Eager to return to Rome after eight long years of war, Gaius Julius Caesar ends his campaign with a resounding triumph in Gaul - and news of a shattering personal loss at home. In Rome, Caesar's old friend Pompey is counselled by the Senate, who worry about Caesar's growing popularity. Two soldiers are enlisted to find the army's stolen gold standard. Atia is careful to play both sides of an escalating power struggle.
Rome is nothing if not ambitious. And from the first few moments, you can't help but by overwhelmed by this magnus opus. It is, to coin a phrase, "bigger than Ben-Hur". It revolves around three major plots, which I assume will be the big stories for the season. the first: the life of Julius Caesar, and his battle with the Roman Senate. The second: the story of a family in the ruling family of the Julii. The third: the story of a Roman legionnaire, upon his return to his family after years of separation.
The purpose of a pilot is to hook viewers on this new universe (though, arguably, this world is thousands of years old). And, in that respect, it is an unmitigated success. I'd almost compare it to The Tudors with its highly visceral, sexualised atmosphere in retelling a historical story. But it's also similar to The Wire - though not as dense, if one isn't paying attention, you're almost certain to get lost somewhere along the line. This is undoubtedly the reason the series got cancelled in its second season (or high production values, which one gets from the first thirty seconds).
Unlike The Tudors, we have a cast of charismatic characters with which we can invest in. Julius Caesar, as played by Ciarin Hinds, is a captivating, conquering aristocrat with innovative ideas, and a primordial drive for dominance. You fear him, but can't help but look at him in awe. Servilla, as played by Lindsey Duncan (best known for Doctor Who, though Traffik was her better work), is Caesar's lover, and a staunch aristocrat. A pair of equals if ever there was one. The Tudors has Jonathan Rhys-Meyers sneering and Natalie Dormer looking pretty. This is a real power couple. Not to mention James Purefoy as Mark Antony. He deserves mention too.
During this episode, Pompey - co-counsel of the Roman senate - takes action against Caesar after their last alliance crumbles. Caesar's daughter and Pompey's wife dies during childbirth. Atia, Caesar's niece and a ruthless power-player, sends her young son, Octavian, to Caesar's side. She even presents her daughter Octavia to Pompey as a gift, to be his new bride. Though men rule the ancient land of Rome, Atia is one of the shadow rulers - the powerful woman behind the strong man. Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) and Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) are sent to retrieve Caesar's golden eagle. Meanwhile, the 13th Legion leaves Gaul and marches for Rome.
The build up is subtle. But by the end, it has your attention. And you (and I) definitely want to watch the next episode. It's a fantastic spectacle, though it's obvious things are just getting started. The characters don't have much conflict, sadly, but the build up of pressure leading to conflict is used well, and serves to offer great character moments that allow each new character to introduce themself. The battle at the beginning felt a bit short, but was suitably intense and brutal. My only question: why the hell was this cancelled?!
Rome is nothing if not ambitious. And from the first few moments, you can't help but by overwhelmed by this magnus opus. It is, to coin a phrase, "bigger than Ben-Hur". It revolves around three major plots, which I assume will be the big stories for the season. the first: the life of Julius Caesar, and his battle with the Roman Senate. The second: the story of a family in the ruling family of the Julii. The third: the story of a Roman legionnaire, upon his return to his family after years of separation.
The purpose of a pilot is to hook viewers on this new universe (though, arguably, this world is thousands of years old). And, in that respect, it is an unmitigated success. I'd almost compare it to The Tudors with its highly visceral, sexualised atmosphere in retelling a historical story. But it's also similar to The Wire - though not as dense, if one isn't paying attention, you're almost certain to get lost somewhere along the line. This is undoubtedly the reason the series got cancelled in its second season (or high production values, which one gets from the first thirty seconds).
Unlike The Tudors, we have a cast of charismatic characters with which we can invest in. Julius Caesar, as played by Ciarin Hinds, is a captivating, conquering aristocrat with innovative ideas, and a primordial drive for dominance. You fear him, but can't help but look at him in awe. Servilla, as played by Lindsey Duncan (best known for Doctor Who, though Traffik was her better work), is Caesar's lover, and a staunch aristocrat. A pair of equals if ever there was one. The Tudors has Jonathan Rhys-Meyers sneering and Natalie Dormer looking pretty. This is a real power couple. Not to mention James Purefoy as Mark Antony. He deserves mention too.
During this episode, Pompey - co-counsel of the Roman senate - takes action against Caesar after their last alliance crumbles. Caesar's daughter and Pompey's wife dies during childbirth. Atia, Caesar's niece and a ruthless power-player, sends her young son, Octavian, to Caesar's side. She even presents her daughter Octavia to Pompey as a gift, to be his new bride. Though men rule the ancient land of Rome, Atia is one of the shadow rulers - the powerful woman behind the strong man. Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) and Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) are sent to retrieve Caesar's golden eagle. Meanwhile, the 13th Legion leaves Gaul and marches for Rome.
The build up is subtle. But by the end, it has your attention. And you (and I) definitely want to watch the next episode. It's a fantastic spectacle, though it's obvious things are just getting started. The characters don't have much conflict, sadly, but the build up of pressure leading to conflict is used well, and serves to offer great character moments that allow each new character to introduce themself. The battle at the beginning felt a bit short, but was suitably intense and brutal. My only question: why the hell was this cancelled?!