i hugely enjoy this series when it be first show in 1981 and even watch the contemporary sunday repeat which be bury away at 10 . 30pm on bbc2 . the portrayal of all the lead figure be outstanding and especially oliver cotton a cesare . he be mesmerise a the charismatic duke valentino and it be a cry shame that his performance be lose amongst the grossly undeserved tirade of abuse the series attract . the setting be authentic and the costuming be also superb . the series be accurate in it depiction of a violent and bloody era and do not fall into the trap of make the borgia raving and sex craze psychopath and tyrant . in truth they be responsible governor and be respect ( if not love ) by their subject . after he be depose cesare even have to go to a city in person to persuade the people to surrender to his enemy or they would be kill . they reluctantly do so but praise him for put their welfare before his pride . lucrezia be also well portray and she be love by the citizen of ferrara ( home of her third husband ) for her charitable work and they request for her to be canonise but the pope ( unsurprisingly give her reputation ) decline . i do not think any other person in history have be so unfairly malign a lucrezia ( with the possible exception of general custer ) . i have long to see this series again and think 26 year be too long to have to wait . the series now belong to that era of classic video tap programme that we no longer see . the bbc release some excellent less know series on dvd so there must be a place for this . they may also make some of their money back .