Season 2 of 'The Borgias' is remarkably consistent. By consistent that's meant in a good way. Loved all the previous Season 2 episodes, love "Truth and Lies" every bit as much and can say little bad about the next two episodes either. Despite liking to loving all the first season's episodes, Season 2 is of much higher quality and is much more settled in all regards, the only big debit of the season being the Della Rovere subplot.
"Truth and Lies" is full of entertainment value and tension, which is much of what can be expected watching 'The Borgias'. As well as intrigue. Other Season 2 episodes had more emotional impact, especially "The Choice" (that ending!) and "The Confession", but this is hardly devoid of that. The storytelling feels like it is progressing, likewise with the characterisation, and the tension definitely grows too. A lot happens here, but it doesn't feel like there is too much going on or too hurried a pace.
Have not really changed my mind that much on the Della Rovere subplot, like the previous episode there is progression and Jessie Bostick's spine-chilling acting as Antonello does leave a big impression. At the same time, the most, and only actually, frequent problem of Season 2 is how dragged out the subplot feels and still feel that way.
As always with 'The Borgias', "Truth and Lies" is top notch visually. The costumes continue to be a wonder, Vanozza and especially Lucrezia always look so wonderful, and the scenery and interiors are similarly stunning. The photography complements them and is as good as period dramas on film. When it comes to beauty and intensity, the music does not in any way with either, it revels in both of them actually. Cannot get enough of the spine-tingling and goosebump inducing main theme, or the exquisitely designed opening titles sequence, one of my favourites of all time.
Dialogue has come on a long way since 'The Borgias' first started, thought-provoking, more nuanced, more natural and tighter while also being not as soapy. Some of it is melodramatic but quite gloriously so. Rodrigo has some great lines, like the above, but it is the using dessert to give a lesson in love part that was a highlight here. The story is eventful and seldom less than compelling, and the character writing, interaction and performances contribute heavily to this.
Juan is growing increasingly unpleasant with each other, David Oakes brings out the pride and dishonesty very effectively without being cartoonish. Francois Arnaud, Cesare now being the most interesting character, excels in bringing out a sinister demeanour, more so than before. Loved that Vanozza has more to do here, her witty chemistry with Lucrezia and Joanne Whalley giving a subtle and knowing performance. Jeremy Irons though is especially good, always loved Rodrigo's authority and ruthlessness, as seen in scenes with either of his sons, but it was great to see more of his more tender side with Benito which provided a lot of nuance.
Overall, a great episode. 9/10
"Truth and Lies" is full of entertainment value and tension, which is much of what can be expected watching 'The Borgias'. As well as intrigue. Other Season 2 episodes had more emotional impact, especially "The Choice" (that ending!) and "The Confession", but this is hardly devoid of that. The storytelling feels like it is progressing, likewise with the characterisation, and the tension definitely grows too. A lot happens here, but it doesn't feel like there is too much going on or too hurried a pace.
Have not really changed my mind that much on the Della Rovere subplot, like the previous episode there is progression and Jessie Bostick's spine-chilling acting as Antonello does leave a big impression. At the same time, the most, and only actually, frequent problem of Season 2 is how dragged out the subplot feels and still feel that way.
As always with 'The Borgias', "Truth and Lies" is top notch visually. The costumes continue to be a wonder, Vanozza and especially Lucrezia always look so wonderful, and the scenery and interiors are similarly stunning. The photography complements them and is as good as period dramas on film. When it comes to beauty and intensity, the music does not in any way with either, it revels in both of them actually. Cannot get enough of the spine-tingling and goosebump inducing main theme, or the exquisitely designed opening titles sequence, one of my favourites of all time.
Dialogue has come on a long way since 'The Borgias' first started, thought-provoking, more nuanced, more natural and tighter while also being not as soapy. Some of it is melodramatic but quite gloriously so. Rodrigo has some great lines, like the above, but it is the using dessert to give a lesson in love part that was a highlight here. The story is eventful and seldom less than compelling, and the character writing, interaction and performances contribute heavily to this.
Juan is growing increasingly unpleasant with each other, David Oakes brings out the pride and dishonesty very effectively without being cartoonish. Francois Arnaud, Cesare now being the most interesting character, excels in bringing out a sinister demeanour, more so than before. Loved that Vanozza has more to do here, her witty chemistry with Lucrezia and Joanne Whalley giving a subtle and knowing performance. Jeremy Irons though is especially good, always loved Rodrigo's authority and ruthlessness, as seen in scenes with either of his sons, but it was great to see more of his more tender side with Benito which provided a lot of nuance.
Overall, a great episode. 9/10
