However, unlike Henry VIII, Rodrigo Borgia is actually a clever criminal whose political influence comes more from his lust for power than from a lust for maidens. Not that one is necessarily better than the other. But don't worry about a lack of carnality on this show. The reason the Borgia name is less well-known than other powerful families of the time, like the Medicis, comes from the family's not-so-textbook-friendly renown for not just arsenic poisoning, but rape and incest.

Follow the corruption tonight at 9 PM on Showtime.

What are people saying about your favorite shows and stars right now? Find out with Talk Without Pity, the social media site for real TV fans. See Tweets and Facebook comments in real time and add your own -- all without leaving TWoP. Join the conversation now!