Rome delivers again, and again.
10
"Perfect"
Ok, what can I say about the show that has yet to fail me? Well, quite a lot trust me this episode continues the fine tradition of not letting me down. I know there have been those critiques that have taking a jab at it based on historical accuracy's, and yes I understand some concerns they may have but in TV you've got to give way to some creative licensesing taking for purpose of flow of story. Also face it it's not a docudrama, or the History Channel, so if you're a real fan that wants to know the historical accuracy of the material don't worry plenty books have been written, and there's always the internet to look up facts. So, there you go, now on to the episode titled, "Death Mask". I am impressed with the actors portraying these characters, and the life they give them. We see in this episode Marc Antony, Octavian, and the new dynamic of shared power as they've formed what's known as the, "Second Triumvirate", along with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. But the true dynamic that we see in this episode is with that of Marc Antony, and Octavian. The trust factor, and the lack of respect becomes the issue between the two as Marc Antony still shows no respect for Octavian, and give Octavian reason for distrust. Rome having been divided into three part for rule Octavian gets Rome, and the Western part of the empire. Marc Antony gets Egypt and the Eastern part of the empire, while Africa goes to Lepidus. The three agree to equal share of all monies, taxes, and whatever else considered currency, as Antony gains the richest portion of the empire. Antony immediately proves his dishonesty by taking a bribe from Herod who would be King of Israel with his help, or the empires resources I should say, but decides not to share as agreed. Octavian discovers said indiscretion and confronts Antony who shows his contempt towards Octavian by stating his lack of respect for Octavian's accomplishments, or lack thereof, and going so far as to insult him as a leader instilled on the backs of others accomplishment. Antony seems to miss the bigger picture and that is of Octavians intellegence and cleverness in politics. His accomplishments thus far are astounding by any standard, and Antony's lack of respect in understanding that threat is setting himself up for an eventual fall. Though for now Rome must not see division among the two as the rumor mill has started thus a show of unity is in the works. Servilia, and Atia have their final conforntation as Servilia parks herself in front of Atia's house and calls for justice from Atia, literally calls for justice while having ashes poured on her head by her slave day, and night non stop. Atia content to ignore her finally relents, and confronts her with probably one of the best scenes of someone settling a score as you could have back then without bringing violence against them. Servilia curses Atia in front of a crowd then sacrifices her life by killing herself in front of Atia , and her slave sacrifices her own life as well. The scene was fantastic and the point was well made, and Atia was affected by this as the first of her miseries are soon to be realized. Vorenus's oldest daughter is being played against her father whom she has contempt for as she is lured into a physical relationship with a man without her father's knowledge, while all the while having been set up to retrieve information about her father's business. This will play out in a future episode I believe, and it will be interesting to see how her betrayal will affect her father, and family. Pullo, whose wife is pregnant, is put in a position to discipline a slave woman who back talked his wife. Unfortunately for Pullo he allows himself to be drawn into the slave's game and ends up sleeping with her, more or less, let's just say this is a polite way of putting it, and that only empowers the slave. Pullo realizing his indiscretion attempts to end it before it goes anywhere else, but I don't think his slave sees it this way, and will be interesting to see how far she'll go to fulfill her desires. We are giving the impression that she may be pregnant when she buys powders to end a pregnancy, but whose pregnancy does she really want to end? Time will tell the tale, and the outlook for Vorenus as well as Pullo may be rocky as their problems lying in the wings come to a full head. As for The Roman Empire well don't worry because Octavian proposes marriage between Marc Antony and a female member of his household. The great thing about this is the long running relationship between Atia, and Marc Antony so Atia encourages this course as an excellent idea to prove all is well between Antony & Octavian. Finally she may get the wedding she's wanted, but not in this case as Octavian marries off his sister to Antony as children are one of the main reasons for marrying off the younger woman as we learn. Of course his sister and his right hand man Marcus Agrippa are full blown in love, and having an affair without anyone's knowledge, but customs of the day leaves her with little choice. Obviously both are heartbroken but their relationship stays a secret for now between them, and how this will play out will be interesting to see. Yet no one is in more distress over this then Atia as she probably can't help but believe that Servilia's curse is already taking affect as she losses her long time love too her daughter no less, and probably foresees a bleak future for herself. Well thus ends another fine episode of Rome, and with only a few left savor that which is to come, and with its fine delivery thus far I expect no less from what's ahead. Take care.
Peace To All.moreless