The worst episodes of The Borgias
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
Cesare burns Constanzo's palace to contain the plague; Lucrezia seeks a Neapolitan power base for herself; one of the candidates for Ferdinand's replacement is accused of trying to kill the other.
- 02
Lucrezia's wedding is a disaster; the Borgia children's mother arrives; Della Rovere seeks the aid of the Medici family.
- 03
The father of Lucrezia's child travels to meet her in Rome; the Pope's lovers take him on a tour of Rome's indigent.
- 04
Alexander begins a Lenten fast after fearing a sign from God; Cesare tries to prove his worth; the Pope pressures Lucrezia into another marriage.
- 05
Cesare lands in northern Italy; Catherina sends a plague-infested cloth to Alexander; Alexander taxes a newly arrived Jewish communtiy; Mattai gains the Pope's respect.
- 06
Juan returns from Spain; Alexander plans to lay siege to Sforza's castle; Lucrezia scuttles a marriage scheme.
- 07
Cesare recruits mercenaries to exact revenge on French troops; the pope forges strategic alliances; Lucrezia joins Giulia, who strives to aid the poor.
- 08
Della Rovere strikes a bargain with King Charles of France; Rodrigo attempts to thwart an invasion.
- 09
Pope Alexander VI takes a new lover; a cache of ancient artifacts is discovered; Cesare and Juan's rivalry spills into the streets; Lucrezia tends her newborn child; Della Rovere escapes an assassination attempt.
- 10
Rodrigo seeks funds through a profitable marriage for Lucrezia and charges a fee for safe haven; the Borgias host a Turkish prince.
- 11
Cardinal Farnese discovers Versucci's theft; Alexander calls for a Crusade; Giulia arranges an orgy for the new Cardinals; King Ferdinand learns that Lucrezia's marriage has not been consummated.
- 12
Micheletto kills his lover and disappears; Cesare races to rescue Lucrezia; Alfonso begins to drink heavily; Alexander and Mattai scheme to corner the market in Italian sulphur.
- 13
Lucrezia has an affair with a stable boy; Cesare strikes a bargain with Machiavelli and takes action to rid Ursula of her husband.
- 14
Alexander VI refuses to allow a Catholic burial for Paolo; Lucrezia embarks on a hunger strike; the French army heads to Rome; Della Rovere sneaks into the city.
- 15
Alexander meets King Charles with humility; Charles abandons Della Rovere; Lucrezia gives birth in a convent.
- 16
Juan tries to spin his combat injury as proof of his valor; Lucrezia takes a lover; Della Rovere recruits a young friar.
- 17
Pilgrims travel to Rome for the Jubilee year celebrations; Catherina wants to hinder the festival; Mattai's contacts destroy a Turkish fleet; Lucrezia sees a change in Frederigo; Micheletto learns his lover is a spy.
- 18
Extremely ruthless and ambitious cardinal Rodrigo Borgia uses bribery to take advantage of the death of the current Pope and rise to the Papacy.
- 19
Micheletto, Orsini's assassin is recruited by Cesare to defect into the service of Della Rovere who is trying to prove Rodrigo has taken on a mistress.
- 20
The invaders capture a pregnant Lucrezia who charms King Charles; Pope Alexander VI awaits his fate.
- 21
Alexander prepares to end his fast with a celebration; Della Rovere's assassin becomes the Pope's taster; Lucrezia's lover proposes; Cesare makes a decision.
- 22
Cesare has a startling revelation; Lucrezia falls for a new suitor; Cesare cannot extract a confession; the assassin strikes.
- 23
Pope Alexander fights for his life; the cardinals fight for control of the papacy; Cesare and Micheletto track the assassin; Della Rovere prepares to make his move.
- 24
The invasion of France proceeds; Giovanni Sforza is poised to join the battle; Leonardo Da Vinci shares drawings and blueprints.
- 25
Cesare's diplomatic mission is a success; Bianca takes her own life; Alexander and Sforza conspire to repay Gonzaga; Lucrezia travels to Naples; King Ferdinand continues the refusal of recognizing Giovanni.
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