Ep 1. The Blood of Man

In the second season premiere of the hit Starz original series "Da Vinci's Demons," we find our favorite Renaissance man still reeling from the fallout of the first season's finale. His beloved city of Florence is in shambles, with the Medicis and Pazzi families waging war against each other and the city itself caught in the crossfire. But even amidst the chaos, Leonardo da Vinci (Tom Riley) can't forget the mysterious woman who captured his heart and then disappeared without a trace.

As the episode opens, we find Leonardo living in self-imposed exile, hiding out in a remote cabin in the woods. He's haunted by the memories of the past and plagued by visions that might hold the key to his future. But he's not alone: he's being watched by a mysterious stranger (Carolina Guerra) who seems to be studying his every move. Is she friend or foe? Leonardo isn't sure, but he knows one thing: he can't stay hidden forever.

Meanwhile, back in Florence, tensions are running high. The Pazzi family, led by the ruthless Jacopo (Richard Sammel), is determined to seize power from their rivals the Medicis, led by Lorenzo (Elliot Cowan). The city is divided, with factions on both sides plotting and scheming to gain the upper hand. And caught in the middle is Leonardo's old friend and ally, the Turkish prince Djem (Selim Bayraktar), who's being used as a pawn in the power struggle.

As the episode unfolds, we see Leonardo forced to confront his demons in a series of gripping and dramatic scenes. He's reunited with his former love Lucrezia (Laura Haddock), but their reunion is far from happy. She's now married to his nemesis, the diabolical Count Riario (Blake Ritson). Can Leonardo save her from Riario's clutches? And what will become of the tentative alliance he's formed with the mysterious stranger who's been watching him?

As the title suggests, "The Blood of Man" is a bloody and visceral episode, with plenty of action and violence to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. But it's also a deeply emotional and psychological exploration of Leonardo's character and motivations. We see him struggling with guilt over his past mistakes and trying to find a way to make amends. And we watch as he grapples with the ultimate question: what does it mean to be human?

Overall, this is an incredibly compelling and well-crafted episode of "Da Vinci's Demons." It sets the stage for a season that promises to be even more epic and thrilling than the first. From the stunning cinematography to the powerhouse performances from the cast, everything about this show is firing on all cylinders. If you're a fan of historical dramas, action-adventure stories, or just great television in general, you won't want to miss "The Blood of Man."