By John Keegan

One of the greatest difficulties in setting up a season arc is avoiding the sense of predictability.  It's one thing when a plot element is the result of a logical, organic progression of events; this renders the anticipated conclusion more palatable as a result.  When the plot thread seemed forced or too convenient, however, it can detract from the whole.

By John Keegan

As noted repeatedly, the writers make adjustments to the historical record whenever the dramatic license is required to make the story flow in the right direction.  That is certainly true in this episode, where various events are rearranged to bring season arcs to their logical resolution.  Not only is the matter of Juan's descent handled in the expected fashion, but Savonarola saw his comeuppance far earlier than anticipated.

By John Keegan

Mostly an episode devoted to setting up the events to come in the finale, this installment explores the fallout from the debacle at Forli and Lucrezia's attempt to capitalize on her seductive talents.  Both plot threads lead to strife between brothers that will hardly come to a good end.

By John Keegan

Juan Borgia returns from Spain with a rather distracting problem, while Lucrezia rebels against her role as a political pawn.  Oh, and Savonarola continues to gain influence in Florence, as he inspires one of the more infamous "bonfires of the vanities".  Not to mention the titular siege at Forli, which does not go as planned!

By John Keegan

Savonarola takes the center stage as a major adversary to Rodrigo Borgia in this episode, and it is some of the most gripping material yet.  Savonarola subscribes to a brand of religiosity that borders on the sadistic, as various followers are prompted to scourge themselves publicly, while others are pressed into religious vocation.  Given the state of Italy at the time, of course, one might have indeed felt that the time of repentance was at hand.

By John Keegan

After a string of solid episodes, I can't help but think that Jordan slipped back into some bad habits with this one.  It wasn't terrible, by any means, but it felt a bit overwrought when events culminated in bloodshed.  It's also possible that the shift in directors had something to do with it, but whatever it was, it was noticeable.

By John Keegan

I've come to the conclusion that Neil Jordan, having looked back on the first season, decided that sticking to historical events wouldn't be nearly so much fun as simply playing in the Borgia sandbox.  And I'm wondering if that's why the show feels a bit more interesting this season; there's no telling which events will be rearranged to keep the drama flowing and the audience on its toes.

By John Keegan

By the time this episode was over, I was completely befuddled.  Not by the plot; that was simple enough that Jordan had plenty to opportunity to focus on the more important element of character development.  Not by the complete rewrite of history; the show had long since deviated from the historical record, so why not take it even further?  No, the real confusion was why this episode was so much better than almost anything “The Borgias” has done to date.

By John Keegan

After a bit of a lackluster start, which honestly felt like Neil Jordan trying too hard to get the ball rolling again, “The Borgias” bounces back with a strong follow-up to events from the first season.  While Lucretia continues to be the weakest link of the show, Juan Borgia finally comes into his own.