The Borgias

In the season one premiere, Rodrigo successfully bribes and intimidates his way into an election as Pope Alexander VI, making him the new leader of the Catholic Church.

The new Pope elevates his children to high office, installing Juan as head of the papal armies, Cesare as a cardinal and Lucrezia as a potential wife for a political ally.

His coffers depleted by his expensive rise to power, the new Pope seeks a profitable marriage for Lucrezia while the Borgias host a charming Turkish prince.

Lucrezia's wedding to a Milanese nobleman is a disaster thanks to her family's tawdry public displays; Della Rovere seeks the aid of the Medicis and Machiavelli.

Alternately neglected and abused by her cruel husband, Lucrezia has an affair with Paolo, a handsome stable boy. Cesare strikes a bargain with Machiavell.

Della Rovere reaches France and strikes a bargain with its ruler to invade Italy and install him on the Papal throne in exchange for control of Naples. Rodrigo attempts to thwart the invasion through an alliance.

Victory seems inevitable for the French as King Charles and Della Rovere sack the city of Lucca and the other Italian powers flee to their banner.

The Pope awaits his fate as the pregnant Lucrezia is captured by the French but charms King Charles and is allowed to persuade her brother to withdraw his hopelessly outmatched troops.

Abandoned by even his cardinals, Alexander meets King Charles with humility and saves his throne. Della Rovere despairs as Charles abandons him. Lucrezia safely gives birth to a son in a convent as the Borgias secure an annulment of her marriage and plot revenge on their enemies.