While Season 1 of 'The Borgias' was in my opinion one with a lot of merits, large ones too, and was solid as an overall whole, it wasn't consistent in everything namely the dialogue and pacing. Both improved quite a bit when the season hit its stride in its second half though still with reservations, but everything about the show is even better and more even in this second season with less to criticise about.
Loved all the previous five Season 2 episodes for similar reasons and also individual standout little things and character moments. "Day of Ashes" doesn't disappoint and continues the season's consistently high quality, even if there isn't quite any scene on the same level as the previous episode's ("The Choice") climax, which to me is one of 'The Borgias' greatest moments. In all fairness, that would have been a big ask and it would have been difficult following on from an ending of such tension and emotion.
Found very little wrong with "Day of Ashes". My only issue is actually one that has been the general weak link to me of the season and one of the lesser elements of the show. The Della Rovere subplot is not as intriguing as it should be and generally throughout the season felt dragged out and like it took too long to advance, by this point it started to get on the far-fetched side as well.
However, the production values are of the usual top notch quality. The photography rivals a lot of period dramas on film and the costumes especially are exquisite, Lucrezia always looks wonderful. The music still has the beauty and intensity that were present in the previous episodes. Meanwhile the opening titles sequences and main theme still give me the chills. One of my favourite opening titles sequences of all time, whether film or television. The main theme is incredible, the sheer intensity, grandeur and drama (already sending chills down the spine and induces goosebumps before the episode's even begun) makes it one of my favourite main themes for any show. Matched by splendidly and cleverly designed visuals. On both fronts, the standout is the opening scene, one of my favourite openings of any 'The Borgias' episode.
The writing improved a lot over time and this improvement can be seen in "Day of Ashes". Rodrigo has two of his best lines, one being his take on Giovanni's death and the other being regarding his joke in regard to poisoning. Love the dialogue between Cesare and Machiavelli and Lucrezia's understandable reaction regarding marriage, but it's Vanozza who has the best line (to Rodrigo about Lent) in one of my favourite Vanozza moments in a scene that gives her her worthiest material in a while. Not just the line, but also Jeremy Irons' expression in reaction to it which is a picture. Della Rovere aside, the story is thoroughly absorbing and elevated by the character interactions. Namely between Rodrigo and Cesare and Cesare and Machiavelli, and anybody worried that Lucrezia's subplot is a return to the character writing for her in Season 1 will be relieved now that the character has since undergone a significant character growth. Among "Day of Ashes" most effective moments concern the delicious character of Savonarola, both over-the-top and chilling.
Cannot find much complaint with the performances, Cesare has by now become 'The Borgias' most interesting character and the meatier his material got the more growing in intensity Francois Arnaud came. Holliday Grainger also grew in confidence once Lucrezia became increasingly closer to the real life historical figure of Lucrezia. Steven Berkoff, looking eerily like Uncle Fester from 'The Addams Family', mixes fun and sinister deliciously and Jeremy Irons is especially believable in showing Rodrigo's irate anger, which he does with genuine fire.
In summary, extremely good. 9/10
Loved all the previous five Season 2 episodes for similar reasons and also individual standout little things and character moments. "Day of Ashes" doesn't disappoint and continues the season's consistently high quality, even if there isn't quite any scene on the same level as the previous episode's ("The Choice") climax, which to me is one of 'The Borgias' greatest moments. In all fairness, that would have been a big ask and it would have been difficult following on from an ending of such tension and emotion.
Found very little wrong with "Day of Ashes". My only issue is actually one that has been the general weak link to me of the season and one of the lesser elements of the show. The Della Rovere subplot is not as intriguing as it should be and generally throughout the season felt dragged out and like it took too long to advance, by this point it started to get on the far-fetched side as well.
However, the production values are of the usual top notch quality. The photography rivals a lot of period dramas on film and the costumes especially are exquisite, Lucrezia always looks wonderful. The music still has the beauty and intensity that were present in the previous episodes. Meanwhile the opening titles sequences and main theme still give me the chills. One of my favourite opening titles sequences of all time, whether film or television. The main theme is incredible, the sheer intensity, grandeur and drama (already sending chills down the spine and induces goosebumps before the episode's even begun) makes it one of my favourite main themes for any show. Matched by splendidly and cleverly designed visuals. On both fronts, the standout is the opening scene, one of my favourite openings of any 'The Borgias' episode.
The writing improved a lot over time and this improvement can be seen in "Day of Ashes". Rodrigo has two of his best lines, one being his take on Giovanni's death and the other being regarding his joke in regard to poisoning. Love the dialogue between Cesare and Machiavelli and Lucrezia's understandable reaction regarding marriage, but it's Vanozza who has the best line (to Rodrigo about Lent) in one of my favourite Vanozza moments in a scene that gives her her worthiest material in a while. Not just the line, but also Jeremy Irons' expression in reaction to it which is a picture. Della Rovere aside, the story is thoroughly absorbing and elevated by the character interactions. Namely between Rodrigo and Cesare and Cesare and Machiavelli, and anybody worried that Lucrezia's subplot is a return to the character writing for her in Season 1 will be relieved now that the character has since undergone a significant character growth. Among "Day of Ashes" most effective moments concern the delicious character of Savonarola, both over-the-top and chilling.
Cannot find much complaint with the performances, Cesare has by now become 'The Borgias' most interesting character and the meatier his material got the more growing in intensity Francois Arnaud came. Holliday Grainger also grew in confidence once Lucrezia became increasingly closer to the real life historical figure of Lucrezia. Steven Berkoff, looking eerily like Uncle Fester from 'The Addams Family', mixes fun and sinister deliciously and Jeremy Irons is especially believable in showing Rodrigo's irate anger, which he does with genuine fire.
In summary, extremely good. 9/10
