Dominated by over-bearing women - his grandmother, mother and wife - - Ferdinando is a gentle, weak prince who is rumored to be gay.

When all the nobility flee plague-ridden Florence in 1630, the 20-year-old prince stays behind with his brothers, to help his people. They never forget the gesture.

Just three years later he stands up to the Pope, trying to protect his mentor and tutor, Galileo. But the Pope tells the Grand Duke to watch his back - he’d better not mess with Rome. Intimidated by papal authority, Ferdinando stops supporting Galileo.

He comes to regret his cowardice and tries to honor Galileo after he dies but is again slapped down by the Pope. Ferdinando’s attempt at a scientific society, the Accademia del Cimento, also fails after less than 10 years. Ferdinando just can't get it right.