Ep 9. World of Wonders

The Borgias season 2 episode 9, titled "World of Wonders," follows the ongoing power struggles and machinations of the Borgia family in 15th century Italy. As Pope Alexander VI (Jeremy Irons) navigates his various political alliances and enemies, he becomes increasingly aware of the power of public opinion and the need to cultivate a positive reputation among the people.

To this end, the Pope hires a group of traveling performers to put on a show in Rome, hoping to impress the populace with their acrobatics and exotic animals. However, as the performers settle in and begin to prepare for their performance, it soon becomes clear that they have their own hidden agendas and secrets.

Meanwhile, Alexander's illegitimate son Cesare (Francois Arnaud) continues to try and consolidate his own power within the Church, using his cunning and ruthlessness to eliminate his enemies and expand his influence. But as he focuses on his own ambitions, he begins to neglect his relationship with his sister, Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger), who is struggling to find her own place in the world and reconcile her own desires with the expectations of her family.

As tensions rise within the Borgia family and in Rome as a whole, the episode builds toward a thrilling conclusion that sees the various players coming together in unexpected ways. With gripping drama, intense action, and complex characters, "World of Wonders" is a must-watch episode for fans of the historical drama genre.