I and perhaps most other wannabes have a thing for Da Vinci like eccentric yet innovative characters. Solving problems through brain rather than brawn appeals to my intellect. Add Lucrezia's beautiful face to it and some mystery, agony, religious forces, and you have the recipe to keep me hooked. Some deeper material as the story progressed would have been better than the dog and pony show it ended up in. Good end of the day entertainment is my final word.