By Hilde van den Berg
Staff Writer
Famous artist and war engineer Leonardo DaVinci has been the subject of numerous documentaries over the years; however, it’s much less common to see him being portrayed by an actual actor, in a fictional TV-series. The not-so-well-known TV channel Starz saw the opportunity and they took it. Along with the BBC’s Adjacent Productions, they both set the series in motion.
As you might have guessed, Leonardo (Tom Riley) is our main character. He doesn’t only paint and create a few war machines; He’s dragged into the intriguing and mysterious brotherhood of the Sons of Mithras, which he encountered during the search for his mother. You see, our “artiste”, as he’s often called—with a delicious accent, I may add—can recall anything he’s ever seen in his entire life. Except for his mother’s face. You can consider this one of the many “demons” he’s going to have to overcome. So, his mission begins and both the writers and the actors have done such an amazing job in depicting it.
Although some revelations might seem a bit far-fetched, they give a brilliant interpretation of Da Vinci’s ingenuity. He comes up with tricks and traps, and he lets his mind do things that will amaze you. Of course, this doesn’t come without a price. Searching for ancient relics that belonged to the Sons of Mithras endangers his life, as well as those of his loved ones. So while he fights for himself, works for the Medici family, and sketches a few birds, he ends up having to save a few lives along the way.
This show had me on the edge of my seat a couple of times, and it’s unfortunate that the first season only consisted of eight episodes. Thankfully, it was picked up for a second season. I don’t know what I would have done with my life otherwise. I won’t give any spoilers, but there might just be a cliff-hanger in our midst. They took a risk by resolving absolutely none of the major plotlines, but it works in the way that I just cannot wait until the next season.
Lastly, I think I should primarily warn you of the gore. There are some explicit and bloody scenes when you don’t expect it, so consider yourself warned. Some full-frontal nudity probably won’t shock most of you, but here’s a small warning anyway. It’s really got something for everyone: Handsome guys and delicious accents and sex and violence (although not combined). Oh, and the opening sequence won an Emmy. Not bad, right?
Hilde van den Berg, class of 2016, is from Doetinchem, The Netherlands.
