Have a love for historical period dramas, the cast here is an immensely talented one (seeing Jeremy Irons' name on any cast list has me sold) and the period depicted of the Borgias and the Renaissance is truly interesting. Absolutely loved 'The Borgias' when first seeing it, re-watching it after finally getting the box-set my opinion on the most part has not changed. Do feel though now, something that wasn't noticed as much before, that it was a slow starter, the pacing and writing not settling straight away.
Will say having said that that there was enough to make 'The Borgias' addictive viewing, and it got better and better all the time and when it was at its best it was utterly riveting. Later on the characters that weren't interesting straight away were so, and the pace and writing tightened. The production values were without complaint through the entire show, most characters and interactions fascinated and more so on rewatch and Jeremy Irons never disappointed. Also took more notice of things loved before but on re-watch was shocked at how special they were, primarily the music and the opening titles sequence. The inaccuracies will have some up in an uproar, and they are numerous, but didn't watch 'The Borgias' expecting a history lesson, instead wanting a series that was exceptionally well made, fun and intriguing amongst other things and got that and it actually does it better than a lot of historical dramas that aren't accurate.
"The Poisoned Chalice" was a very promising start to 'The Borgias'. Not perfect and understandably, with the episode being basically setting things up, not everything feels settled. What was meant by understandably is that a lot of shows take a while to settle when they first start.
So much to like here in "The Poisoned Chalice". It is exceptionally well made, just one example of 'The Borgias' being one of the best-looking shows in recent years in my opinion. Even some period drama films don't look this good. It is just so exquisitely shot, whether in more intimate scenes or the more expansive ones. In the more intimate (in scale that is, but no less dramatic) scenes, like between Rodrigo and Cesare, it doesn't feel claustrophobic, while faring even better in the grander moments. The costumes, interiors and scenery left me in awe in their rich colours and attention to detail, as well as their authenticity. Having the feel of stepping into a Renaissance painting. Standing out visually to me when it comes to individual scenes is when Rodrigo is made pope, everything about that scene was exquisite but the photography just took my breath away.
Always did love the music on 'The Borgias', watching "The Poisoned Chalice" on my recent re-watch it made me realise how special it is. It manages to be sweeping and dramatic without being intrusive, suiting all the emotions here to a tee. In "The Poisoned Chalice", the most striking use of music, and it's one of the best uses of music of the whole show to me, is in the parade and crowning of Rodrigo. That scene is a perfect marriage of visuals, music and emotional impact, a beautiful scene in every sense. Am amazed at having not mentioned in my review for the show the opening titles sequence, a glaring over-sight. The main theme is incredible, the sheer intensity, grandeur and drama (already sending chills down the spine before the episode's only begun) makes it one of my favourite main themes for any show. Matched by splendidly and cleverly designed visuals, it makes for one of my all-time favourite opening title sequences.
Did like much of the storytelling here. Everything with the election, or more the aftermath, later on intrigues, while the episode ends on an unsettling note and loved much of the character interaction. The one between Rodrigo and Cesare (also the two most interesting characters in the episode, Rodrigo's complexity already showing) dominating, intense and beautifully (one of the assets that did feel settled straight away, Jeremy Irons and Francois Arnaud have very good chemistry together) though just as interesting is that between Cesare and Michelotto which gave off a degree of suspense. The direction is secure and keeps things intriguing generally and gets strong performances from most the cast.
Just the first episode and Jeremy Irons, even if he doesn't fit the role physically (he actually nearly didn't the role on initially for that reason), embodies Rodrigo's personality and traits and throws himself into the role. He relishes every line he is given, and he has pretty much all the best ones in "The Poisoned Chalice", and brings gravitas and sometimes menace to Rodrigo. Yet he also excels in the quieter moments, using just his expressive eyes and understated facial expressions when not saying a single word when crowned. Francois Arnaud would grow more confident as the show progressed and Cesare would become more complex, but the character does fascinate in his dark core already and Arnaud is charismatic enough. Colm Feore, Della Rovere showing here potential of being one of the show's more interesting characters, and Derek Jacobi are solid support. Sean Harris is a very scary Michelotto.
On the other hand, the pacing is, even for a deliberately paced show like 'The Borgias', is rather slow. Particularly early on, where more tension generally would have been more welcome. Holliday Grainger, though she does not have an awful lot to do in the episode, is somewhat bland at this stage as Lucrezia but a lot of it is to do with the character not being fully fleshed out yet.
Felt as well that the dialogue was uneven. Some of it was very thought-provoking, other parts were soapy.
In conclusion, very promising first episode. 7.5/10
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