Rome on HBO

[The Ponzzz]

New season began tonight. Looks like it's gonna be great! First ep was very nocely put together! Been waiting to see this show back on for like evAr!

[Celephais]

Yeah, the first season kicked so much ass. I don't have HBO anymore so now I have to wait to DL it after the fact, that or go over to my rents house (but even then it takes longer for it to get on HBO on demand than it does to just download it).

All the commercials for '300' make me really miss Rome.

[peam]

When does the last half of The Sopranos season start?

[Celephais]

"April" is all I know.

[peam]

wtf

I thought it was this month.

[The Ponzzz]

Sopranos on A&E is this month.

[Shari]

:heart: Rome. First episode was really good. I LOVE the tension between the Ceasar lovers vs the haters.

[Atlanteax]

I just wish there wasn't a 1-2 years lull in between the 1st and 2nd season.

Any idea what the delay was? Did they underestimate how popular the show would be?

.

It's going to be tough trying to wait till Sunday each week for the next episode.

.

As for the 1st episode of the 2nd season.

I thought it was interesting that they neglected to do the speeches (or did they just figure to let us refer to the Shakespeare one in our heads) while reviewing the "results" of the speeches promptly after the funeral imagery and the mob scene.

I appreciated how we're now seeing the blossoming of Augustus Caesar. Octavian has become much more assertive now. He was regarded as a master politician, and it is already showing in the first episode. You could see the "hidden" intelligence in the first season as well, which was profound enough to encourage Caesar to name him as heir (when he would casually ask Octavian what he thinks and was consistently suprised by the insight).

I'm looking forward to seeing how they play out the civil war with the chase of Brutus and Cassius into Greece (they didn't just underestimate Mark Anthony but especially Octavian). Nevermind the eventual fallout between Octavian and Mark Anthony who later goes and has his tryst with Cleopatra.

[The Ponzzz]

I really hope the show lasts until the navel battle between Octavian and Mark Antony, cause that should be awesome!

I'm kinda glad that did go full into the speeches and kept the action going, I think HBO is doing a wonderful job. Just wondering how Pullo and Lucius turn out seeing they just went on a murdering spree!

[Celephais]

Just watched it... fucking badass. I'm really psyched about the rest of the season now.. almost forgot how good it was.

[Parkbandit]

I might just get HBO for this show :(

[Atlanteax]

I really hope the show lasts until the navel battle between Octavian and Mark Antony, cause that should be awesome!

I'm kinda glad that did go full into the speeches and kept the action going, I think HBO is doing a wonderful job. Just wondering how Pullo and Lucius turn out seeing they just went on a murdering spree!

Ditto on the naval battle, but I don't think we'll see much of one for budget reasons (would be such an expensive undertaking). I can see Rome lasting one more season when Augustus takes power, because of early intrigues before his position becomes entrenched.

My hunch is that Lucius will again be leading units on behalf of Octavian (but obviously lower tier than Agrippa). Pullo will likely be in the same unit. Possibly to "atone" by being in service to the state, or something like that.
That *or* they both serve as bodyguards for Octavius (particularly since Pullo has been providing Octavian combat instructions ... where Oct reciprocates with feedback on whatever dilemas the two are dealing with).

I'm hoping that the kids were just sold off as slaves and not really killed.

[Back]

Ditto on the naval battle, but I don't think we'll see much of one for budget reasons (would be such an expensive undertaking).

I'm hoping that the kids were just sold off as slaves and not really killed.

I get the feeling thats why they off-staged the whole fight scene with Lucious and Pulo taking out the ENTIRE club that Pullman was in. Still, the way they filmed it and the sound effects made it very badass.

Ditto on the kids and I bet they aren't dead.

Oh, if you have On Demand, there is a 10 minute short with various people from the series talking about aspects of the new season, particularly how what we now know as the mafia was formed.

[TheEschaton]

I'm confused. Is this based on the history of Rome? If so, isn't the plot already known?

OR is it one of those "the personal stories during a time of history" pieces?

-TheE-

[Celephais]

I'm confused. Is this based on the history of Rome? If so, isn't the plot already known?

OR is it one of those "the personal stories during a time of history" pieces?

-TheE-

It's more focused on two soldiers role in the course of history... so the latter... yes. Despite knowing the real plot, it being true to history, it does a very nice job of being suspenseful and entertaining. That and Pullo and Lucius could singlehandedly murder anyone.

