Ep 2. Ondata di calore

The episode "Ondata di calore" is the second episode of the first season of the historical drama series "Borgia". The episode is set in 1492 and depicts the political maneuverings of the Borgia family, particularly Rodrigo Borgia, who is now Pope Alexander VI.

The episode opens with the Vatican in a state of excitement as news has arrived that the King of Naples has died. This means that a large portion of Italy is now open to conquest, and the Pope must navigate the complicated world of Italian politics in order to expand his territory. He sends his daughter Lucrezia to Naples to marry the new king, while his son Juan commands the Papal armies in a campaign against the city of Imola.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo becomes increasingly obsessed with his mistress, Vannozza dei Cattanei. He becomes jealous when he hears of her affairs with other men and decides to take drastic action to keep her faithful to him. This leads to an uncomfortable confrontation between the two, which reveals the darker side of Rodrigo's personality.

In Rome, the Pope's enemies begin to gather. The powerful Orsini family is angered by the Pope's decision to send Juan to command the Papal army, and they begin to plot against him. The French king, Charles VIII, is also angered by the Pope's refusal to grant him a divorce, and plots to bring down the Papacy with the help of the Orsini family.

As tensions escalate, Rodrigo turns to his trusted advisor, Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, for help. But even Giuliano has his own agenda, and it remains to be seen whether he is truly loyal to the Pope.

Overall, "Ondata di calore" provides a gripping portrayal of the complex web of alliances and enmities that characterized Renaissance Italy. The episode sets the stage for the bloody conflicts and intrigue that will define the series, while also providing a glimpse into the personal lives of the Borgia family. The acting is superb, with Jeremy Irons delivering a standout performance as the calculating and charismatic Pope Alexander VI. Fans of historical dramas and political thrillers will find much to enjoy in this episode and the series as a whole.