This page is a detailed look at the episodes of the television series Rome. For general information on the series, please see the show's Main Page.
| List of Rome (TV series) episodes | |
|---|---|
| File:Rome33.JPG Rome title design. | |
| Created by | John Milius William J. MacDonald and Bruno Heller |
| Starring | Kevin McKidd Ray Stevenson Polly Walker Kenneth Cranham Max Pirkis Indira Varma Kerry Condon Lindsay Duncan James Purefoy and Ciarán Hinds |
| Country of origin | USA / UK |
| No. of episodes | 12 |
| Production | |
| Running time | approx. 50 min (commercial free) |
| Original release | |
| Network | HBO / BBC |
| Release | August 28, 2005 – present |
Rome, co-produced by HBO and the BBC, is a television drama that launched in the United States on August 24, 2005, at Wadsworth Theater in Hollywood.
HBO broadcast Rome four days later on August 28, and BBC2 in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2005. HBO approved a $100 million budget for the first season's production of twelve 1-hour episodes. Of that sum, the BBC contributed $15 million USD. On September 13, after three airings, HBO announced that Rome had been renewed for a second season and that production was scheduled to begin in March 2006, although the season will not air until 2007. The first episode, which aired on August 28, harvested more than 8.9 million viewers over eleven plays, and achieved a 9.1 household rating for Sunday primetime.
Rome: An Overview
Rome is a drama set initially during the last years of Julius Caesar's military and political dominance at the end of the Roman Republic, and its downfall driven by the political conflict between the Roman upper-class (usually referred in literature as the patricians, Lat. patricii) and the lower-class (plebians, Lat. plebeii). The series begins in 52 BC (701 ab urbe condita), during the last year of the Gallic Wars, and culminates in Caesar's monarchy. It is centered around the lives and fortunes of two Roman soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo (who are mentioned briefly in Caesar's De Bello Gallico book V, 44), their families and acquaintances. Rome also depicts the rise of Octavius, later to be known as Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Rome.
Episodes
Season 1 (2005)
The Stolen Eagle (Pilot)
Production
- Episode: #1, 1-1. Note: Episodes #1 - #3 were re-edited into 2 episodes for their BBC Release.
- Director: Michael Apted
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: August 28, 2005 (HBO); November 2, 2005 (BBC)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Gaul
- Time Frame: 52 BC
- Synopsis: Eager to return to Rome after eight long years of war, Gaius Julius Caesar ends his campaign with a resounding triumph in Gaul - and news of a shattering personal loss at home. In Rome, Caesar's old friend Pompey is counselled by the Senate, who worry about Caesar's growing popularity. Two soldiers are enlisted to find the army's stolen gold standard. Atia is careful to play both sides of an escalating power struggle.
Historical Notes
- The episode takes a little liberty with time. While Julia Caesaris - Caesar's daughter, and wife of Pompey - dies in childbirth in the time frame of this episode (52 BC), Julia Caesaris actually died two years earlier, in 54 BC.
- Caesar's eight-years-long Gallic Wars end as the series starts. While it is not named, the battle shown near the beginning of the episode (presumably) leads to the surrender/capture of Vercingetorix. This would make it one of the last engagements of the Siege of Alesia.
- The political situation of Rome has been 'simplified' somewhat in this episode. Marcus Crassus, the First Triumvirate, and Crassus' war against the Parthian Empire have all been 'edited out', and the conflict made solely between Caesar and Pompey.
- It is implied, if not stated outright, that Pompey and Caesar are co-Consuls. This was not the case, as Pompey amd Marcus Crassus were joint Consuls at this time.
- The polythestic nature of Roman religious beliefs is brought home in this episode: Atia sacrifices to Magna Mater to ensure Octavian's safety in Gaul; Titus Pullo is seen entreating Forculus, Roman god of the door, to allow him out of his jail cell, and later Pullo also offers up the men slain in battle to Mars, Roman God of War.
Episode Specific Links
- Plot Summary at TV.com
- Plot Summary at HBO
How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic
Production
- Episode: #2, 1-2. Note: Episodes #1 - #3 were re-edited into 2 episodes for their BBC Release.
- Director: Michael Apted
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: September 4, 2005 (HBO); November 2, 2005 (BBC)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Gaul
- Time Frame: 50 BC - 49 BC.
