Every time one sees a historical drama announced, one expects intense acting, intriguing historical revelations, flesh and blood enactment of events that changed the world, famous people passing by, and yes, a little fantasy, a little sex, you know...what is expected of historical television these days. This show is boring to a fault. The accents are terrible. The whole rhythm is predictable: a little intrigue among cardinals; followed by a little self flagellation, so we know we are talking about the Catholic Chruch; followed by a bloody squabble among young men, making sure we cut an ear or a finger; and of course lots of sex among forbidden partners. In short, a bore. For a masterful production, seek "Isabel" by Radio Television Española. We can get history with the fun and the sex, and not be yawning in the process.

Jeremy Irons has the talent and the voice, but he is not Alexander VI. He doesn't look like Rodrigo Borja.- Showtime has success in the suntous technical aspects, the Jordan direction, and a great Cesar Borgia by Francois Arnaud.-This one has a much better script, more historically accurate (even there some huge historical mistakes) and better actors in the supporting roles.-Specially great are the ladies Vanossa, Julia and LucreziaI love all the intrigues between the cardinals, and the roman families.- People complain about the languages. but real life Rodrigo Borgia probably sound exactly like Pope Francis, speaking an intelligible Italian.Any way all the actors looks much more the historical figures, than in the show time miniseries. And this is another point in favor.There are good reasons why this TV was renewed and the Irons was canceled.-

This series wouldn't be so bad if not for the fact that John Doman talks with an American accent the entire series. Everyone else in the show at the very least have English accents, even though the Borgia's were from Spain and the show takes place in Italy. If Mr. Doman would have even taken one class in a Spanish or even an English accent, I could say that this show would be a bit better, but not nearly as good as Showtimes "The Borgias". Borgia: Faith and Fear is nothing but an attempt to ride on the coat tails of Showtime and to clearly don't have the budget to do so. I would only recommend this show if you love historical dramas, but don't have access to the Showtime version of this time period, but Netflix now has both, so I would say choose Showtime over this heap of junk.

This version is SO frustrating. I wanted to like it so badly. I LOVE everything Medieval. I have seen pretty much EVERYTHING from the period. This version is so terrible... "how do I count the ways?". The acting is HORRIBLE, disgraceful and tremendously sad. I feel compelled to continue to watch because I have the opportunity to do so while I work. But I must say, I am uncomfortable at watching how awkward and lame the acting is. It's like a High school production with a lot of money. What makes adds insult to injury is this ridiculous decision to cast actors with ALL different accents. The American's just plainly SUCK at every role they are appointed. The Brits are weakened by clearly weak direction and the other Europeans are mostly not suited for the roles they're given. Especially the French and the German actors. It's especially painful to see The Borgia children ALL share different accents and Lucrezia with a strong German accent and an AWFUL actress to boot, is pathetic. I could have done a FAR SUPERIOR job casting this show. *sigh*....I would be so good at it.