Juan Borgia, seeing Djem as a threat or a burden, takes matters into his own hands and suffocates the Prince, an act that deeply affects the family. The Borgias Wiki Cast and Production Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia, and Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia. Direction & Writing
In the third episode of Borgia season 1, "Sacred and Profane," Pope Alexander VI navigates the immediate aftermath of his papal election by consolidating his power and addressing the corruption in Rome. The episode highlights rising tensions between siblings Cesare and Juan, alongside the strategic marriage maneuvering of a teenage Lucrezia. It serves as a pivotal, gritty turning point, focusing on the harsh reality of governing and the psychological development of the characters within a historically grounded setting. Share public link
Borgia Season 1, Episode 3, titled " Sacred and Profane ," showcases the intense political maneuvering in Rome following Rodrigo Borgia's ascension to the papacy. The episode focuses on the consolidation of power, the strategic deployment of the Borgia children, and the escalating tension between the sacred role of the Pope and the profane nature of political reality. Share public link borgia 1x03 full
For those who may be unfamiliar with the series, The Borgias is set in 15th-century Italy, during the Renaissance period. The show revolves around the lives of Rodrigo Borgia (played by Jeremy Irons), a cunning and ambitious pope, and his children, Cesare (played by Kevin McKidd), Lucrezia (played by Sarah Gadon), and Giovanni (played by David Oakes). The family's rise to power is marked by their ruthless pursuit of wealth, influence, and control, often through deceit, manipulation, and violence.
Enter Cesare. In a scene that defines his character for the series, Cesare orchestrates the removal of the threat with chilling efficiency. It is a subtle maneuver, devoid of the bombast one might expect from a period drama, but it signals the birth of the Borgia "enforcer." Cesare realizes that his father’s holiness is a shield, and he must be the sword. The episode ends with an understanding: the Borgias are not just a family; they are a corporation, and Cesare is the new COO of Juan Borgia, seeing Djem as a threat or
If you are looking for a straightforward “full episode” summary, know this: The assault is not just on a castle. It is an assault on the idea that the church is holy, that family is safe, and that any sin goes unpunished. By the final frame, Rodrigo is closer to the papacy than ever, but his children are already lost.
The episode explores the intricate relationships within the Borgia family and the Vatican. Pope Alexander VI must balance his desire for power with the need to maintain stability within the Church. Meanwhile, Cesare's return sparks tension, and Lucrezia must navigate her complicated emotions. The episode focuses on the consolidation of power,
Rodrigo forces the rebellious Cardinal Orsini to sit on a throne that is actually a torture device (a cathedra with hidden spikes). He then reveals he has bought the loyalty of the French army via Ludovico. But the masterstroke is the "prodigal son" ruse: He publicly forgives his enemies, only to have them arrested the moment they leave the basilica.
A central theme of this episode is the rapid corruption of youth by political necessity. Rodrigo’s children—Cesare, Juan, and Lucrezia—are thrust into the spotlight, each weaponized by their father to protect the family empire.
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