The Banquet of Chestnuts

The Banquet of Chestnuts is the fourth episode of season three, and the twenty-third episode of the series. It was written by Guy Bert, and directed by Jon Amiel. It will premiere on May 5, 2013.

Plot synopsis
Newly appointed Cardinal Farnese – promoted at the request of his sister Giulia – is placed in the Treasury and quickly discovers Versucci’s theft. Micheletto is sent to find the wayward Cardinal. Meanwhile, upon hearing of Venice’s request for help against Turkish pirates, Alexander, seeing this as an opportunity to replenish the coffers, dramatically calls for a Crusade. Concerned about the loyalty of his new Cardinals, Giulia arranges an orgy for them – the “banquet of chestnuts” – but it is a trap and details of the Cardinals’ sexual activities are recorded to extort their future loyalty. Elsewhere, King Ferdinand learns that Lucrezia and Alfonso’s marriage has not been consummated and demands a public display of their love-making. Lucrezia is humiliated, but the experience seems to increase the incestuous attraction between her and her brother.

Appearances
Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia

François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia

Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia

Peter Sullivan as Ascanio Sforza

Joanne Whalley as Vanozza Cattaneo

Lotte Verbeek as Giulia Farnese

Sean Harris as Micheletto Corella

Simon McBurney as Johannes Burchart

Vernon Dobtcheff as Julius Versucci

Gina McKee as Catherina Sforza

Sebastian De Souza as Alfonso of Aragon

Thure Lindhardt as Rufio

Cyron Melville as Alessandro Farnese

Matias Varela as King Ferdinand II of Naples

Melia Kreiling as Bianca

Patrick O'Kane as Francesco Gonzaga

Antal Leiszen as Cardinal Grimani

Wendy Nottingham as Abbess

Paul Putner as Venetian Envoy as Paul Putner

Péter Polgár as Monk

Jonah Russell as Cardinal Petrucci

Réka Sinkó as Sister Angela

Szilvi Pintér as Sister Sylvia

Leo Bill as N/A

Photos
Every photo of The Banquet of Chestnuts on this wiki can be seen here.

Promo


Sneak peeks
