In the ruthless world of 15th-century Rome, power is not a throne—it is a wound that never heals. Episode three of Borgia, titled “The Assault”, delivers on the promise of its name, but not in the way most viewers expect. While swords clash and castles burn, the episode’s true violence is psychological, as the Borgia family learns that the fastest route to the Vatican’s highest seat is paved with betrayal, bribery, and the systematic dismantling of one’s own morality.
While Djem provides the political intrigue, the emotional core of the episode—and indeed the series—continues to be the symbiotic, terrifying bond between Rodrigo and his son, Cesare (François Arnaud).
Episode 3 is the crucible for Cesare. Forced by his father into the priesthood against his will, Cesare chafes against the vestments of a Cardinal. Yet, in this hour, we see him realize that the cloth does not restrict his power; it merely changes the weapon he must use. No longer able to wield a sword on the battlefield, Cesare learns to wield influence in the dark. borgia 1x03 full
The climax of the episode is a masterclass in dramatic tension. The French ambassador, representing King Charles VIII, is a looming threat to the Papacy. Rodrigo’s enemies, particularly Cardinal della Rovere, are conspiring with the French to depose the Pope. Rodrigo needs the problem solved, but as Pope, he cannot be seen to act.
Enter Cesare. In a scene that defines his character for the series, Cesare orchestrates the removal of the threat with chilling efficiency. It is a subtle maneuver, devoid of the bombast one might expect from a period drama, but it signals the birth of the Borgia "enforcer." Cesare realizes that his father’s holiness is a shield, and he must be the sword. The episode ends with an understanding: the Borgias are not just a family; they are a corporation, and Cesare is the new COO of The Rise of the Viper: Dissecting ‘Borgia’ 1x03
For those interested in watching "The Borgias" episode 1x03, "The Confession," it is available on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, though availability may vary by region.
The series, including this episode, received attention for its portrayal of historical figures and events, with some critics praising the performances and the show's ambition, while others criticized it for historical inaccuracies and explicit content. Power and Corruption: The struggle for power within
What makes “The Assault” superior to many period dramas is its refusal to moralize. There is no scene where Rodrigo looks into a mirror and questions his soul. Instead, the show offers a grim, realistic portrait of power as a zero-sum game. When Rodrigo finally secures the votes needed (though the actual election is saved for episode four), there is no triumphant music. There is only the sound of coins clinking and the silence of a man who has sold his integrity one cardinal at a time.
Historical Note: While the show condenses timelines, the real Rodrigo Borgia (later Pope Alexander VI) was infamous for his use of simony during the 1492 conclave. Contemporary accounts suggest he won by promising lucrative positions and castles to his rivals. Borgia doesn’t exaggerate—it merely illuminates.
"The Borgias" is a historical drama television series that aired from 2011 to 2013. Created by Neil Jordan, the show is set in the early 15th century and revolves around the Borgia family, who rose to power in the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. The series stars Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, Peter Gadiot as Cesare Borgia, and Holliday Grainger as Vannozza dei Cattanei, among others.