Philippi

This episode should have been called "Poetic License." Before I get into this great episode, I'd like to point out some historical inaccuracies.

First and foremost, neither Brutus nor Cassius died in battle. In fact, it is quite misleading the way it was portrayed in the episode with Brutus removing his armor. Brutus committed suicide, not on the battlefield, but in the privacy of his quarters. In fact, his body was found and identified. Antony even showed respect for him by having his corpse draped with a purple garment.

Enough about what really happened. Atia, Antony and Octavian (though cautiously) are bloodthirsty sons of bitches, aren't they? I guess one way to ensure peace is to murder all your enemies. In this case, they did it preemptively.

Pullo is surely a man of duty honorably carrying out the murder of Cicero. "Do you mind if I take some peaches?" What if Cicero had said "no." You have to wonder if Pullo would have taken them.

I really like Timon. He has rediscovered his Jewish roots. He will not be a partner in his temple's selling out to Rome. I fear for his character, though, that he may have made a decision that will cost him his life in a later episode. Plus, Atia can't be too pleased with him.

With the enemies out of the way, there is no other course for the Triumvirate, but to turn on one another. Octavian has no intentions of allowing Antony a share of the power. We shall see.

Will Servilla reappear?

Am I forgetting anything?

Heroes of the Republic

There was a lot of religion in this episode. I liked how it started out with Timon praying at the synagogue. Vorenus finds religion again, and thus finds favor with the gods. He accepts his children, though they were slaves. He even accepts Niobe's child from another man. Marc Antony grants forgiveness to Lepidus, and he makes peace with Octavian. Atia asks Octavian for forgiveness, and he grants it.

BTW, where does Lepidus come in? This is the first time we meet him. Historically, he was one third of the Triumvirate. Though, he was not a significant threat to power. Rather, his presence was to appease the senate.

Speaking of the senate, did you like how they gave a blank check to the wishes of Octavian? Does that sound like any Senate you know?

Cicero did not like being punked by Octavian. What a puss, though, calling for Brutus and Cassius to return to Rome. Those cowards all deserve each other.

This episode was less violent. Maybe, it was about redemption. I suspect we will see more violence in upcoming episodes, particularly when the legions of Antony and Octavian run into Brutus and Cassius.

The Tortoise and the Hare

Sorry it's taken a while to get this one posted.

Okay, so Atia didn't die. I figured it was probably too soon. Her head slave lost his boy toy. I was hoping to see him made into a eunuch.

Those were some brutal beating scenes. Timon was clearly conflicted and does not enjoy his work. (I've been there.) It is a high price to pay. If he does not serve Atia, is he persecuted because he is Jew? I love his line a la The Elephant Man "I am not an animal!" It gave me some pride to see that they give the Jewish characters humanity, which I think is a commentary on the fact that Judaism has a moral code, while the Roman (polytheistic) religion has none. Moreover, it is narcissistic and self-serving, which is why you won't find anyone praying to Jupiter today. I like the development of Timon's character. Hopefully, he will stick around.

The growth hormone did wonders for young Octavian. I don't think they transitioned that one too well. Anyway, I guess Pullo recognized him.

Anthony recognizes that it is falling apart for him, and he will be forced to reconcile and ally with Octavian. Smart move. Octavian has the support of the people. Kind of like a Roman Obama to Marc Anthony's Joe Biden. (Sorry for the political pun.)

Would like to see a little more of Brutus and Cassius (their characters, not their genitals).

Finally, it is good to see Pullo and Vorenus as mates again. They are an indomitable team. Well, I don't have much else to say. What do you think?

Who's your favorite character?

Below are my favorite, most interesting and least favorite characters.
Titus Pullo is my favorite character. He is just very likable. He reminds me of Maximus in Gladiator. He is redeemed, and I find that a fascinating quality in a character.
Brutus is the most interesting character. He is clearly conflicted. I don't fault him for his role in Caesar's murder. He did what he thought was right, but he clearly didn't consider the consequences. That action takes his life down a path he never intended it to go. He will self-destruct. I love character transformations in movies and on TV. This seems to be one of the more brilliant ones. In later episodes I think he changes his name to Bluto. ;-)
Marc Anthony is my least favorite, or rather most hated character. He disgusts me completely. He is a vile individual. He reminds me of Tom Delay. That being said, James Purefoy is brilliant in his portrayal.

What is your take?