[drigore]

Sopranos on A&E is this month.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQxK_yqGWS8

[Kierke]

HBO, the cast and the makers of the show have said that this is the final season of Rome. It's mostly for budgetary reasons, though the first season ratings (good, but not "HBO good") are responsible as well.

Meghan

[The Ponzzz]

http://www.hbo.com/rome/

And yea, that link that Drigore posted is awesome!

[Atlanteax]

HBO, the cast and the makers of the show have said that this is the final season of Rome. It's mostly for budgetary reasons, though the first season ratings (good, but not "HBO good") are responsible as well.

Meghan

You're breaking my heart, Missy.

[The Ponzzz]

Yea, I read somewhere it's not set in stone, but they are pretty sure this will be the last season. So lets hope they make it as long as Oz atleast!

[Back]

Now I’m bummed and we are only into the first episode. I think Deadwood is headed in the same direction. From what I remember their last season is only going to be a four hour special.

What I find so great about these shows are the characters first and how they are intertwined into the historical plot.

If you’ve been following Rome you know that the simple soldier Titus Pulo has played, unwittingly, an enormous part in Rome’s history. From causing the rebellion against Caesar because of some guy he lost a game of dice to too fucking Cleopatra when she was fertile making her pregnant and Caesar thinking its his son. Not to mention him finding Pompeii’s gold by total chance and returning it to Caesar. Amongst other things.

The writers are very clever to weave all this into the real story.

[Atlanteax]

If you’ve been following Rome you know that the simple soldier Titus Pulo has played, unwittingly, an enormous part in Rome’s history. From causing the rebellion against Caesar because of some guy he lost a game of dice to too fucking Cleopatra when she was fertile making her pregnant and Caesar thinking its his son. Not to mention him finding Pompeii’s gold by total chance and returning it to Caesar. Amongst other things.

The writers are very clever to weave all this into the real story.

The real Caesar was sterile (at least was highly probable), and the writers played off the angle of the only way Cleopatra could give birth to two boys who do not bear a resemblance to Caesar.

[The Ponzzz]

GOD DAMN! Second episode was AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[Atlanteax]

GOD DAMN! Second episode was AWESOME!!!!!!!!

(Stop reading if you did not read/study classical roman history and may consider my foreshadowing to be a form of a spoiler).

Yes.

Octavian has made his foray into the political arena.

They did it extremely well, and very in-line to what is known of Octavian as to be a frail male and adverse to campaigning, but very politically shrewed

Over the next 1-3 episodes, we'll see him emphasis Octavian Caesar.
As we know, he's headed to Capua to join his friend, Agrippa, who will be Octavian's trusted military commander, and essentially does all of Octavian's (and Augustus') military battles (spare a few where he did participate for public display).

Probably won't be for several episodes (if the season is long enough) until he is presenting himself as Augustus (after defeating Mark Anthony).

.

Lucius "going mad" scene as a spawn of Hades was very well-done in the content that the Romans were *very* respectful of religion, particularly their various gods.

Meanwhile, at least we know where his children are, and that the hunch was right and they are alive.

.

My prediction for the next episode (or the one after).

We will see Brutus/Cassius try to return to Rome in attempt to take advantage of the discord between Anthony and Octavian. However, the later two view the duo as far more of a threat than each other (particularly due to that they can be considered part of the same political line). We will also see Agrippa leading Octavian's forces while Octavian is present.

Titus' involvement with the whorehouse causes problems with his new wife (as in an incident happens).

Lucius (and Titus) will be seen fighting (campaigning army-wise) with Anthony against Brutus/Cassius, unless Anthony delegates more authority to Lucius to hold the peace for him in Anthony's absence.

Later on (future episodes), with Octavian's involvement, Lucius children are returned to him, and Lucius gives up (or rather stops) being Anthony's henchman and returns to being the honorable one (god-fearing, etc) he was in season 1. Which effectively denies Anthony some leverage of control in Rome, and shifts the balance more towards Octavian.

[Celephais]

GOD DAMN! Second episode was AWESOME!!!!!!!!

2x... so fucking awesome... I FUCK CONCORD IN HER ASS!!!

[The Ponzzz]

Yea Lucius rocked that scene!!