- Synopsis: Anointed People's Tribune by Caesar, Mark Antony returns to Rome with Octavian's liberators, Vorenus and Pullo. After being feted by a grateful Atia, Vorenus heads home to his family, for the first time in eight years, while Pullo heads for the brothels. Pompey drafts an ultimatum stripping Caesar of his power.
Historical Notes
- Caesar's proconsulship in Gaul was about to expire, which would mean a loss of immunity against prosecution by his political enemies. He had faced the same situation five years prior, but at that time his command had been extended with the help of his allies Pompey Magnus and Marcus Crassus. This time, however, Pompey was against him, and Crassus has been killed in 53 BC. Caesar instead has to rely on Mark Antony for his political maneuvering: newly elected to the office of Tribune of the People (tribunus plebis).
- This was the year that Caesar finally moved openly against Rome, crossing the Rubicon in January of 49 BC, at the head of the 13th Legion (Legio XIII Gemina). It is here he is said to have made the comment "Alea iacta est" ("The die is cast").
Episode Specific Links
- Plot Summary at TV.com
- Plot Summary at HBO
An Owl in a Thornbush
Production
- Episode: 1-3, #3. Note: Episodes #1 - #3 were re-edited into 2 episodes for their BBC Release.
- Director: Michael Apted
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: September 11, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Italy
- Time Frame: Spring of 49 BC
- Synopsis: Scouting for Caesar some 30 miles from Rome, Pullo, Vorenus and ubian soldiers meet minimal resistance from a green group of Pompey recruits. Alarmed at the speed with which Caesar's army has advanced and with few soldiers, Pompey makes an unusual tactical decision: leave Rome. Pompey's decision to temporarily abandon Rome to Caesar forces patrician families to choose sides.
Historical Notes
- None
Stealing from Saturn
Production
- Episode: #4, 1-4
- Director: Julian Farino
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: September 18, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Italy
- Time Frame: Spring/Summer of 49 BC
- Synopsis: As Pompey "maneuvers" outside the city, Caesar seeks to consolidate his hold on Rome. Atia throws a party to welcome Caesar home, while Vorenus throws one of his own to usher in his new life as a citizen businessman. Pullo's run of luck continues when he delivers Quintus Pompey to Caesar, who in turn returns Quintus to his father's camp--with an offer of truce he knows Pompey will never accept
Historical Notes
- None
The Ram Has Touched the Wall
Production
- Episode: #5, 1-5
- Director: Allen Coulter
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: September 25, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Italy
- Time Frame: Unknown, possibly mid-49 BC. (Pompey leaves Italy around this time)
- Synopsis: Caesar weighs Pompey's counteroffer against Antony's recommendation to chase down Pompey's vulnerable army. Vorenus is forced to reconsider his career choices after a series of business setbacks leave him with little income to support his family. A jealous Atia concocts a clever scheme to separate Caesar from Servilia. Pullo is recruited to tutor Octavian in the art of soldiering, but ends up learning a lesson or two from the boy.
Historical Notes
- None
Egeria
Production
- Episode: #6, 1-6
- Director: Alan Poul
- Writer(s): John Milius
- Airdates: October 2, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Greece
- Time Frame: Late spring or early summer of 48 BC
- Synopsis: Mark Antony is running Rome while Caesar pursues Pompey in the East, but when news comes that the tide has turned and that Pompey now pursues Caesar, Antony must decide whether to stick by his old commander or turn against him as Atia and Pompey wish. Pullo takes Octavian to a brothel; Atia attempts to mend fences with Servilia; and Vorenus and Niobe rediscover their intimacy, albeit briefly, before Vorenus has to leave for Greece to fight for Antony.
Historical Notes
- This episode presumably overlaps with the Battle of Dyrrhachium before the arrival of Mark Antony, though that battle is not explicitly mentioned.
Pharsalus
Production
- Episode: #7, 1-7
- Director: Tim Van Patten
- Writer(s): David Frankel
- Airdates: October 9, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Settin
- Setting: Rome and Greece
- Time Frame: Summer of 48 BC, with special empasis on September 28, 48 BC, the date of the Battle of Pharsalus.
- Synopsis: Marooned in the Adriatic Sea, Vorenus and Pullo look to survive. In Greece, Pompey decides to attack Caesar's depleted forces, whose lack of options turns into their greatest strength; the result finds Pompey seeking reinforcements. In Rome, Octavia is enlisted by Atia to ask another favor of Servilia.
