Original Sin

Il Magnifico Medici was not a pretty boy, he was ugly, according to The Agony and the Ecstacy (based on historical records). Also, the brilliant scholars he brought into his fold and supported were not sycophants, as this simpleminded story portrays them. I guess it's entertaining, therefore 2 stars, rather than 1. I admit, I could only stomach about 30 minutes of this tv farce. Bill

This series of films focuses on the Medici, one of the darkest and best known families in Italy's past. The first episode was above standard. We also saw what was actually at the forefront of the papal elections. This is already known. The costume and jewelry design is quite successful. I can say that the location design is also quite good. But the acting falls down from time to time. The dialogues contain too many clichés. In order to keep the audience's interest high, the dose of intrigue is emphasized too much. I found the arguments and fights in the parliament unconvincing. It was not bad for the first episode. We will watch it and see if it gets better or worse in the future.