HBO's ROME

[Mark CMG]

Loved Pullo's "I made some inquires..."

I love a scene that's rich in subtext.

 

[Broccli_Head]

i concede that i was hasty to judge this last episode. the more i think about it, and analyze the dialogue and events, the more i like it.

 

[Steel_Wind]

The series is really starting to be quite enjoyable. A few things, in no particular order:

• Atia is the uber_bitch of bitches;
• Octavian is portrayed wonderfully; the viewer who has half a clue knows who he is - so we are all in on the secret, as it were;
• Marc Antony is a little odd, but he was loyal to Caesar;
• Roman life seems "real". It's well done. These people lived and died and they lead real lives. It shines through;
• The devoutness of the Romans to their religion is also well done. While not wholly original (Gladiator showed Maximus to be sincere in his religious observances as well) it is interesting. The links in aspects of their observances to what emerges as Roman Catholicism is also both authentic and well done. There is a reason for the stautes of the saints and all these damn candles in dark churches, after all. The hokum of auguries is shown as well - good with the bad.
• Slavery is shown as oppressive bondage but not without its perqs to the few who were important slaves (Caesar's scribe and closest advisor, obviously being the most important example);
• Different sexual mores. While there is a little too much Caligula era decadence being shown, there are real insightful moments too. Slaves waiting and observing in the dark corners of the patrician Atia's bedchamber to serve when needed is a touch creepy and very real.
• Likewise, the subplot of Octavian's involvement in the death of the adulterer of Verenus' wife is a neat setup to his later changing the law as Augustus Caesar's in his Adulterium. Fanciful perhaps, but at least it's educated speculation with some purpose.

All-in-all, it's shaping up to be a damn fine series. I hope the ratings are good and the awards plentiful. A second, third and fourth season of Rome would be welcome.

 

[fett527]

Just chiming in that I loved the episode and am still watching. Usually see it after original airing through On Demand.

Best line:

Prostitute: "Like Bull."


I will miss the interaction between Octavian and Pullo, but we will get more Pullo and Vorenus.

 

[Mark CMG]

the subplot of Octavian's involvement in the death of the adulterer of Verenus' wife is a neat setup to his later changing the law as Augustus Caesar's in his Adulterium. Fanciful perhaps, but at least it's educated speculation with some purpose.

Nice catch!

 

[Broccli_Head]

this coming sunday's episode is called "Pharsalus"

So i guess V. and P. miss Dyrrachium, but a still of the episode has Pullo in the front of a squad of legionarres so maybe..battle scence

 

[Mark CMG]

He had some sizeable, if short, battle sequences in the first episode. I'm hoping they give us more of that this week.

"Pharsalus" Episode #07.
Vorenus and Pullo are marooned in the Adriatic Sea; Pompey decides to attack Caesar's depleted forces; Atia enlists Octavia to ask a favor of Servilia. Adult Situations; Language; Nudity; Graphic Violence.

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

Vorenus and Pullo are marooned in the Adriatic Sea

I desperately hope this turns into Rome's version of Paulie Walnuts and Christopher being "marooned" in the Pine Barrens on Sopranos. BEST EPISODE EVAR. Was there an ancient Roman equivalent to the ketchup packet these two can fight over?

 

[Broccli_Head]

This episode rocked! Cant' wait for the next one esp from teh previews they gave....

Spoiler:

There is such an amazing dialogue in there between Pompey and Vorenus. I love how the director's focus on Pompey and his brokeness. He really shines as a tragic character...

 

[Mark CMG]

Highlights? Nice raft. Octavia becomes a woman. Ceasar reaches Rome, Pompey doesn't quite.


The budget constraints show in the way they handle the battle sequences but I can forgive them being clever instead of throwing a little money at it and doing only a half assed job.


Favorite exchange? Vorenus carving crudely on a rock (paraphrased):

Pullo: What are you doing?
Vorenus: Writing to my wife.
Pullo: Give her my best.
Vorenus: If there's room.