The Assassin

"The Assassin" is the second episode of the Showtime-Bravo! series The Borgias. It was written and directed by series creator Neil Jordan and originally aired on April 3, 2011, as the second half of a 2-hour premiere. The episode deals with the aftermath and investigation into the murder of Cardinal Orsini, and the beginning of Cardinal della Rovere's plot to depose Alexander VI. Plot Immediately following the murder of Cardinal Orsini, Micheletto (Sean Harris) informs Cesare (François Arnaud) that there is also a plot against his family. They arrive at Cesare's home to save his mother and sister, Vannozza (Joanne Whalley) and Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger). Juan (David Oakes) arrives at the palace of Cardinal Orsini and directs his soldiers to arrest Orsini's household staff. Later, Cesare meets with his father, the Pope (Jeremy Irons) and Cardinal della Rovere (Colm Feore), who tells them Orsini was killed by poison. Soon after, Juan brings Micheletto into the room, having arrested him outside the gates. The Pope recognizes him as one of the servants pouring wine during the dinner, and Juan orders he be tortured for information. Before Juan can begin his interrogation, Cesare tells him that he will do it instead. Cesare tells Micheletto that he will release him, and to spy on Cardinal della Rovere. After briefly torturing Micheletto, Cesare discusses Orsini's murder with the Pope. Alexander tells Cesare that he is being made a Cardinal, and Cesare begs him to reconsider, and give him control of the Papal armies, but is denied again in favour of Juan. In addition, Alexander tells Cesare that he intends to find a husband for Lucrezia, in order to make an ally of an enemy. Meanwhile, Micheletto arrives at della Rovere's home, where he gains his trust by showing the Cardinal his wounded back. In the Vatican, the Pope hears the confession of Giulia Farnese (Lotte Verbeek), a noble woman in Rome. She confesses that she ended her pregnancy, a sin which "only the Pope can forgive". The Pope allows her to reside in Cardinal Orsini's now empty palace while she performs her penance.