Die Medici: Herrscher von Florenz

Let me start by saying that I simply don't understand how this series seems to have been largely ignored by mainstream media. It has a devoted fanbase, but hasn't really taken off. Given the quality of the show, that's a travesty.

Anyway, about the show. Through all three seasons, with the changing cast as generations pass on, the quality of acting has been stellar. Actors are well cast and do a superlative job of bringing characters to life.

Needless to say, the stunning backdrops in Italy are magnificent. The productions values are right up there too, whether it be costumes, sets, whatever.

And a grate theme song by Paolo Buonvino and Skin.

If you haven't watched this, you really should!

I love period dramas, and I particularly like the idea of a drama centered around the Medici family. Acting is great, story line is great. There's one problem though, the audio engineering is HORRIBLE. It's often difficult to hear the dialogue, even when it's not being drowned out by the overbearing score. It's just not mixed well.

I am honestly baffled by the negative reviews for this show. While it wasn't perfect, for me the good far outweighed the bad. First, the strengths:

1) The soundtrack! The opening sequence is strong, and sets the tone beautifully for what is to come, and the moody instrumental music throughout the show added to the scenes without being distracting. 2) The entire thing is visually stunning. Seriously. From the landscapes to the sets, costumes, food, colors... the whole thing is a feast for the eyes. 3) Medici: Masters of Florence is a study in the dynamics of both a family and a city. If you enjoy political intrigue, relationship drama, or the arts, this show is where it's at. 4) The acting in this show is beautiful. Annabel Scholey's many layered performance as Contessina was stunning. Richard Madden can say more with just his eyes than anyone currently on television. Stuart Martin and Guido Caprino as Lorenzo Di'Medici and Marco Bello own the screen with their charisma.

I only saw two issues that detracted from the program. 1) The casting of Dustin Hoffman as Giovanni was a real head-scratcher. His accent and demeanor did not mesh with everything else, and the performance had the air of being something his agent forced him to do. Normally I really do love DH, but this was not his best.

2) This quality is a little harder to put into words, but I felt like the show took a while to find its footing--like it wasn't quite sure which direction it wanted to take. In spite of that, I couldn't stop watching, and really enjoyed this show. Looking forward to season 2!

So while I love period pieces and feel the actors chosen to depict the main characters are stars in their own rights, I'm struggling to watch Medici. Struggling because I want to watch it and conversely because I can't hear a good portion of the dialogue. Can someone turn down the music and background noise please so I can hear the speeches? It goes super loud and then so quiet that the music drowns everything. majorly irritating because I actually care and want to devour this show....

Such an underrated show, and i prefer it over other historical dramas like The borgias and Tudors. Richard madden and Daniel were amazing and fit for the characters. The show gave me assassin's creed brotherhood vibes, which made me love it even more. Loved storyline, the historical period and settings.