Ep 1. Episode 1

Leonardo is an eight-part television series that explores the life and works of the famous Italian artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. The first episode of the series, titled "Episode 1", opens with a young Leonardo da Vinci returning to his hometown of Florence after spending several years in Milan as an apprentice to the famous artist, Andrea del Verrocchio.

As Leonardo arrives in Florence, he is greeted by his old friend, Salai, who has been tasked with finding him a job. Salai takes Leonardo to meet with the powerful Medici family, who are known for their patronage of the arts. Despite his impressive resume, Leonardo is dismissed by the Medici family, who believe that his unorthodox style of painting is not suited to their taste.

Undeterred, Leonardo sets out to prove himself as an artist by participating in a painting competition organized by the city of Florence. The competition is judged by some of the most respected artists and art critics of the time, including Sandro Botticelli. Leonardo's entry, a portrait of Ginevra de' Benci, draws gasps of awe from the audience and is praised for its innovative use of light and shadow.

As Leonardo's reputation as an artist begins to grow, he also attracts the attention of the powerful ruling class in Florence, who see him as a valuable asset in their ongoing political struggles. Leonardo is approached by Lorenzo de' Medici, the de facto ruler of Florence, who offers him a commission to create a massive bronze statue of the god Neptune for the city's main square.

However, as Leonardo begins work on the statue, he is plagued by doubts and insecurities. He struggles to reconcile his desire for artistic expression with the demands of his wealthy patrons, who seek to control his every move. Meanwhile, he also grapples with his own personal demons, including his troubled relationship with his father and his feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Despite these challenges, Leonardo perseveres and manages to complete the statue of Neptune, which is unveiled to great fanfare in the city's main square. The episode ends with Leonardo looking out over the city, contemplating his place in the world and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Overall, "Episode 1" sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and engaging exploration of the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci. The episode introduces us to a complex and multifaceted character, whose genius and creativity are matched only by his vulnerabilities and insecurities. As Leonardo navigates the treacherous waters of Renaissance Florence, we are drawn into a world of politics, power, and artistic expression, where nothing is ever quite as it seems.