Medici: Masters of Florence Season 1 Review

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Medici: Masters of Florence is a political drama about the powerful banking family, Medici, of 15th century Italy. An attractive, intelligent and self-possessed protagonist reluctant to take up the mantel of a dynasty, but exceptionally good at it. That’s a classic, case in point, The Godfather. I decided to watch Medici because I love period dramas and History fascinates me. Medici: Masters of Florence is historical fiction at its most entertaining.

Cosimo de’ Medici, played by Richard Madden, is the charismatic heir of the influential Medici banking family. The first season of the show is about his ascension to power. It is a political story having the compelling characteristics of a bildungsroman. The evolution of Cosimo’s character, similar to that of Michael Corleone’s, is intriguing. Al Pacino won hearts all over the world with his performance as the Italian mafia lord, Michael Corleone, in The Godfather. Though I feel it sacrilegious to compare Richard Madden to Al Pacino, I must say, Madden proves himself a promising actor with his performance.

Dustin Hoffman plays Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici, the autocratic head of the family, who builds the Medici Empire. Annabel Scholey gives an excellent performance as Contessina, one of the most important and inspiring characters on the show. The show has all the features of the archetypal story- the hero, his faithful sidekick, the heroine, the villain; the common man caught in their power struggle, trials and tribulations, love, murder and more. What makes it a great show is how these stereotypical elements are brought together in a gripping and well-thought-out narrative. The characters are well rounded. The power play is interesting. The Italian countryside is gorgeous. Overall, an engaging political drama and one of the best contemporary TV shows.

I am looking forward to season 2.

Rating- 4/5


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