The episode opens with a young Leonardo demonstrating extraordinary mechanical insight. As an adult in Florence, Leonardo (Tom Riley) creates daring inventions and navigates complex relationships — with his patron Lorenzo de' Medici, the ambitious Riario, the enigmatic Lucrezia Donati, and his friend and assistant Zoroaster. Leonardo is drawn into a mystery involving the "Book of Leaves," an ancient manuscript said to reveal secrets of creation; this quest entangles him with political conspiracies and the occult, culminating in a public execution that foreshadows the stakes he will face.
When Da Vinci’s Demons first aired on Starz in 2013, it arrived with a bold promise: to rip the Renaissance man off his pedestal and reimagine him as a young, rebellious, action-hero genius. The series, created by David S. Goyer (known for The Dark Knight trilogy and Blade), immediately distinguished itself from stuffy historical dramas. And it all begins with a single, explosive hour titled "The Hanged Man."
For anyone searching for a breakdown of da vincis demons season 1 episode 1, this article will cover every invention, betrayal, sword fight, and occult riddle that sets the stage for one of television’s most underrated historical fantasies.
As of 2025, the series is available for digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Starz Play. The pilot is often available for free on YouTube via official clips, but for the full 58-minute director’s cut, a subscription is required.
Rating for "The Hanged Man": ★★★★½ (9/10) Lost half a point only because the hallucination sequence lingers a bit too long. Otherwise, a flawless opening act.
Have you watched Leonardo’s rooftop race? Do you think the Sons of Mithras are a silly addition or a genius twist? Let us know in the comments below. And remember: “The truth is a labyrinth. Only the fearless find the center.”
The series premiere of Da Vinci's Demons The Hanged Man , introduces a 25-year-old Leonardo da Vinci as a brilliant, arrogant, and restless polymath in Renaissance Florence. Directed by David S. Goyer, the episode establishes the show as a "historical fantasy" that blends real historical figures with supernatural mystery and high-concept invention. Plot Overview
Following the assassination of the Duke of Milan, tensions rise between the Republic of Florence and the Holy See. Leonardo, seeking to advance his career and escape the shadow of his estranged father, maneuvers his way into the service of Lorenzo de' Medici The Medici Commission:
Leonardo is initially hired to create an elaborate Easter spectacle, which he uses as a foot in the door to pitch advanced war machines to protect Florence from the Vatican's looming threat. The Turk and the Book of Leaves: A mysterious figure known as
approaches Leonardo, speaking of the "Book of Leaves"—a legendary repository of all knowledge that Leonardo's mother may have been connected to. The Lucrezia Connection: Leonardo becomes infatuated with Lucrezia Donati
, unaware that she is both Lorenzo’s mistress and a secret spy for the Vatican. Key Characters Da Vinci's Demons - S01 E01 Recap (Warning: Spoilers)
Reliving the Magic: Da Vinci's Demons Season 1, Episode 1 – "The Hanged Man"
If you’re looking for a historical drama that trades dusty textbooks for high-octane adventure and occult mystery, look no further than the series premiere of Da Vinci’s Demons
. Written and directed by David S. Goyer, the pilot episode, "The Hanged Man," introduces us to a Leonardo da Vinci we’ve never seen before: a cocky, brilliant, and tortured young polymath living in the vibrant, dangerous world of 15th-century Florence. A Hero for a New Age
Tom Riley’s Leonardo isn’t the stoic old man from the history books. He’s a restless genius—part inventor, part artist, and part swordsman. We meet him as he’s testing a mechanical bird, a scene that perfectly sets the tone for the show's blend of historical fact and fantastical reimagining. He’s a man out of time, struggling with a photographic memory that is both a gift and a curse. The Plot Thickens da vincis demons season 1 episode 1
The episode wastes no time plunging Leo into the cutthroat politics of the Medici family and the Catholic Church. Hired by Lorenzo de' Medici (the "Magnificent") to create war machines and spectacles, Leonardo quickly finds himself caught in a web of espionage. But the real hook is the supernatural undercurrent. Enter
, a mysterious figure who introduces Leonardo to the "Book of Leaves"—a legendary text said to contain the ultimate secrets of the universe. This quest for hidden knowledge gives the show its "Indiana Jones meets Sherlock" vibe. Visuals and Style
Florence is rendered with a gritty, visceral beauty. The show utilizes "Da Vinci Vision"—animated sketches that overlay the screen to show how Leonardo perceives the geometry and physics of the world around him. It’s a stylish way to get inside the head of a genius. Why It Still Works
"The Hanged Man" is an incredible pilot because it balances world-building with breakneck pacing. It establishes the stakes—the power struggle between Florence and Rome—while keeping the focus on Leonardo’s personal journey to uncover his own past and the mysteries of the world.
