This is where I come in like a wrecking ball. I’ve seen and heard the negative feedback on Peacock’s latest sword and sandals epic, but I have to say, I enjoyed the hell out of it. In a world of police procedurals, reboots, spinoffs, revivals, and clear copycat shows, there truly isn’t anything like this on air. You could try and point to something like House Of The Dragon, which has no real world application, or all the way back to Rome, which would just suggest there can only ever be one show about something, but right now, Roland Emmerich has found a way to fill a void.
I breezed through this show, even though it is a 10 episode run, with each episode being an hour.For those hoping Anthony Hopkins stars the whole time, that’s not the case. The season is basically structured so that he dies early, just after choosing which one of his sons will lead the empire. And, both of the options are problematic. One son perhaps is more moderate, but is seen as weak as he sleeps with the queen of a group of people they conquered, while the other is… well… a sadist.
Dominic us is a nasty son of a bitch, and some truly unfortunate LGBTQ representation. I dislike that the representation here is him, but I also understand that we can’t all be heroes. He’s just the literal worst. And, if the succession battle isn’t your thing, there’s a pretty substantial amount of chariot racing and gladiator fighting.
We get to know the lower class, and even the slaves within this giant show, all offering perspective. From the mother that crossed hell and high water to rescue her children out of bondage, to a star chariot racer hoping his riches can buy him status, to various persons of means using information and counsel to align themselves with the future of Rome, this show is entertaining.
Sure, it isn’t perfect. It’s Roland Emmerich, and we should really just be happy the earth isn’t about to explode. But, the ensemble is big, with not every character feeling like they get their due, and I cannot stress enough how Dominicus is the literal worst. Would I watch a second season? Sure. Do we need one? That’s debatable. It does end on a somewhat bleak note, but bleak is an option.
What I Look For In Audio Description: I mentioned this in my daily diaries/Audio Description essentials, but this show is a very specific period, with very specific costuming. It is graphically violent, both in the chariot racing, and in the gladiator battles. there’s likely a clear distinction in the racial casting here, as they do take slaves (and animals) from Africa. there’s a little bit of sex, and otherwise, we are just supporting the actors choices.
What It Does: William Michael Redman and Deluxe did this audio description track. I think it mostly dodged the skin color question, hoping people would draw historical conclusions, but shows like Bridgerton, and musicals like Hamilton intentionally push back on those norms. So we can’t just default. It could have done more on the costumes and set, since this is a sword and sandals Roman epic. However, it succeeds in these epic chariot races, and in the gladiator battles. There’s even a dance near the end of the season they tried to describe. It is a huge cast to follow, most of the lack of following comes from the show’s writers not balancing and developing supporting cast. If this show does get a new season, I know we aren’t going to get more character description for returning characters, but we can dive more into the look and feel of Rome, and immerse us in that world beyond just the violence of it.
Final Thoughts: A welcome surprise. I have a slight grudge about casting a ton of unknowns and baiting us with Anthony Hopkins, but he was good. some of the cast is really good, others were Ok. I would watch a second season, I just don’t think it will happen.
Final Grade: B+
