The Borgias tv series

"[The trick] is to have the essential true-life story completely nailed to the ground for structure. Then, before anybody nods off, throw in a lot of sex and sword-play and shoot it all beautifully with beautiful people. It’s a winning recipe" 

"'The Borgias' is a visually opulent history lesson but lacks the amoral aura of a psychopathic family driven to hold onto power at all costs." 

"We watch less in suspense than in wonder: wonder at the cheek and gall of these characters" 

"Vile, corrupt, addictive (...) As a piece of popular art itself, the series squanders some of its potential (...) For bitter or even lapsed Catholics, 'The Borgias' can nevertheless be a real scream" 

"Dazzling, but dull (...) You might be mildly entertained and yet still feel a gnawing hunger for something more" 

"[It is good] thanks largely to Irons, a strong supporting cast and sophisticated production values."