Rome

[seurat]

It looks like the confusion may have resulted from the fact that HBO 's schedule shows the next program starting at 10.30 which could have meant an extra half hour of Rome. Instead we get five minutes. I think I officially hate HBO now.

[Culzean]

I'm really disappointed that HBO isn't going to continue this series. It really was one of the best shows on television.

I was hoping a couple of the history buffs here would comment on the historical accuracy of the last episode. Was that pretty much how it ended for Antony and Cleopatra? Did Ceasarus (sp?) really disappear?

What really struck me at the end was how much I like Atia. I can't really explain why, considering she was scheming, amoral and downright sadistic. But I was glad to see her standing with her head held high at the end.

[Hemiola]

Hi Culzean! **waves**

Well, it wasn't exactly accurate. Antony did indeed kill himself when he got back to Alexandria and determined that his situation was hopeless. Octavian never actually made it to Alexandria, but stayed in Greece, where Herod was able to catch up to him (see my post above). As for Cleo, Plutarch tells us that she did indeed kill herself with an asp bite, and that Octavian's soldiers found her in her tomb already dead. Supposedly, the officer in charge asked the slaves surrounding her bier "Was this well done of your lady?". "It was well done." they answered.
As for poor Caesarion, I'm sorry to say that he was indeed hunted down and killed--Octavian really was quite ruthless.

I too am disappointed to see the end of the series (**sniff**). The writing, the production values, and the acting were all outstanding. I must especially praise James Purefoy--his portrayal of Antony throughout the series has been on the highest level. I agree, however, that Max Pirkis really shouldn't have been replaced (rather they could have "aged" him a little with make-up).

As far as continuing the story, you could follow up a viewing of the series with a viewing of the "I, Claudius" series, which covers the period from about the middle of Augustus' (i.e. Octavian's) reign all the way to the death of Claudius (Antonia's younger son). You can then follow this with a viewing of "Quo Vadis" for a glimpse of the end of Nero's reign. Unfortunately, we're still waiting for films and/or TV series to deal with the Flavians and the Antonines!

[Culzean]

Hi Hemiola! **waves back**

Thanks again for the historical insights. I've enjoyed them almost as much as the program. Thanks also for the viewing recommendations. I have not seen these programs, and will be sure to check them out. Perhaps I will try to insert an imaginary Vorenus and Pullo as I watch.

I'm afraid there are no programs on now to fill void left by Rome. I could check out The Tudors, but I'm so tired of the aggressive ad campaign (reminds me of election time) that I'm biased against the program. If I hear John Rhys Whatshisname yelling "I'm the king of England!!!!" one more time...