There was a lot to recommend about Season 1. It was not perfect by any stretch, have said frequently about the writing and pacing being inconsistent and that it took about half a season to settle properly. While still being addictive viewing, because there were many merits and they were so good. The production values, music, opening titles and Jeremy Irons never disappointed, and there was some lovely chemistry of all emotions throughout.
Season 2 was much better and more settled, with what was inconsistent in the previous season being significantly improved. That was evident in watching the first four episodes of Season 2, including "Paolo" in one evening, and while the previous three times of watching three episodes in one evening with Season 1 this particular case was particularly gripping and consistent. Up to this point of 'The Borgias', "Paolo" to me is one of its best episodes. Especially in terms of characterisations, things moving forward narratively and with the characters and emotional impact.
Will admit to not being, and never have been, really a fan of Ursula. She never struck me as very interesting or easy to endear to and never believed in her chemistry with Cesare. Everything else played much bigger roles in the episode so she didn't quite bother me as much this time.
Improvements though are here in "Paolo" over the still great season opener "The Borgia Bull". Jemima West is a stronger presence and more comfortable here, she was one of the blander things about that episode (though that was down to her only just been introduced) but did find myself this time rooting for her situation, her answer to Rodrigo's question concerning his dismay at the living conditions of the poor really struck a chord. Della Rovere's contribution does not slow down the episode and actually feels like it's advancing whereas his subplot in a few of Season 1's episodes were a big weak link. Paolo is not bland and is sympathetically drawn, rootable as well.
A lot happens in "Paolo", yet it didn't feel over-stuffed or that there was too much going on in a short space of time which stops things from feeling rushed. Can find nothing to complain about with Lotte Verbeek, who is sympathetic and scheming in equal measure (loved her challenging of the Vatican's attitude towards women), or with her chemistry with Jeremy Irons. Rodrigo's subplot here is a very telling one, where the poor's living conditions leaves one as appalled as Rodrigo. It also sees him show a more caring side towards anything not concerning his family or mistresses. The most striking asset of "Paolo" is the writing for Juan, always one of the most show's most purposefully unpleasant characters here at his most chilling. That ending is tense as heck.
Have no issues with the performances here, with David Oakes staying most in the memory. Holliday Grainger has really grown as Lucrezia, and can find no fault at all with Jeremy Irons doing wonders with a remarkably complex interpretation of Rodrigo. He has such great chemistry with the rest of the cast as well, especially with Verbeek and Oakes. The writing is occasionally soap operatic, like with Paolo, but the improvement overall is immense. Sean Harris manages to be both scary and sympathetic.
Visually, 'The Borgias' continues to have very high production values with "Paolo", that was never a problem and continually one of the best of the good things about the show. The exquisitely designed and richly coloured costumes and scenery and interiors are wow-worthy, and the beautiful photography rivals period dramas on film. The music still has the beauty and intensity that were present in the previous episodes. Meanwhile the opening titles sequences and main theme still give me the chills. one of my favourite opening titles sequences of all time (film and television). The main theme is incredible, the sheer intensity, grandeur and drama (already sending chills down the spine and induces goosebumps before the episode's even begun) makes it one of my favourite main themes for any show. Matched by splendidly and cleverly designed visuals.
Concluding, terrific once again, one of the best 'The Borgias' episodes at this stage of the show. 9/10
Season 2 was much better and more settled, with what was inconsistent in the previous season being significantly improved. That was evident in watching the first four episodes of Season 2, including "Paolo" in one evening, and while the previous three times of watching three episodes in one evening with Season 1 this particular case was particularly gripping and consistent. Up to this point of 'The Borgias', "Paolo" to me is one of its best episodes. Especially in terms of characterisations, things moving forward narratively and with the characters and emotional impact.
Will admit to not being, and never have been, really a fan of Ursula. She never struck me as very interesting or easy to endear to and never believed in her chemistry with Cesare. Everything else played much bigger roles in the episode so she didn't quite bother me as much this time.
Improvements though are here in "Paolo" over the still great season opener "The Borgia Bull". Jemima West is a stronger presence and more comfortable here, she was one of the blander things about that episode (though that was down to her only just been introduced) but did find myself this time rooting for her situation, her answer to Rodrigo's question concerning his dismay at the living conditions of the poor really struck a chord. Della Rovere's contribution does not slow down the episode and actually feels like it's advancing whereas his subplot in a few of Season 1's episodes were a big weak link. Paolo is not bland and is sympathetically drawn, rootable as well.
A lot happens in "Paolo", yet it didn't feel over-stuffed or that there was too much going on in a short space of time which stops things from feeling rushed. Can find nothing to complain about with Lotte Verbeek, who is sympathetic and scheming in equal measure (loved her challenging of the Vatican's attitude towards women), or with her chemistry with Jeremy Irons. Rodrigo's subplot here is a very telling one, where the poor's living conditions leaves one as appalled as Rodrigo. It also sees him show a more caring side towards anything not concerning his family or mistresses. The most striking asset of "Paolo" is the writing for Juan, always one of the most show's most purposefully unpleasant characters here at his most chilling. That ending is tense as heck.
Have no issues with the performances here, with David Oakes staying most in the memory. Holliday Grainger has really grown as Lucrezia, and can find no fault at all with Jeremy Irons doing wonders with a remarkably complex interpretation of Rodrigo. He has such great chemistry with the rest of the cast as well, especially with Verbeek and Oakes. The writing is occasionally soap operatic, like with Paolo, but the improvement overall is immense. Sean Harris manages to be both scary and sympathetic.
Visually, 'The Borgias' continues to have very high production values with "Paolo", that was never a problem and continually one of the best of the good things about the show. The exquisitely designed and richly coloured costumes and scenery and interiors are wow-worthy, and the beautiful photography rivals period dramas on film. The music still has the beauty and intensity that were present in the previous episodes. Meanwhile the opening titles sequences and main theme still give me the chills. one of my favourite opening titles sequences of all time (film and television). The main theme is incredible, the sheer intensity, grandeur and drama (already sending chills down the spine and induces goosebumps before the episode's even begun) makes it one of my favourite main themes for any show. Matched by splendidly and cleverly designed visuals.
Concluding, terrific once again, one of the best 'The Borgias' episodes at this stage of the show. 9/10
