For openers: History is a Lie
And so another extended series based on historical data begins and oddly enough the other series set in the same time frame, THE BORGIAS, is similar to the decadent feeling established by the first episode of DA VINCI'S DEMONS. The writers and directors of this series of eight episodes vary from week to week and so we may have a different opinion with each passing episode. Is the series worth watching? It seems so, if the antics that occur in episode 1 are indicative of the direction.
After a rather hilarious opening with the fully nude Hugh Bonneville and his male consort preparing to face a new day worried about bowels and other matters - a brief setting as Bonnevile is instantly murdered - we move into Renaissance Florence where the 25 year old artist/engineer/wizard genius Leonardo Da Vinci (Tom Riley) is working on yet another amazing use of flight with his friends Nico (Eros Vlahos) and Zoroaster (Gregg Chillin) and the amiable Verrocchio (Alan Corduner). The young Da...
Excellent production.
Witty, fast paced, riddled with riddles and very clever.
Not as grim as "Game of Thrones": it actually reminds me of "Shakespeare in love" sometimes, but in a good way.
Don't expect "History Channel's" accuracy - this is entertainment around Da Vinci's life and achievements. No more, no less.
Still, I just can't stress how deep and clever this series manages to be.
Expect nudity, erotic moments, gay relationships and violence - a formula Starz is very familiar with (at least) since Spartacus.
Written/directed by the guy who wrote Batman Begins
If that's not enough to get you interested the mix of history and fiction is excellent. The use of da Vinci's drawings add to the visual representation.
Word of warning: I recommended this to a coworker who also likes GoT and TrueBlood and he (and his wife) were really turned off by the homosexual plot lines. For others it may be a selling point. For historians it simply happened.
Hopefully the set will include a making of 30 min that aired on British TV, it adds some background and perspective (two things da Vinci would have appreciated). One thing David Goyer noted was an intetional choice to cast British actors who American's may not be as familiar with.
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