02E05 - The Choice

With the French armies defeated and returning to France, the Pope sends Cesare to Forli Palace to deal with Catherina Sforza and Lucrezia's husband Giovanni Sforza, who sided with the French. On the way, they stop at Micheletto's home where Cesare meets his mother. Cesare invites Catherina to kneel before the Pope and kiss his ring but she delays her answer. She doesn't delay seducing him however. The Pope has another problem and travels to Florence where Friar Savarona is preaching to enthusiastic crowds about the decadence of the Church and the urgent need for reform. In Rome, Lucrezia, her mother Vanozza and Giulia Farnese are having an impact. Their first priority is to ensure that the general populace has access to clean water and public baths. They then tour the brothels of Rome to gather information. Cardinal Della Rovere plans to poison the Pope.