The Borgias (1981)

Part 3 (1x3)

Air date: Oct 28, 1981

Alexander VI sends his son Giovanni (Juan) as head of his mostly Spanish army to subdue his enemies: the Orsinis. Juan proves an ineffective general and is brought home grievously wounded. Cardinal Cesare forbids the doctor's effective treatment as he wants to take Juan's place, but Juan recovers anyway. Lucrezia Borgia endures an unconsummated marriage until her father dissolves it. He exhibits an "excessive" love for her, resulting in a pregnancy. The pope sends the two sons (Cesare and Juan) to battle the family's enemies; Juan's drowned body is brought home, and Cesare finally feels he will be seen as his father's military strategist/leader.