Whether you're a history buff or a fantasy fan, the first episode of Da Vinci's Demons
is a wild ride that proves the Renaissance was anything but boring. historical accuracy
(or lack thereof) for the next post, or should we dive straight into a recap of episode two
Unlocking the Renaissance: A Deep Dive into Da Vinci's Demons S1E1: "The Hanged Man" The series premiere of Da Vinci's Demons , titled " The Hanged Man
," introduces us to a world where history and fantasy collide in 15th-century Florence. Directed by David S. Goyer, the pilot presents a reimagined, high-energy version of a young Leonardo da Vinci as he navigates political intrigue and mystical secrets. The Plot: Ingenuity and Intrigue
The episode begins with the shocking assassination of the Duke of Milan, an event that threatens the stability of Italy and the power of the Medici family in Florence.
Meanwhile, we meet the brilliant yet arrogant Leonardo da Vinci (Tom Riley), a young artist and inventor who spends his time sketching and experimenting with early inventions, such as a self-propelled "Columbina" (mechanical dove) for the Medicis' Easter spectacle. Seeking more than just artistic recognition, Leo successfully maneuvers his way into becoming a military engineer for Lorenzo de' Medici, promising revolutionary war machines to defend the city.
As Leo rises in Florence, a deeper, more mystical plot unfolds. He encounters a mysterious figure known as "The Turk" (Al-Rahim), who speaks of the Sons of Mithras and a legendary "Book of Leaves". This meeting triggers forgotten childhood memories of a cave, suggesting Leo’s destiny is tied to ancient, hidden knowledge. Key Characters to Watch
Leonardo da Vinci (Tom Riley): The restless genius at the center of it all, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to "see" what others cannot.
Lorenzo de' Medici (Elliot Cowan): The pragmatic "Magnificent" ruler of Florence who needs Leo's inventions to survive the coming storm. The episode opens with a young Leonardo demonstrating
Lucrezia Donati (Laura Haddock): Lorenzo's mistress and Leo’s latest muse—who is revealed by the end of the episode to be a double agent for Rome.
Girolamo Riario (Blake Ritson): The Pope's ruthless nephew and primary antagonist, tasked with suppressing the knowledge Leo seeks. Why You Should Watch
Critics have described the pilot as a "peculiar hybrid" of Sherlock, Game of Thrones, and The Da Vinci Code. While it takes historical liberties—such as Leo's intense heterosexual focus—the episode excels at creating a lush, atmospheric version of the Renaissance filled with political sculduggery and technical wonder.
Whether you’re in it for the inventive war machines or the secret society mystery, "The Hanged Man" sets a high-stakes stage for the rest of the season.
Are you ready to see what happens next in the "Serpent"? Check out our next recap or ask about a specific character’s backstory!
Question: Who are the main characters featured in Da Vinci's Demons - Season 1? Answer: The main characters in Da Vinci's Demons - The Hanged Man | Da Vinci's Demons Wiki | Fandom
"The Hanged Man," the series premiere of Da Vinci's Demons, introduces a 25-year-old Leonardo da Vinci as a brilliant but restless polymath living in Renaissance Florence. Part historical drama and part supernatural fantasy, the episode establishes Leonardo's struggle between his rational genius and the haunting visions that plague him. Plot Summary
The episode follows Leonardo as he maneuvers through the political and religious tensions of 15th-century Italy:
The Visionary Genius: Leonardo is shown as an eccentric artist and engineer, feverishly working on designs like a mechanical dove for the Medici family's Easter celebration.
The Medici Connection: He seeks to sell his war machine designs to Lorenzo de' Medici to help defend Florence, though his "inner demons" and rocky relationship with his father complicate his ambitions.
Mystical Intrigue: A chance encounter with a mysterious figure known as "The Turk" sets Leonardo on a quest for the mythical Book of Leaves, a legendary source of forgotten knowledge.
