Ceasar is dead and all hell is breaking lose. I love this show and I am happy the 2nd season begins this evening. Is anyone else looking forward to this show?

Love this program!

We taped a show about the making of "Rome" and watched it on Friday. They did a lot of historical research, and spent a fortune recreating the costumes using only materials that would have been available at the time. Amazing how they did the armor, as well. They spent a fortune on this program, and it shows.

Love the intrigue, also.

Can't wait! We're watching the last Tivoed "The Wire" tonight. We'll start Rome this week.

The second season, first episode does not disappoint. Funny you should mention "The Wire" grossie. I love that show as well. I have been watching season 1 DVDs from netflix lately. What can I say? You gentlemen have good taste. If we were neighbors I would have invited you and yours over for some Chateaux Poujeaux and Tavoleto Tenuta Caretta Nebbiolo.

If we were neighbours, I would have come.

Is Tivoed a verb? I use a similar machine from my local cable supplier, but it's just refered to as a PVR. Will that be a verb too? I just can't hear myself saying, "I PVRed my favourite show last night." Yech!

If I were your neighbour, I'd cut the cable.

Well, sure... YOU would do anything to get me to come over again.

I learned my lesson.

This season has a rather ominous feel to it. Not as fun as Season 1, still great though. You have to love the arrogant Mark Antony.

Greatness...

Can anyone explain to me why I should watch this rather than watch "I Claudius" on DVD .

The arguments for watching this instead of I, Claudius, follow:

• Different period in Roman history.
• HD broadcast.
• More "common man" footage.
• More attractive cast.
• Interesting to see where they adhere and where they deviate from history.
• The rise of Octavian.

Now, that said, last nights episode was HORRIBLE.

Neil

quote:

Originally posted by Neil K.:

• HD broadcast.

I think that says it all.

I liked last night's episode, though it was pretty gritty. Loved the ending-- I think I'm gonna watch it next week too.

quote:

Originally posted by Neil K.:


Now, that said, last nights episode was HORRIBLE.

Neil

Why do you think that?

Great 1st season..

This season seems to be not as good as the last...I like the storyline last year of McKind and Stevenson's characters. Not as much this year so far. Hope it really picks up and they get Verenus's psyche out of the gutter...

quote:

Originally posted by Neil K.:
The arguments for watching this instead of I, Claudius, follow:

• Different period in Roman history.
• HD broadcast.
• More "common man" footage.
• More attractive cast.
• Interesting to see where they adhere and where they deviate from history.
• The rise of Octavian.

Now, that said, last nights episode was HORRIBLE.

Neil

Still not convinced.

Derek Jacobi
Brian Blessed
Patrick Stewart
John Hurt
Sian Phillips

Then add in an excellent adaptation of Robert Graves' books.

As for "I, Claudius" vs. "Rome", my points were arguing why one should watch it not why it was better. I do think both are worthy of one's time. Acting chops of those in I, Claudius are far superior. Of the "Rome" crowd, only Cirian Hines (Caesar) and, maybe, Max Pirkis (young Octavian) could run with that group.

As for why last night's episode was horrible, I'm not that interested in Vorenus and Pullo this season. Last season, they were integral parts of the "historic" action. Thus far this season, they are distracting add-ons. I'd rather watch what is happening with Antony, Octavian and the Optimates. I also think they are overdoing the coarseness (to the point of parody) this season. Annoyingly, they blatently mimiced both Godfather (which they've done before) and Raging Bull last night. Finally, this season has felt like a lot of filer and little action and historic development.

Nontheless, I'll continue to watch.

Neil

I, Claudius is the best mini-series ever made. That said my wife and I are really enjoying Rome. So far we've gotten some of the back story for I, Claudius--such as Augustus as a teenager. Also I enjoy having the upper class, middle and lower class stories--kind of like Upstairs Downstairs.

The acting as been excellent and this season in general has been very good. The only thing I've noticed different between the first and second is that they've seemed to have "Deadwooded" the language a bit.

I would really like a series like this to run for years and years so we could go through the history of Rome. Unfortunately this, and Big Love (which we also liked), don't really get the ratings that are needed to sustain an ongoing series.

Definitely agree that they have "Deadwooded" the language. Also, they've already announced that this is the final season. Good Upstairs/Downstairs analogy.

Neil

quote:

Originally posted by Neil K.:
...Also, they've already announced that this is the final season... Neil

My wife and I are the kiss of death for good TV. Many programs we've liked have had a short life: Examples
Maximum Bob
The John Laroquette Show (first season brillant, second season sucked--then the end)
Wonderfalls
etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Jfont:
Great 1st season..

This season seems to be not as good as the last...I like the storyline last year of McKind and Stevenson's characters. Not as much this year so far. Hope it really picks up and they get Verenus's psyche out of the gutter...

I have a feeling the season will be a downer. It looks like the Legionaire and the Centurion will end up on different sides of the battle between Octavian and Antony.

quote:

Originally posted by Pauly:
Can anyone explain to me why I should watch this rather than watch "I Claudius" on DVD .

No one said you were on a desert island and could only have one Roman mini-series. Watch em both.

Yes, watch them both.

Also, Pullo and Vorenus ending up on opposite sides was foreshadow as soon as they tied themselves to Octavian and Antony.

I doubt they'll have time to get to the Battle fo Actium since that's a decade along from where they are now.

Neil

quote:

Originally posted by spo:

I have a feeling the season will be a downer. It looks like the Legionaire and the Centurion will end up on different sides of the battle between Octavian and Antony.

I don't know if anyone else knows this but the role of Octavian has been recast...

It is now played by Simon Woods...Mr. Bingley from Pride and Prejudice.

quote:

Originally posted by spo:
No one said you were on a desert island and could only have one Roman mini-series. Watch em both.

Actually I am on a desert Island, and the only way I can get to watch Rome is if I buy the DVD.

quote:

Originally posted by Pauly:


Actually I am on a desert Island

What's better with desert: tea or coffee? I know I should not irritate someone stranded on an island with a question like that.