Tonight on The Borgias: The Borgia Bull

Rodrigo Borgia does not mess around, everybody.

From the moment he became Pope Alexander VI, the patriarch of the Borgia clan has been under fire, having to fend off power plays from cardinals, kings, and the elite of Rome. He managed to make it through a pretty daunting series of challenges relatively unscathed, so when The Borgias picks back up for season two, you'll have to forgive the man for being a little...confident, shall we say.

And confident he is, in one of the sneak peeks of tonight's premiere. As much as he clashes with son Cesare, the pope still has his ear and when the pontiff calls for vengeance, vengeance he shall have. What form that vengeance will take is another story, to be played out over the 10 episode second season of The Borgias, but for now, the Borgia clan is on one page. All those that wronged them in the recent past, including every preeminent family in Rome, need to watch their back, because with power, focus, and a thirst for blood, the Borgias will be a true force going forward.

There are strategic moves going on elsewhere, though, particularly between Giulia Farnese and Vannozza. At a lavish celebration thrown by the pope, the pope's wife and mistress convene mid-dance to discuss life in the papacy. It seems that Rodrigo's eye has been wandering, leaving his once white-hot connection with Giulia a lukewarm disappointment. Instead of causing a scene or using her gut instinct to form her advice, what Vannozza has to say is at the same time sad, thoughtful, and laced with mischief. Could she have an ulterior motive in getting back at Giulia for usurping her position with Rodrigo?

The Borgias airs tonight at 10:00 on Showtime, along with the premieres of Nurse Jackie and The Big C. If you want to check out the premiere ahead of time, look no further.