“The Blood of Man” achieves quite a bit considering it has to juggle the outcome of Season 1 while also paving the way for that narrative that lies ahead, with just enough time for Leonardo da Vinci to exhibit us how clever he's. Da Vinci may have his name in the title but it was his friends and enemies who have been the focal point of Season 2’s bombastic premiere.
Clarice is given quite a lot to do within the first half of this episode. She asserts herself like a strong figurehead for the Medici family and Florence within the wake of what has happened while also making sure her children are protected.
It’s a great character building moment as well as gives Laura Pulver a little more flexibility in the role. Clarice’s handling of Dragonetti’s betrayal was appropriate and swift inside a crisis and her handling of the search party for Lorenzo proved that she had the situation well in hand.
It would be good to see Pulver given more possibilities to let Clarice breath in Season 2 but with where the series goes I’m not sure how much we are seeing of her yet. Then there's Count Riario, who is beginning to inch his way up my TV villains list. Those badass glasses made another appearance.
Can I get those frames in my prescription? Riario’s crusade to gain entry to the Vault of Heaven and obtain the Book of Leaves has put him at odds together with his former allies.
It’s obvious that his attempt to overthrow the Medici family was more about serving his own endeavors rather than doing what was best for Rome. Pope Sixtus’ reaction to Riario’s personal crusade was telling. It almost seemed as if he had seen others head on the path Riario is taking with potentially disastrous results.
Thinking about the tease we saw at the very start of the episode, Pope Sixtus may have a good idea of the fate that lies ahead of Riario.