Rome S1

The last two episodes dramatically escalated toward a surprisingly crushing finish, like that series I can't help comparing to (GoT). Not to say it's phenomenal TV, but it packed a punch from an unanticipated angle. Caesar's demise was genuinely sad, and there were other moments of naked drama toward the end there that dwarf the rest of the season. That also reminds me of S1 of Rings of Power. All three shows had take-it-or-leave-it first seasons up until the final two episodes.

So Caesar's fate saddened me. Why, did I like Caesar, or did I just like watching Caesar? I think there was a little of both. Hinds, though a very strange look for the part, was a joy to watch in his character's brilliance. I daresay I even felt some affection toward the dictator himself. There's that natural magnetism about a leader like that. He's one of the more appealing historical leaders to me now. You can't help being moved by the warmth he sheds on his enemies. His biggest smile in the series is welcoming those who betrayed him back into his circle of love, without a wink of a grudge. Reminds you of someone who'll come 44 years later.

Antony also, acting-wise and character-wise, was magnetic. I love that performance, of a smart yet savory individual, despicable and honorable. I have to side with this man, because I like watching him, and I don't want to disappoint him. I hope he doesn't spiral into villainy. But you know every character is right on the brink! That's the most interesting thing about this show: any hero can and probably will prove villainous at interludes. So who's the real villain? Who's the real hero? Not even Vorenus earns your consistent respect.

Usually cheesy things have cheesy conceptions of good and evil, but not Rome. For all its superficialities, all its sugary sweetness, it avoids preaching any kind of easy morality. Literally every character falls hard, whether through violence, infidelity, or excessive fidelity.

Vorenus is a solid performance, though not the performance or character I would have chosen to anchor the series. He's too straight-laced, too chilly, especially beside the charisma of Caesar, Antony, Pullo, Atia, and others. Rome is electric, but Vorenus is stone. He's crumbling under the heat, not conducting it.

Antony is magnetic, but I guess Caesar and Octavian are the most interesting characters. They're both brilliant. Octavian still looks far too young for his political and sexual escapades, like Rhaenyra a few episodes into House of the Dragon. It's a little confusing and upsetting. But it's fascinating to observe his intellect in light of what we know he'll become.