Ep 1. Old Scores

In Medici: Masters of Florence season 2 episode 1, titled "Old Scores", we see the return of the Medici family as they continue their quest for power and influence in Renaissance Italy.

The episode opens with a flashback to a young Cosimo de' Medici, who is grieving the loss of his father, Giovanni. We see the beginnings of his relationship with his future wife, Contessina, as well as his complicated dynamic with his brother, Lorenzo.

In the present day, we find ourselves in 1469, ten years after the events of season one. Cosimo Medici (played brilliantly by Richard Madden) is now the de facto ruler of Florence and navigating the complex political landscape of the city-state. He is aided by his loyal assistant, Marco Bello (Alessandro Sperduti), and his cunning mother, Lucrezia (Annabel Scholey).

The episode centers around a conspiracy against the Medici family, as an anonymous letter accusing Cosimo of corruption and wrongdoing is circulated throughout the city. Cosimo quickly realizes that this is an attack on his authority and sets out to find the culprit before it's too late.

As he investigates, we see the return of some fan-favorite characters, including the cunning banker, Pazzi (Sean Bean), and the spunky artist, Sandro Botticelli (Enrico Lo Verso). We also meet some new faces, like a mysterious woman named Bianca (Matilda Lutz), who catches the eye of Cosimo's brother, Lorenzo (Daniel Sharman).

As the episode progresses, we see the tensions rise between Cosimo and Lorenzo, who are still struggling with their complicated relationship. We also get a glimpse into the personal lives of some of the other characters, including Contessina (Synnøve Karlsen), who is struggling to conceive a child, and Marco Bello, who grapples with his loyalty to Cosimo as he becomes more disillusioned with the corrupt politics of Florence.

Throughout the episode, the stunning setting and cinematography transport us back to Renaissance Italy, as we see the Medici family navigate the intricacies of power, family, and betrayal. The writing is sharp and engaging, offering plenty of plot twists and character development. The acting, as always, is top-notch, with Richard Madden infusing Cosimo with charisma and complexity, and Sean Bean adding a delicious sense of villainy to Pazzi.

Overall, "Old Scores" is a promising start to the second season of Medici: Masters of Florence. It sets the stage for a thrilling season filled with political intrigue, family drama, and stunning visuals. Fans of the first season will not be disappointed, and new viewers will find plenty to enjoy in this captivating historical drama.