Ep 2. Ash Wednesday

The second episode of season two of the hit historical drama series Borgia is titled "Ash Wednesday." It begins on the day of the Catholic holiday, which is a time of repentance and penance for sins conmmitted. The episode picks up where the first episode left off, with the death of Pope Alexander VI, also known as Rodrigo Borgia.

With the Pope dead, the Cardinals and other members of the church are left to decide who will take his place. This is a contentious issue, as many members of the church have their own agendas and alliances that they would like to preserve. This includes the Borgia family, who are keen to maintain their grip on power, as well as other powerful families who are eager to take control themselves.

The episode is full of political intrigue and machinations, as various factions plot and scheme behind the scenes to secure their position. It quickly becomes clear that there will be no easy resolution to the question of who will become the next Pope, as there are many strong candidates vying for the position.

One particularly interesting subplot in the episode involves Cesare Borgia, the son of Rodrigo Borgia and a powerful figure in his own right. Cesare is shown to be struggling with his faith and his role in the church, as he grapples with the hypocrisy and corruption he sees around him. He also has a complicated relationship with his sister, Lucrezia, who is newly married and trying to establish her own power base.

As the episode progresses, tensions continue to rise as the various factions within the church attempt to outmaneuver one another. Meanwhile, the wider political context of Renaissance Italy also plays a role, as various states and powers attempt to exert influence over the papacy.

Overall, "Ash Wednesday" is a gripping episode of Borgia that showcases the show's trademark mix of political intrigue, drama, and historical detail. With a strong ensemble cast and intricate plotting, it is sure to satisfy fans of the series and newcomers alike.