By Aphrodite M.
"The Borgias" Episode 7, "Death on a Pale Horse," illustrates the carnage of war as 25,000 French troops march on Milan. Despite the devastation caused in Milan and France's growing demands, Florence agrees to also ally with the French and allow them into their city. Pope Alexander (Jeremy Irons) is overwrought with despair and panic as he sees his expected allies turning against him. Cesare (Fran§ois Arnaud) begs his father to allow him to lead the papal armies but the pope refuses. He maintains a blind faith in his son Juan's abilities to lead his armies.
Cesare, meanwhile, visits the nunnery his lover Ursula (Ruta Gedmintas) locked herself away in and finds himself equally unsuccessful in trying to win her back. Juan (David Oakes) still shares the bed of his younger brother's wife and Giulia Farneses (Lotte Verbeek) is sent by the pope to visit the Sforza household and his daughter Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger). Giovanni Sforza (Ronan Vibert) makes clear he is no sympathizer of the pope and Giulia discovers she must remove Lucrezia from the Sforza house due to Lucrezia's illegitimate pregnancy.
In episode 7, the pope panics. The depression and defeat evident in Rodrigo Borgia, as he witnesses everything he's fought to attain being threatened, is quite a departure from his usual indomitable spirit. Snubbing his nose in indignation at his enemies is what we're used and it's hard to watch his invincible facade crumble under the pressure of betrayal. Rodrigo's doubts rule him and the self-possessed pope who is always in command is lost to us this week.
The ongoing affair between Juan and Princess Sancia is another occurrence that's hard to watch. As usual, Juan's time is consumed with selfish satisfaction while everything around him is in upheaval. David Oakes does a great job of making his character completely unsympathetic and obnoxiously aberrant.
At least viewers are spared Emmanuelle Chriqui's mediocre English accent as her small appearance this week consists of more moaning than speaking.
There is some joy in watching Della Rovere (Colm Feore) panic over his dealings with King Charles. He realizes the French king is out to destroy Italy and he can't bear the death and destruction he's unleashed on his fellow Italians. It seems everyone but the French king is riddled with confusion and self-doubt.
Steven Berkoff, who plays Savonarola, is great to watch. His character is a preacher who fervently speaks out against the corruption of the Medici and Rome. Although he doesn't have a large role, he makes every moment on screen count. The character he plays is quite vivid and he effectively delivers the rantings which follow Savonarola's visions.
Michel Muller as King Charles of France is also wonderful to watch. He is quite a character and beyond the accent and the wacky hairstyle, he perfectly plays out a shrewd, self-possessed leader who knows how to win.
There is a lot of great talent on the show and this week was another entertaining foray into their characters' lives. War is upon the Borgias and it remains to be seen whether Pope Alexander will persevere and who, if anyone, will be willing to stand behind him.
Cesare, meanwhile, visits the nunnery his lover Ursula (Ruta Gedmintas) locked herself away in and finds himself equally unsuccessful in trying to win her back. Juan (David Oakes) still shares the bed of his younger brother's wife and Giulia Farneses (Lotte Verbeek) is sent by the pope to visit the Sforza household and his daughter Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger). Giovanni Sforza (Ronan Vibert) makes clear he is no sympathizer of the pope and Giulia discovers she must remove Lucrezia from the Sforza house due to Lucrezia's illegitimate pregnancy.
The ongoing affair between Juan and Princess Sancia is another occurrence that's hard to watch. As usual, Juan's time is consumed with selfish satisfaction while everything around him is in upheaval. David Oakes does a great job of making his character completely unsympathetic and obnoxiously aberrant.
At least viewers are spared Emmanuelle Chriqui's mediocre English accent as her small appearance this week consists of more moaning than speaking.
There is some joy in watching Della Rovere (Colm Feore) panic over his dealings with King Charles. He realizes the French king is out to destroy Italy and he can't bear the death and destruction he's unleashed on his fellow Italians. It seems everyone but the French king is riddled with confusion and self-doubt.
Steven Berkoff, who plays Savonarola, is great to watch. His character is a preacher who fervently speaks out against the corruption of the Medici and Rome. Although he doesn't have a large role, he makes every moment on screen count. The character he plays is quite vivid and he effectively delivers the rantings which follow Savonarola's visions.
Michel Muller as King Charles of France is also wonderful to watch. He is quite a character and beyond the accent and the wacky hairstyle, he perfectly plays out a shrewd, self-possessed leader who knows how to win.
There is a lot of great talent on the show and this week was another entertaining foray into their characters' lives. War is upon the Borgias and it remains to be seen whether Pope Alexander will persevere and who, if anyone, will be willing to stand behind him.
As featured on AC Yahoo! and Picktainment.
No comments:
Post a Comment