: Rodrigo meets with a spy-valet named Petronio to help secure cardinal votes for the upcoming election.
Her mother, Vannozza Catanei (Assumpta Serna), defies Rodrigo's orders and travels to the abbey to nurse her daughter personally, a rare moment of familial warmth in an otherwise cold political world. In a scene steeped in the morbid religiosity of the era, Lucrezia is persuaded by the abbey's nuns to kiss the preserved head of St. Petronilla—a martyr who refused to marry a pagan—in a desperate attempt to heal her fever. The episode shows the young woman's deep faith and vulnerability, a stark contrast to the ruthless political maneuvering occurring in Rome.
: This episode marks a significant development in Lucrezia's character. Played by Sarah Gadon, Lucrezia is portrayed as intelligent, determined, and increasingly aware of her role as a pawn in her father's games. Her character challenges the historical myth of Lucrezia being merely a femme fatale, instead presenting a nuanced exploration of her ambitions and vulnerabilities. borgia 1x03 full
Lucrezia, on the other hand, is faced with a different kind of challenge. Her marriage to Giovanni Sforza is unhappy, and she finds solace in her affair with Alfonso of Aragon. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Alfonso is already engaged to someone else, and Lucrezia's family will not approve of their union.
If you thought Episode 2 was brutal, Episode 3, “The Moor,” turns the knife—then twists it. This is the episode where the show’s signature blend of theological terror and political savagery really locks into place. : Rodrigo meets with a spy-valet named Petronio
If you are on the fence about committing to Season 1, watch as a litmus test. The first two episodes are slow, establishing the vast cast of Cardinals, courtesans, and Florentine bankers. But Episode 3 is the engine turning over.
By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy and analyze the third episode of Borgia. Petronilla—a martyr who refused to marry a pagan—in
The episode explores the intricate relationships within the Borgia family and the Vatican. Pope Alexander VI must balance his desire for power with the need to maintain stability within the Church. Meanwhile, Cesare's return sparks tension, and Lucrezia must navigate her complicated emotions.
Rodrigo forces the rebellious Cardinal Orsini to sit on a throne that is actually a torture device (a cathedra with hidden spikes). He then reveals he has bought the loyalty of the French army via Ludovico. But the masterstroke is the "prodigal son" ruse: He publicly forgives his enemies, only to have them arrested the moment they leave the basilica.
The episode’s title, “The Moor,” refers to a legendary chess piece – but here, it’s all about strategy. Rodrigo plays his rivals like pawns, using bribery, threats, and one unforgettable scene involving a poisoned communion wafer. (Yes, they go there.)
The heart of the episode is the conclave—the secretive process where cardinals lock themselves away to elect a new pope. Rodrigo is a leading candidate, but his path to the papacy is littered with obstacles. He must navigate a sea of treacherous cardinals, desperate rivals, and secret betrayals.
