User Reviews

With the jaw-dropping finale of Season One, I didn't think that it would be possible for ROME to sustain the level of quality it set for itself the first time around, let alone top it. I'm happy to admit I was wrong.

A heady mix of historical fact and melodramatic fiction, shot through with delicious bits of THE SOPRANOS, DYNASTY and MELROSE PLACE - only with togas, swords and chariots. From the opening shot of Season Two's first episode, you know that the creative teams both in front of and behind the cameras are set to take no prisoners, and Episode Two, "Son Of Hades" completely cements that agenda firmly in place, with an hour's worth of jaw-dropping television. The die is cast for the fates of many characters in this one episode, and whether you are a student of Ancient Roman History or just a looky-loo, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that not many of these characters are destined for "happy endings" - be they the spiritual or sexual kind.

Performances are top drawer as always (and has Max Pirkis shot up like a weed or what???) Acting kudos especially to all the female cast members - Polly Walker's Atia, Lindsay Duncan's Servilia and Lyndsey Marshal's extra-hot Cleopatra, (take THAT, Liz!) Viciousness never played this deliciously.

And bravo to director Allen Coulter (THE SOPRANOS) and cast for pulling off what must've been one of the most brutal and wince-inducing scenes of both seasons so far (I won't tell you WHAT it is, but you'll know it when you see it.) When someone asks you why ROME is so addictive, here's a prime example to point them towards. I'm already lamenting that this season may be the last. There are far too few shows like this on cable, and none at all of this caliber on network TV, as good as some of the others might be.

A month has passed since the previous episode and Vorenus is still grieving the loss of his wife and children. Outside the Aventine has descended into violence as rivals attempt to fill the vacuum left by Erastes. After being approached by Titus Pullo, Mark Antony has a plan that might solve both of these problems… he instructs Vorenus to take control of the Aventine. Meanwhile Cleopatra has arrived in Rome to pay respects to the late Caesar and his family but also to have her son recognised as Caesar's heir… something Marl Antony says will never happen. Atia is less than pleased to see Cleopatra in Rome as she sees her as a rival for Mark Antony's affections. Octavian is getting irritated by Mark Antony's failure to give him the money promised in Caesar's will which he intends to give to the plebs. Eventually Octavian borrows the money and make a public promise to distribute it… enraging Mark Antony.

This was another great episode with its mix of political machinations and threats of violence. Kevin McKidd really impressed as Vorenus; early of he is believably beyond consolation as he mourns the loss of his family but by the end he is threatening the worst criminals of the Aventine claiming to be a 'Son of Hades'… all very impressive. James Purefoy also impresses as Mark Antony; he was particularly good as he raged against Octavian. Lyndsey Marshal makes a welcome return as Cleopatra; it will be interesting to see how this seductive character will contribute to the rest of the series. It will also be interesting to see how Octavian's attempts to get involved in politics will proceed; especially in respect to Mark Antony; on the strength of this episode it is safe to say he has made a powerful and dangerous enemy. Overall the sort of impressive episode we've come to expect from Rome.