It’s the
penultimate episode of The Borgias’
first season, and all hell is breaking loose in Rome. As one ally
after another refuses to offer support, Pope Alexander is left with
only the Vatican’s forces to try and stem the tide of the French
invasion. While plot advancement was the main focus of the episode,
it was the characters that really made “The Art of War” shine,
with the aid of some sensational performances from the cast.
After
being denied aid from Spain against the “French apocalypse,”
and continued nightmares over his family’s safety and the very
safety of Rome, it was easy to think that Rodrigo was going to be
even more distraught over his predicament. But the contrast
between Pope Alexander’s last meeting with the College of Cardinals
and the one in this episode was done beautifully. Rodrigo steeled
himself – not wanting to repeat their last conference when he ranted
and raved only to appear weak and ineffectual, he instead presented a calm face
and determined will. His confidence in his words and assurance that
they would achieve the desired effect gave him an air of magnanimity
that Irons portrayed perfectly. Going so far as to even lay hands on
the cardinals, as if they were his most cherished colleagues,
Rodrigo’s intentions were by no means subtle. Unfortunately his
confidence was hubris, as no speech could keep the cardinals and
most of Rome’s populace from fleeing like “rats deserting a
sinking ship,” as Juan put it.
Even so, it couldn’t take away from an incredible scene or shake
Rodrigo’s resolve to go down with the ship, if he must.
