Engrossing

targa9

A lot of people criticize John Doman's American accent. After the first episode, you get used to it, and actually Doman is perfect for the part of a scheming, unpredictable pope: what better than an American to play the wheeler-dealer? I love Doman's bold portrayal, and his subtle facial expressions invest Rodrigo with a latent power, explosive and surprising when it surfaces.

Also, the sets, costumes, cinematography are all magnificent! I had to pause the video sometimes just to take in some of the gorgeous shots of the Castel St Angelo or the Coliseo at sunset.

The reason this series works is that it is appropriately GRIM, and spares no expense to make things look realistic, and the writing moves things along and is clever. The actors are all superb. Juan is as detestable as he is charming; Mark Ryder Cesare shows his pain, want, ambition, pride and recklessness well. When his eyes got big after Alexander promoted Juan to captain of the Palace Guard, I knew this was a quality production. Lucrezia, Giulia, Vannozza are all amazing. Cardinals Sforza, Farnese and della Rovere are standouts.

Give this series a chance if you like historical dramas. It is unflinching, shocking, funny, grim, suspenseful, and a really great escape. Thanks to Doman, Ryder et al. for providing such great entertainment!

score 9/10

targa9 23 November 2014

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3129690/