Medici: The Magnificent season 2 finale recap: Mass

In the season 2 finale of Netflix series, Medici: The Magnificent, the Pazzi conspiracy makes life bloody for the Medici, and there is retaliation.

Previously on Medici: The Magnificent, the Medici family were increasingly in the Pazzi family’s crosshairs, after a few assassinations already occurred. Now in the Florence of April 1478, it’s really ready to hit the fan. Granted, neither Lorenzo de Medici (Daniel Sharman) nor his brother, Giuliano (Bradley James) know how immediate the threat is. At Mass, Lorenzi happens to be standing not far from Francesco de’ Pazzi (Matteo Martari). As most attendees kneel, Francesco instigates the assassination campaign by slashing at Lorenzo’s neck!

Though his cut is not fatal, Giuliano isn’t quite so lucky: He gets stabbed numerous times, with each one looking like a possible death blow. Lorenzo narrowly escapes Francesco, cordoning himself in a locked room along with his mother, Lucrezia (Sarah Parish), and wife, Clarice (Synnøve Karlsen). Soon, artist Sandro Botticelli (Sebastian de Souza) is told that the Medici were murdered.

It certainly appears that way at first. Salviati (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd), archbishop and pawn of Jacopo de’ Pazzi (Sean Bean), tells a gathering crowd that Petrucci (David Brandon) will cooperate and spare the need for further bloodshed. For a time they think Lorenzo is indeed slain, based on the cries of Lucrezia (who is actually crying over Giuliano’s death). Now Jacopo Pazzi thinks he can take over, claiming he’ll bring liberty and freedom to the people after liberating them from Medici tyranny.

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As they try to force Petrucci to forfeit his power, Lorenzo shows up in person outside to confront the scheming team of Salviati, Francesco and Jacopo. As the assassination occurred at a holy place, Lorenzo says they are not crimes against family, but crimes against god! He also wonders why Jacopo’s soldiers are all outsiders if he is truly s liberating Florence. Indeed, the townspeople throw stones and Pazzi’s men, making them seem far from invincible warriors.

What to do about it?

Medici: The Magnificent offers up many complications. For example, was Guglielmo de’ Pazzi (Charlie Vickers) involved in the assassination? After the events, Guglielmo discusses the matter with his companion, Bianca de’ Medici (Aurora Ruffino). Specifically, they talk about the letter Francesco sent him about meeting outside of Mass, thus possibly sparing his life. Guglielmo says he didn’t believe Francesco would kill at Mass.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo says he wants to expunge the Pazzi name from history and Jacopo is understandably prevented from leaving Florence. Salviati says Lorenzo has no right to judge, as the Medici have their own history of violence. However, it falls on deaf ears (plus, two wrongs don’t make a right, do they?). Lorenzo arranges a series of hangings for the assassins, which triggers a sword fight between him and Jacopo.

Though Jacopo seems to be nearly victorious, a would-be death blow is thwarted by some hidden chest armor. He, Francesco and Salviati are brought to the Palazzo Vecchio to get their necks extended. Lorenzo does ask why Jacopo hates his family so. Jacopo explains that the Pazzi clan was destined to rule, then adds that Guglielmo was not involved. he is soon hung with the other two, which the crowd below seems to enjoy.

Guglielmo, Sandro, and the future

As the people of Florence purged the Pazzi from town, one of Sandro’s paintings was burned in the chaos. When told of this, Lorenzo wants Sandro to paint the Pazzi to have their shame recorded and remembered. Sandro uses it as a moment to remind Lorenzo of his virtue and kindness and to not let it vanish in a flurry of revenge. On that note, Guglielmo is soon asked why he wasn’t in the pews at Mass. Guglielmo insists he knew nothing of the plot. Lorenzo spares his life, partly because Bianca says that, if Guglielmo is to be killed, so will she and their baby.

It’s a poignant moment for Medici: The Magnificent, to be sure.  They and their baby are to be exiled after Giuliano’s funeral. Meanwhile, in Rome, Pope Sixtus IV (Raoul Bova) is informed of the hangings and that Cardinal Riario (Francesco di Raimondo) is held hostage. Finally, Sandro paints a scene of spring, emphasizing that, after death comes life and rebirth.

What are your thoughts on Medici: The Magnificent? Let us know in the comments!