia

The growing friendship between Giulia and Lucrezia worries me. I feel Giulia’s objectives are marred with unsavory intentions. Of course she knew becoming the Pope’s mistress would ensure her status, but I don’t understand why she is exerting so much effort to entwine herself with his children, especially Lucrezia. What does she hope to gain from this? She provides some instruction to Lucrezia on using her beauty, but it’s intelligence that is a woman’s strongest asset. Very curious she would say that.

Cesare’s growing struggle with his duties to his father and his conscience are becoming more visible. It seems successful assassinations are not on the menu this evening as his mercenary Micheletto (Sean Harris) fails at killing Della Rovere and his brother Juan (David Oakes) royally botches up an attempt to poison Djem, leaving the poor Turkish prince to slowly suffer.

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François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia

After learning The Borgias was going to be on Showtime last year, I was anxiously awaiting its premiere. It was definitely worth the wait. The Borgias is beautifully acted and the drama and intrigue leave me in awe. Irons plays a most frightening Pope in the way he carries himself and delivers his lines. Yelling is not scary, it’s when the person is calm and collected that strikes the most fear.

Don’t miss The Borgias – Sundays at 10PM E/P only on Showtime.

For more on the show – visit http://www.sho.com/site/borgias/home.sho

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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.