[Back]

Lucious still believes he is lost. I would not be surprised if Octavian enlists Pulo, and by chance, returns Vorenus' family, which results in Octavian’s success with both of them playing significant roles.

[zhelas]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQxK_yqGWS8

"we dont got any gubba goo, ok??!! so shut the fu-"

LOL!

[The Ponzzz]

OMFG SUNDAY NEEDS TO BE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!

Third ep, awesome yet again! And it seems we will get to see more than intended with this season, seeing we progressed 3 months into the storyline!

Without ruining it for those that need to download it or watch it OnDemand, it was great!

[Goretawn]

Quite possibly one of the greatest shows on the small screen. If you paid attention when Octavian left Rome you would have seen Lucias's kids and sister-in-law in the slave cart. They had already answered the question of if they were still alive in the second episode.

[Atlanteax]

OMFG SUNDAY NEEDS TO BE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!

Third ep, awesome yet again! And it seems we will get to see more than intended with this season, seeing we progressed 3 months into the storyline!


Yea, I was really surprised that they moved the storyline up 3 months so fast in a 5-minute blink.

(stop reading to avoid spoilers)

.

I wanted to see Octavian's reaction to Cicero's response ... and how Lucius came to joining up with Mark Anthony in Gaul.

Several questions has been answered, but with a few new ones.

The writers apparently have a convulted ability to advance the plotline rapidly in some regards (as with the above "omissions") while somehow keeping it all tied together so the plotline does flow smoothly despite such knee-jerk advancements.

[Shari]

OMG. I agree with Ponzz, this needs to be on ALL THE TIME. Six days to wait is FOR-EV-AR.

I am convinced that Pullo is going to bang Gaiya. (Or however you spell her name.)

And holy shit I was FREAKIN when that speaker was reading off Cicero's scroll to Mark Anthony.

I swear to GOD I would bang the shit out of that man. (Mark Anthony) He's so farking hawt.

I love the violence. Like when they go after that guy who castrated that other guy (I'm SORRY I don't know all the smaller-role character's names) gets dunked head first in the public toilets and the ass-rape him.

I'm a freak, I know.

[Artha]

I love the violence. Like when they go after that guy who castrated that other guy (I'm SORRY I don't know all the smaller-role character's names) gets dunked head first in the public toilets and the ass-rape him.
So is this Oz with skirts and Latin names?

[Atlanteax]

I just still don't understand how this 2nd season may be the last season.

[Shari]

NOOOOOOOOOOO

[Back]

So is this Oz with skirts and Latin names?

Not quite but there is no shortage of depravity and sordid behavior.


I love the show but feel kinda cheated when they bumped the story ahead three months and everything will change from the first two shows. I was looking forward to the whole Aventine gang wars.

I totally dig and episodes with Cleopatra. Loved her in the first series and glad to see her again. Oh and Gaia is hot.

[Shari]

Gaia is super hot. *I* want to do her.

[The Ponzzz]

See and I don't mind the timeline jump and if this does end up being the last season, I'm glad they did it to show the rise of Augustus. I agree that I would have liked to see the gangs destroy the city and Mark Antony escape.

And the male rape was a little fucked up. HBO loves to throw that in there.

[Back]

See and I don't mind the timeline jump and if this does end up being the last season, I'm glad they did it to show the rise of Augustus. I agree that I would have liked to see the gangs destroy the city and Mark Antony escape.

And the male rape was a little fucked up. HBO loves to throw that in there.

Despite the jump I will love every episode. I started wondering about why they might stop after two seasons and started looking into when Jesus shows up.

And now I am seriously wondering what Timon’s brother is really up to...

Jesus actually shows up durning Octavian’s (Agustus’) rule after his defeat of Anthonty. Could they have decided not to touch that issue in the series or are we already seeing hints of it?

[The Ponzzz]

Yea we already saw him talking once. And I bet ya HBO doesn't want to touch that subject. Very good point man!

[The Ponzzz]

WHOA, Such a great ep!!

Had to watch it in pieces, but it was so good!

***SPOILER***







The only thing that caught me off guard was Octavian's new actor, but I see it was needed to show growth, and their voices are almost the same, so it worked out well!

I haven't been happy like this to watch a TV series in a long time.

