Ep 1. The Hanged Man

In the first episode of Da Vinci's Demons, entitled The Hanged Man, we are introduced to the world-renowned artist, engineer, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Set in Florence during the height of the Renaissance, the show explores the unheard-of relationships, politics, and mysterious characters surrounding da Vinci's art and innovation.

The episode begins with a scene of da Vinci working in his studio, creating a flying machine. His assistant, Nico, tries to convince him to get some rest to no avail, as da Vinci is consumed by his work. Meanwhile, a group of men are seen arriving in Florence, carrying with them a message for Lorenzo de Medici, the ruler of the city-state. The message contains a warning: "The Turk is coming." This message sets in motion a series of events that will have repercussions for the rest of the episode.

Da Vinci is soon visited by his friend, Lorenzo de Medici, who is interested in hearing about da Vinci's latest ventures. He shows Lorenzo a sketch of his flying machine, and they both marvel at its potential. But da Vinci's mind is also preoccupied with the strange symbols he has been seeing in his dreams. He believes they hold a clue to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, but they remain frustratingly elusive.

As evening approaches, the city is abuzz with excitement over the arrival of the Duke of Urbino, the esteemed guest of Lorenzo de Medici. But amidst all the festivities, a gruesome discovery is made: a member of the Signoria, the governing body of Florence, is found murdered. The victim is hanging upside down from a bridge, with strange symbols etched into his flesh. The authorities are baffled, and Lorenzo enlists da Vinci's help in solving the case.

Da Vinci dives into the investigation, examining the strange symbols on the victim's body. He realizes that they are not just random scratches, but actually make up a code. With the help of his assistant Nico, da Vinci sets out to decode the message and track down the killer. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious woman named Zoroaster, who seems to know more than she lets on.

As the investigation progresses, da Vinci begins to realize that the murder is just a small piece of a larger puzzle. He becomes convinced that there is a conspiracy afoot, with dark forces at work in the city. His quest for the truth leads him to a secret society known as the Sons of Mithras, whose members are dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the universe.

In the end, da Vinci is able to crack the code and identify the killer as a member of the Sons of Mithras. But despite this victory, he realizes that he has only scratched the surface of the conspiracy. He sets out to discover what lies at the heart of the Sons of Mithras' mission, and how it relates to his own quest for knowledge.

The first episode of Da Vinci's Demons, The Hanged Man, is a thrilling introduction to the world of Leonardo da Vinci. It sets the stage for a series of mysteries and conspiracies that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With stunning cinematography, a gripping storyline, and exceptional acting, this show is sure to be a hit with fans of historical dramas and thrillers alike.