The name Borgia stands for betrayal, intrigue and corruption in the Vatican, which was the center of the world during the Renaissance.
The best episode of "Borgia" season 1 is "1492", rated 7.2/10 from 248 user votes. It was directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and written by Tom Fontana. "1492" aired on 10/10/2011 and is rated 0.3 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Ondata di calore".
Though officially their uncle, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia gathers his three children, but Juan's and Cesare's lack of control threaten his life's work.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Writer: Tom Fontana
When a plot to poison the pope is baffled and the pontiff's original testament restored, Cesare watches his brother rise further in Rodrigo's esteem.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Writer: N/A
A quarrel starts among the cardinals and old reckonings are being settled, while Cesare offers his son as a sacrifice to God, abandoning the newborn.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Writer: N/A
Rodrigo promises estates and offices for those voting in his favour, and when white smoke rises, he leaves the conclave as Pope Alexander VI.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Writer: N/A
The wedding of Lucrezia to Giovanni Sforza is to seal the union between the Borgia and Sforza families, but the marriage will not be consummated.
Director: Dearbhla Walsh
Writer: N/A
As peace remains brittle, Rodrigo publicly acknowledges his paternity of Juan, Cesare, Lucrezia and Goffredo to strengthen the family bonds.
Director: Dearbhla Walsh
Writer: N/A
Instead of keeping the peace, Rodrigo gives in to Giulia's urging and has his men take up arms, but under Juan's command the campaign fails.
Director: Metin Hüseyin
Writer: N/A
With his enemies advancing and his troops deserting Juan's command, Rodrigo has to take a tough decision that puts Cesare's life at stake.
Director: Metin Hüseyin
Writer: N/A
Rodrigo has his back on the wall as the French troops occupy the Eternal city, but thanks to his son Cesare, a fragile peace can be negotiated.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
By the intervention of Spain, France is forced to withdraw, but Isabella of Spain demands a purge of the Jews from the Eternal City.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
To prove himself worthy of the crown of Naples, Juan proposes to convert the Jews in a mass christening, but accidentally reveals a dark secret.
Director: Metin Hüseyin
Writer: N/A
Cesare leads an investigative commission into Juan's death, but cannot find the guilty party and soon fears he himself killed his brother.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A