[Shari]

Must wait...til husband <twitch>...finish watching...post game show<twitchtwitch>

[The Ponzzz]

Yea I was flipping(my cable went out as well) and then caught some of it OnDemand.

Gonna watch it again tomorrow.

[The Ponzzz]

Such a great episode tonight!

Don't wanna give too much away for those that watch it OnDemand or whatever afterwards. It's a must see!

[Shari]

Ironic how Brutus dies, eh?

[Atlanteax]

Ironic how Brutus dies, eh?

Very...

[Artha]

Please tell me he falls asleep at the dinner table and gets smothered by some caesar salad.

[The Ponzzz]

God, I love Sundays!

This has to be my favorite new series on HBO!

Another great ep tonight(last Sunday was a break)!

[Skeeter]

I finally got caught up. Great show.

The chick who plays Atia should win an award.

[Shari]

Love Atia's character.

Actually, I love all the characters in the show for their own reasons. That's what makes it so fabulous. My god do I ever feel bad for Octavia. I mean...I know that's how history goes but damn.

[Parkbandit]

Damn.. I should really get HBO.

I've looked on the internet for videos of any Season II episodes.. haven't found any yet. I guess I'll wait for the dvd to come out.. it's already in my Netflix queue.

[The Ponzzz]

I know season one is still $90. I'll buy both seasons though.

[Bobmuhthol]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FJH4X2/ref=nosim/luby-20

<<I know season one is still $90.>>

o rly?

[The Ponzzz]

:(

I was going from what I saw at BestBuy!! DAMN THE INTER WEB!!

[TheEschaton]

There must be horses in your tubes.

-TheE-

[Goretawn]

Pullo is the shit!!!! And Gaia is one bad ass bitch. They totally rocked the aventine. Gods I love this show.

[SpunGirl]

I hope Pullo finds out what Gaia did and hacks her to pieces. I also used to totally love Octavian and how he'd outsmart everyone, but he's become a total asshole in the last 3-4 episodes.

-K

[Alcoholic]

Absolutely love this show. Single best reason to have HBO, if not the only reason (besides Sopranos, which starts next month).

If you haven't heard, HBO picked up the rights to do a Fire & Ice (George R.R. Martin) series. If it's anything like this, I'll be there.

[Celephais]

Wow, just got to watch last nights episode... what a fucking amazing show. Pullo could hang with the Spartans.

[Shari]

Yeah, Pullo really needs to find out. I'd love to watch Gaia and Pullo go out it (with swords). And Octavian has turned into a total fucking douche. Pity. I feel so so bad for Octavian and Agrippa. And god damn...Cleopatra at the end. DAMN

[Skeeter]

Octavian did the only thing he could. If the scandal got out he would be shamed and lose his position in the republic.

He was able to turn embarassment to his advantage and eliminate Mark Anthony from the picture. Once he gains full control of the republic he will be free to loosen up a bit.

I did enjoy when he told his new wife that he would beat her occasionaly for sexual pleasure. Nothing like brutal honesty.

[Back]

Fucking finale of a season. I thought it got a little drama/trashy through the middle but it ended well. Set up for another run?

I sure as fuck hope so. Tremendous acting, with complete environs, to end it. As we all know, the story does not end with this season.

[The Ponzzz]

Season Finale was tonight!

HOLY SHIT! Such a great series! Sad to see it end.

[Back]

Season Finale was tonight!

HOLY SHIT! Such a great series! Sad to see it end.

ROFL, my post was longer than just ten minutes after the show you groupie.

[Shari]

NOOOOOOOO


God I hope what with the amount of time and money invested on the set there in Italy they'll be enticed enough to continue the show next season due to the popularity of the show.

<prays>

[The Ponzzz]

It's all over HBO's site that it was the SERIES finale.

And according to some forums and HBO's site, it's done.

Great ending, almost got a tear out of me.

[SpunGirl]

That was an AWESOME ending. That's the best way to end shows, IMO... leave us hanging on and dying for more. Sure to increase DVD sales, even at $80 a season.

Atia's final speech was fucking awesome.

-K

[Back]

Better to go out on a high note than played to death.

BUT I WANT ANOTHER SEASON!

[Skeeter]

sucks that verenous died. he and pullo of course made the show. would be tough to have another season w/o him.

[The Ponzzz]

yea Lucious and Pullo were the fucking shit.