Is it Karma or God? Review: The Borgias, S2, Ep. 205 "The Choice"

Review: The Borgias, S2, Ep. 205 “The Choice”

Airdate: Sunday, May 6, 2012, 10:00PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“The Choice” provides a variety of things to gaze at and relish in. From a ‘bromance’ whose flames are rekindled to a Cardinal showing the Sforzas how things get done, this episode does not skimp on excitement, intrigue, and unexpected revelations.

If you would have told me our brooding friend Micheletto (Sean Harris) swung for the other team, I would have laughed in your face. But, I stand very much corrected. I couldn’t contain my shock when I watched Micheletto reunite with a former flame, Augustino (Darwin Shaw). I literally sat, mouth agape, as Micheletto and Augustino get undressed in the seclusion of a cemetery. I didn’t realize I was on the edge of my seat, staring at my television screen with wide-eyed intensity. Watching Micheletto slowly approach the anxious Augustino…WOO! I’ve always like Micheletto’s character. Harris does such an amazing job portraying this mysterious man with such care. Micheletto’s “mama” (Barbara Flynn) thinks her boy is healer but we all know better. The way Micheletto protects his mother from learning the truth shows another side to his character – that he has a caring heart. This is also evidenced during his encounters with Augustino, though I don’t think Micheletto likes being considered vulnerable.

Is it Karma or God? Review: The Borgias, S2, Ep. 205 "The Choice" 1

Catherina Sforza (Gina McKee) does kneel...for Cesare (Francois Arnaud)

The reason for Cesare’s (François Arnaud) venture to Forli, Italy is to confront Catherina Sforza (Gina McKee) about her disregard for the Pope (Jeremy Irons). She’s yet to kneel and kiss the holy Papal ring. It seems she is capable of kneeling, just not to the Pope. Catherina gets a lot more from Cesare than he anticipated giving, but I don’t think he minded very much. May I just add how handsome Arnaud is – he’s so sexy. And the way Catherina behaves with Cesare is delightfully scandalous and naughty. Before leaving Forli, Cesare makes two Sforzas scream – one in ecstacy; the other in agony. Cesare seems confounded and astonished at himself for what he does to Giovanni (Ronan Vibert). The darkness grows within him, seeping deeper into his soul. It frightens him but I think it also excites him. I love seeing Cesare embrace his darker side. He’s going to need it because now that he’s killed a Sforza, there will be hell to pay. And with Catherina wise to his faux canons, he’s going to need to get real artillery sooner rather than later.

Observations and Thoughts:

Della Rovere (Colm Feore) meets with Father Savonarola (Steven Berkoff) to discuss a course of action in his vehement pursuit to rid Rome of the “Borgia Pope.” This story arc needs to come to a head soon. The whole ‘I want to kill The Pope’ angle is becoming cumbersome and a bit boring. It looks like things may become more interesting now that a young friar offers to be a martyr in the quest to kill the Pope.

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L-R: Giuliana (Lotte Verbeek), Vanozza (Joanne Whalley), and Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger)

Vanozza (Joanne Whalley) takes both Giuliani (Lotte Verbeek) and Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger) to the local whore house so they can see firsthand that many of the Cardinals also engage in illicit activities. It will be interesting to see how these women essentially entrap the unsuspecting men. I love that the writers are giving women a voice and a stronger presence in this male dominated era. There are many diverse women throughout history and if it weren’t for their courage and conviction to change the status quo, we may still live in a world where the fairer sex are revered with little more than a passing fancy.

Is it Karma or God? Review: The Borgias, S2, Ep. 205 "The Choice" 3

Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI

When lightning strikes and destroys part of the Vatican, there are numerous casualties and the tragic death of a young altar boy. The devastating guilt and remorse burning in the Pope’s eyes is extremely emotional. This is one of the most heartfelt and gut-wrenching scenes I’ve ever witnessed on The Borgias. Irons is magnificent in conveying his anguish over the loss of this young boy. He feels so responsible because he was the one who told the boy to run. It brought tears to my eyes.

***

The Pope wonders if this ruination is a sign from God. I’ve always found it curious that when natural disasters happen, people look to find a deeper meaning to the chaos. Is it Karma or God? I think the Pope’s conscience is projecting because of his recent misconduct. He feels he must atone for his sins – suggesting he must fast and pray until God forgives him. I think the Pope giving up anything other than meat for Lent is going to present some difficult and scintillating challenges. Not that I mind, of course. But, that’s next week’s episode…I can’t wait!

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.