Ep 6. Relics

In The Borgias season 3 episode 6, titled "Relics," the focus is on the aftermath of the French invasion of Rome. The city is in ruins, and many of its residents have fled. The episode opens with a distressing scene as a group of nuns who have taken refuge in a church are attacked by mercenaries.

Pope Alexander VI (played by Jeremy Irons) is struggling to maintain control over his fractured city. He has retreated to the Vatican with his family, including his children Cesare (Francois Arnaud), Juan (David Oakes), and Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger). Alexander is determined to rebuild Rome and restore his authority, but Cesare is skeptical of his father's plans.

Meanwhile, Lucrezia is dealing with her own struggles. She is pregnant with her second child and is worried about the safety of her husband, Alfonso (Sebastian de Souza), who has been taken prisoner by the French. She seeks the help of her trusted advisor, Rufio (Thure Lindhardt), to negotiate for Alfonso's release.

Cesare, on the other hand, is preoccupied with the relics of Saint Peter, which he believes will give him the spiritual power he needs to rule over Rome. He enlists the help of Michelotto (Sean Harris) to steal the relics from their hiding place. However, Cesare's plans are complicated when he learns that the French have also set their sights on the relics.

As the episode progresses, we see the characters grappling with the consequences of their actions. Lucrezia's negotiations for Alfonso's release take a surprising turn, while Cesare's pursuit of the relics leads him to make a difficult decision. Alexander must also confront the reality of his rule, as he faces opposition from both his enemies and his allies.

Overall, "Relics" is a tense and dramatic episode that highlights the high stakes of the power struggles in Renaissance Italy. The exquisite costumes and stunning set design transport viewers back in time, while the talented cast delivers nuanced performances that bring the complex characters to life. Whether you're a history buff or simply a fan of intense drama, The Borgias season 3 episode 6 is a must-watch.