Ep 4. Stray Dogs

As the title suggests, "Stray Dogs" delves into various storylines where characters are forced to confront their pasts and reconcile with events that have shaped them. The episode opens with a group of stray dogs that find their way into the Vatican, where they're promptly captured and dealt with in a gruesome manner. The sight of the dogs being put down sparks an argument between Lucrezia and her husband Giovanni Sforza, who's adamantly against animal cruelty. The couple's disagreement sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which is marked by tension in relationships and some unexpected turns.

One of the subplots of "Stray Dogs" revolves around Cesare's search for his sister's killer. He's convinced that the murderer was Giovanni Borgia, his own brother, and will stop at nothing to prove his guilt. However, as he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers some stunning evidence that points to a different culprit altogether. The reveal is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats, as the true killer's identity is completely out of left field.

Meanwhile, Lucrezia is grappling with her budding feelings for Paolo, the stable-hand who's been taking care of the stray dogs. She's torn between her loyalty to her husband and her desire to be with Paolo, and the two have several tense exchanges in the episode. As the situations around them escalate, both Lucrezia and Paolo are forced to make some tough decisions about where their loyalties lie. The audience is sure to be invested in their dynamic, as it's tense but also deeply intriguing to watch unfold.

Elsewhere in the Vatican, Rodrigo is dealing with some political unrest as he prepares for a visit from the French ambassador. With tensions high between the two countries, Rodrigo must work through intricate negotiations to ensure that the visit goes smoothly. The episode builds towards this climactic moment, with Rodrigo's diplomatic skills being tested to their limit. Fans of political intrigue will certainly appreciate the thought and care put into these scenes, and there's sure to be plenty of tense moments leading up to the ambassador's arrival.

Overall, "Stray Dogs" is an episode that balances a lot of different storylines while still managing to keep its focus. Each of the character arcs is given plenty of room to breathe, and the episode culminates in a thrilling climax that's sure to have viewers hooked. As with all of The Borgias, the episode is beautifully shot and features strong performances from the ensemble cast. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas or just good television in general, "Stray Dogs" is definitely an episode you won't want to miss.