Recap / Borgia S1E12: "The Serpent Rises"

Rodrigo tries to make peace with della Rovere. Rather than having the cardinal stand trial, the pope reaffirms della Rovere’s cardinalate. Goffredo’s wife, Sancia, becomes infatuated with Cesare, who rejects her advances. She, once again, sleeps with Juan. Lucrezia leaves the convent, discovers that she is pregnant with Pedro’s child. Juan is murdered. Cesare leads the investigation, even though he is considered a prime suspect. But so many people wanted Juan dead that there is virtually no hope of finding the killer. Rodrigo, devastated by Juan’s death, remains hidden in his apartments at the Apostolic Palace. When Cesare finally convinces him to emerge, the dazed pope says that Juan’s murder is the punishment of God and that, as pope, he will weed out the corruption rampant in the Church. Cesare finds out from Pantilisea that Lucrezia is pregnant. Cesare chases Pedro through the halls of the Vatican, brandishing his sword. He finally catches him in the Papal Throne Room, where he cuts off the man’s head – the blood splattering on Rodrigo’s face and white papal gown. Cesare has a certain satisfaction watching his father suffer. Lucrezia, betrayed by Pantilisea, does not weep when the girl’s body is found in the Tiber. Now the eldest son, Cesare convinces his grieving father to allow him to resign as a cardinal and to become a solider so that “I may create a Borgia empire.” Cesare sets off for Naples to marry the King’s daughter and begin his conquest of Italy.