The Rivalry Begins: The episode introduces Girolamo Riario, a ruthless papal nephew and spy, who serves as Leonardo's primary antagonist. Series Style
Reviewers from IMDb describe the show as a "fun, exciting" mix of Doctor Who and The Borgias. While the showrunners claim a high degree of historical accuracy, the series is largely a fictionalized "what if" story that leans heavily into the "mad world" of Da Vinci's imagination. Key Details Original Air Date: April 12, 2013 Network: Starz Creator: David S. Goyer (writer of The Dark Knight trilogy)
Where to Watch: The series is available for streaming on platforms like Disney+. Da Vinci's Demons, Season 1, Episode 1: The Hanged Man Rating for "The Hanged Man": ★★★★½ (9/10) Lost
The premiere episode of Da Vinci's Demons , titled " The Hanged Man
," serves as a high-concept historical fantasy that reimagines the early life of Leonardo da Vinci. Directed by David S. Goyer, the episode establishes Florence as a center of both innovation and dangerous political intrigue. Plot Summary
The story begins on December 26, 1476, with the assassination of the Duke of Milan, an event that threatens the stability of Florence and enrages its leader, Lorenzo de' Medici. To bolster public morale and project power, the Medicis commission the rising artisan Leonardo da Vinci to create a spectacular Easter display.
Engineering and Ambition: Leonardo demonstrates his ingenuity by presenting a model-scale Columbina (a mechanical dove) to Giuliano de' Medici. He further maneuvers into Lorenzo’s favor by selling designs for war machines, including tanks and automatic load cannons.
The "Turk" and the Book of Leaves: Leonardo encounters a mysterious figure known as Al-Rahim (The Turk), who claims Leonardo is part of a secret society called the Sons of Mithras. He tasks Leonardo with finding the "Book of Leaves," a legendary document containing hidden knowledge that both the Vatican and the Sons of Mithras pursue.
Betrayal and Seduction: Leonardo becomes infatuated with Lucrezia Donati, Lorenzo’s mistress. After a sexual encounter during the Carnival, it is revealed that Lucrezia is actually an agent of Count Girolamo Riario and the Vatican, feeding them intelligence about Leonardo’s inventions. Themes and Style
In the series premiere of Da Vinci's Demons, titled "The Hanged Man," viewers are introduced to a hyper-stylized Renaissance Florence where historical facts are secondary to a "historical fantasy" narrative. Written and directed by David S. Goyer, the pilot episode sets the stage for a series that blends political intrigue, mystical quests, and the restless genius of a young Leonardo da Vinci . Plot Summary: Ambition and Intrigue
The episode opens in late 1476 with the assassination of the Duke of Milan, an event that threatens the stability of Florence and enrages Lorenzo de' Medici . Meanwhile, Leonardo da Vinci (Tom Riley) is portrayed as a brilliant but arrogant 25-year-old polymath, struggling with inner demons and a strained relationship with his father, Piero da Vinci .
The Medici Connection: Seeking recognition and funding for his inventions, Leonardo secures a commission from the Medicis to create an Easter spectacle for Florence. However, his ambitions go beyond art; he eventually convinces Lorenzo to hire him as a war engineer to defend Florence against the looming threat of Rome.
The Turk and the Book of Leaves: Leonardo encounters a mysterious figure known as Al-Rahim (the Turk), who hints at a deeper destiny and the existence of the Book of Leaves , a legendary source of forgotten knowledge.
A Web of Betrayal: The episode concludes with a shocking revelation: Lucrezia Donati (Laura Haddock), Lorenzo's mistress and Leonardo’s new love interest, is actually an agent for Girolamo Riario and the Vatican. Key Characters and Cast
The premiere establishes a core group of characters who balance Leonardo’s eccentricity with grounded loyalty or calculated malice. Role in Episode 1 Leonardo da Vinci Tom Riley
The "restless genius" and protagonist seeking the Book of Leaves. Lucrezia Donati Laura Haddock Lorenzo's mistress who secretly spies for the Vatican. Lorenzo de' Medici Elliot Cowan The ruler of Florence facing political pressure from Rome. Count Girolamo Riario Blake Ritson
The ruthless nephew of Pope Sixtus IV and the primary antagonist. Nico & Zoroaster Eros Vlahos & Gregg Chillin Leonardo's loyal friends and assistants. Historical Accuracy vs. Creative License
Reviewers often note that the show treats history as a starting point rather than a rulebook. For instance:
