The Borgias - Season 3 [DVD]

Having waited ten months for the next and sadly final instalment of this superb drama we have, as usual, gobbled the whole season up in unseemly haste. This review contains slight spoilers for the end of season two so if you've not seen it then skip the following paragraph.The action follows on immediately from the nail biting finale of Season two with our Borgia pope fighting for his life following Della Rovere's poisoning as the avaricious cardinals vie to become Alexander's successor.The depth of political intrigue makes West Wing look like a kitten playing with string and it is impossible to describe any of the goings-on without completely spoiling the season. Suffice to say that Cesare continues to be unappreciated as he strives to further cement the papacy's hold over the squabbling family states while Lucrezia struggles with the consequences of her conflicted amorous feelings. Throughout the seemingly endless labyrinthine plotting, shifting allegiances and messy deaths, the splendidly reliable and implacable Michelotto continues to shine as the apparently only trustworthy person in the whole country.With the same obsessive production values, huge cast and sumptuous costumes & locations it is sadly no surprise that again, the network bean-counters axed the show before the fourth and final planned season citing the financial cost as the main reason. Also, I somewhat cynically & perhaps pretentiously suspect that the writing and plot design were just too elegant and complex for the American mass audience. Whatever the reason, it is a shame that they wouldn't even finance a final two hour `wind-up' episode to satisfy the enthralled audience as the extant season three does end somewhat abruptly. Notwithstanding the ending, this season is a must for anyone gripped by the intricacies of 15th Century Italian politics.

This series is worth seeing over and over again for it's outstanding acting performances from all the characters, the visually rich production (costumes, interiors and locations) and the intelligent and entertaining dialogues.It is obvious that no cost was spared in producing this series. It is also obvious that great care was taken in casting all the roles - all the actors are serious professionals, making every person seem important (as they are) to the telling of the story. It's a pity this series didn't receive more media attention and awards.The story line of the Borgias in this series is based primarily on the worst poisonous rumors about their lives, but understandable since it makes the story easier to tell, and in some ways, far more interesting. However, some of the outlandish scenarios that seem too ludicrous to be true did actually happen - but just did not involve the Borgias!*The packaging was a disappointment. The season 1 and season 2 DVD sets consisted of 2 plastic boxes each containing 2 discs each, so that you wouldn't have to wrestle with all four discs (being layered on top of one another) at once, as is the case with this season 3 set.It also would have benefitted from more information about who played which roles, as well as production credits.*For a well researched and astonishing look at the real lives of the Borgias, try "The Borgias, The Hidden History", by G.J. Meyer, also purchased on this site. A riveting book that is hard to put down! The Borgias: The Hidden History

Whereas Season two was sort of bogged down by the slowly emerging conflict between Cesare and Juan, season three offers a more elaborate plot.Father Borgia struggles to reform the Church and surviving it, Cesare strives to become his own man, while Lucrezia faces another failed marriage and tries to find consolation with dear Cesare who finds his own passion aflame. Congratulations to the writers of the script to handle the topic incest with empathy, even giving its own melancholic score. Cesare and Lucrezia come across as two children who simply fall in love because there is no one else for them.The Season also offers solid political lessons. One feels the Borgia pope has received a lot of bad publicity from people who envy him for being better at the game than they are. After all, the Bible really makes no mention of celibacy, conclaves and other parts of the catholic dogma. Jeremy Irons portrays the pope as an astute politician whose only sin is loving his family more than his god. François Arnaud becomes his dark blade, sometimes awing his own henchman and earning the admiration of his friend and advisor Machiavelli.All in all, it is worth your money.

Whilst I love this series (Jeremy Irons is superb), it is yet another series I have come to love that has had its ending ruined by network execs pulling the plug early. Why can't they give the show makers more notice? At least that way they could do a re-write and tie things off properly.Now I hear that they're going to release an eBook to finish off the plot threads - I don't want to read about it! I want to watch it. If I wanted to read about it I'd have bought a history book on the Borgias. I don't want historical accuracy - I want double-dealing and skulduggery from an excellent cast.Brilliant third season, brilliant show overall - will be sadly missed in our household...

I love this series. I am just sad that it came to an end after only a few short seasons. I love Jeremy Irons. What an actor. I will have to watch the complete series over again. I wish it would come back ~ highly recommend it.I am also pleased with the delivery service of Amazon ~ so quick and things well packaged!

I loved the whole series, beautiful work. I was sorry that another season did not follow, last episode was a cliff hanger would have loved another episode to have summoned up the continuing life of the borgias. Actors were simply beautiful and talented. I loved this series and will continue to view it from time to time

Adult contacts TV show, but that being said it is interesting and a good watch and well worth adding to your collection.

Just too bad that they cancelled Season Four. Would love to have Season Four to wrap up the series properly. I am very disappointed with the "abrupt ending", to say the least.

I have been looking all over for the final season of the Borgias I'm so glad my collection is now complete