Tom Riley
Laura Haddock
Blake Ritson
Elliot Cowan
Lara Pulver
James Faulkner
Gregg Chillin
Eros Vlahos
Allan Corduner

Created by:
David S. Goyer

2013-
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, History
Starz
TV-MA

(After the first episode of season 2)

“Da Vinci’s Demons” is a mildly entertaining, overstuffed fictionalization of Leonardo da Vinci’s quest for knowledge. It looks the part and has effects that are pretty good – the best of which depict the inner workings of da Vinci’s mind through animations that are in the style of da Vinci’s drawings.

There’s a lot going on in “Da Vinci’s Demons,” but you probably don’t need to understand every single piece in order to keep up. However, while the occasionally frenzied pace and multiple layers succeed in keeping this show from being boring, they keep viewers at a distance, as well. Instead of being immersed in Leonardo’s world, we’re on the outside looking in.

So, “Da Vinci’s Demons” doesn’t reach the heights of HBO’s “Rome.” Actually, it doesn’t achieve the level of Showtime’s “The Borgias” either, but it does come close. Regardless, for Starz, it’s well done.

If you’re interested in seeing a youngish da Vinci with limitless mental powers that strain credulity, then “Da Vinci’s Demons” is the show for you. Just know that much of it is outlandish and historically inaccurate. But you might have a little bit of fun along the way. … I do.

Verdict: Somewhat Good to Good

About: (Source: davinci)

Florence is thrown into chaos in the wake of the Pazzi conspiracy and Leonardo da Vinci must push the limits of his mind and body to defend the city against the forces of Rome. When the dust settles, friends are buried and rivalries enflamed. While the Medicis go to unthinkable lengths to deal with new threats, da Vinci continues on his quest to find the fabled Book of Leaves and uncover the secret history of his mother. He’ll come to realize that he has lethal competition in his quest — new enemies who may be even worse than the forces of Pope Sixtus. His search will take him to faraway lands and force him to reevaluate everything he knew about the world and his own history.