Medici (TV series)

In Florence, during the Renaissance period, was a powerful Italian noble family bearing the name, Medici. Their power and influence bolstered by the banking and trade activities conducted by its members, the Medici family stood dominating political and economic aspects in Florence, while also extending their influence all across Europe in a way that one might call them truly the Masters of Florence.

The Netflix series, “Medici”, a collaborative creation by Frank Spotnitz and Nicholas Meyer, chronicles the rise to the power of this notorious Medici family, set in 15^th century. With the combination of a talented cast and an excellent cinematography, the series focuses on the political intrigue, betrayals, murders, and the complicated dynamics of power that characterized the Renaissance period in which the Medici family rose to the epitome of European power.

Consisting of three seasons, the story kick starts following the early life and rise to power of the infamous Medici family, where the audience follow Cosimo de Medici (played by Richard Madden), who is now the head of the Florentine Republic after the assassination of his father Giovanni de Medici (Dustin Hoffman). The season explores the character of Cosimo de Medici in depth as he navigates political conspiracies, family rivalries, and financial challenges to establish his family’s power and influence in the city. It also delves into the Medici family’s patronage of the arts and their role in shaping the cultural landscape of Renaissance Italy. 

Facing a time skip of two long decades, the season two, “Medici: The Magnificent” is focused around Lorenzo de Medici (the grandson of Cosimo de Medici) portrayed by Daniel Sharman taking on the mantle of leadership, facing numerous challenges, including threats from rival families – the Pazzi conspiracy coming to a head. The story does a great deal in showcasing his

diplomatic skills and political savvy as a key figure in Italian politics of his time.

As a sequel to “Medici: The Magnificent”, the season three traverses Lorenzo’s political maneuvering, diplomatic efforts, and patronage of the arts as he navigates the complexities of Renaissance Florence and it is to be noted that this season takes the initiative to closely study Lorenzo’s personal life, including his relationships with his family members, allies, and adversaries delving into his marriage to Clarice Orsini and his interactions with influential figures of his time, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli.

Writer’s note…

Once seated, the opening right forth touches one’s heart with its soothing melody and the story that flows through its words, preparing one’s self to the upcoming narrative of an ancestry, who ruled the ancient Florence, taking hold of economic and political powers of their time and age. Fostering suspense in the audience, their minds are soon forced to wrap around the brutal assassination of the pillar who was behind the family’s glory. The choice of actors, perfectly combining with their characters offers a brilliant experience to the spectator, in a way that they are almost attached to the show. The story triumphs in leading the audience in a spiral of emotions, successfully engaging them in the narrative throughout. 

Thus, unravelling the story – more of a thriller than a historical saga, Medici perks up interest in the audience through its vivid depiction of Renaissance Italy and the political machinations of this legendary family, giving a chance at reliving history.

“I’m here for all to see

In my bones there’s dignity

I will fight them

I can say that I can change the world

But if you let me

I can change the world for us

Come with me and

Make this vision all brand new

We can fight them

I can say that I can win it all

Come with me and

I will make my worst unto

I will make my worst untold

Let me do this”

Rtr. Chamodi Peduruarachchi