Historical Notes
- Obviously, this episode features the Battle of Pharsalus
Caesarion
Production
- Episode: #8, 1-8
- Director: Steve Shill
- Writer(s): William J. MacDonald
- Airdates: October 16, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome and Egypt
- Time Frame: Fall 48 BC through June 47 BC
- Synopsis: Having pursued Pompey into Egypt, Caesar arrives in Alexandria and meets the boy king Ptolemy XIII, who offers the general a surprise gift. Vorenus and Pullo play liberators again, freeing Ptolemy's incarcerated sister, Cleopatra. Caesar seeks payment from Egypt for past debts, and ends up forging a strategic union to ensure his legacy.
Historical Notes
- At the time of Caesar's arrival in Egypt, it was undergoing a dynastic dispute among the various siblings of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Ptolemy XIII (although probably "handled" by his regent Pothinus), Arsinoe IV, and Cleopatra VII (the Cleopatra known to most of us today), were all contesting for the rulership of Egypt.
- Caesarion - whom we only see in the last scene - was the son of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar (although events in the episode insinuate that may be in doubt).
Utica
Production
- Episode: 1-9
- Director: Jeremy Podeswa
- Writer(s): Alexandra Cunningham
- Airdates: October 30, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome, Thapsus, and Utica, Tunisia
- Time Frame: February 6, 46 BC (the date of Battle of Thapsus), possibly into the beginning of 45 BC
- Synopsis: With Scipio and Cato defeated, Caesar returns home to a hero's welcome. Vorenus and Pullo's showdown with local thug Erastes gets an unexpected reprieve from Caesar. Servilia's plan to use Octavia to unearth a secret about Caesar backfires.
Historical Notes
- The Battle of Thapsus, which occurs just prior to the opening of this episode, was the end of the Optimates' influence in Africa. The resistance to Caesar was not yet broken: Gnaeus Pompeius and Sextus Pompeius would rally the Optimates cause in Hispania. The Optimates would challenge Caesar again at the Battle of Munda.
- Even though he is shown to grant political/religious office to Octavian, Caesar also made him his adopted heir in 46 BC. This would have consequences after Caesar's death, leading to the Second Triumvirate, and eventually to the Principate, as Octavian became Augustus Caesar. This adoption is not mentioned in the series.
- Cato committed suicide in Utica, Tunisia after hearing of the defeat at Thapsus. Despite being shown here, he did not participate in the battle.
- Although shown as being assisted in suidcide by his aide, Scipio was actually killed during the battle of Thapsus.
Triumph
Production
- Episode: #10, 1-10
- Director: Alan Taylor
- Writer(s): Adrian Hodges
- Airdates: November 6, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome
- Time Frame: April of 45 BC ( April 12 being the date of Julius Caesar's famous "Gallic Triumph")
- Synopsis: Unanimously proclaimed Emperor by the Senate, Caesar pronounces the war over, and prepares for five days of feasting and games honoring his "triumph." No longer an enlisted soldier, Pullo eyes a pastoral future with Eirene; Vorenus runs for municipal magistrate, with Posca's help; Octavian retrieves Octavia from her self-imposed exile; and Servilia invites a revenge-minded Quintus Pompey into her home, to Brutus' dismay.
Historical Notes
- April 12, 45 BC was the date of Caesar's famous "Gallic Triumph"
- Although Brutus proposes in the Senate that Caesar by awarded the title of imperator, this seems to be an error on the part of the writers. To be awarded a Triumph, Caesar would alrady have been declared Imperator by his legions. The powers being voted Caesar by the Senate are of another office entirely - that of Dictator.
- Vercingetorix of the Gauls is depicted as being executed as part of the Triumph, although this does not seem to have been the practice. Such captives were held, or executed at the Tullianum, not in public as part of the cermony.
- The Battle of Munda - which occured March_17, 45 BC in Hispania - would have occured between episodes #10 and #11, although it is not mentioned in the series. It was the last military action in "Caesar's Civil War", and the end of the Optimates military opposition to Caesar.
The Spoils
Production
- Episode: #11, 1-11
- Director: Mikael Salomon
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: November 13, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome
- Time Frame: Late 45 BC, early 44 BC
- Synopsis: While Pullo descends into Erastes' netherworld, Vorenus negotiates a severance for veteran soldiers on behalf of Caesar, who invites him and Niobe to one of Atia's parties. Cassius attempts to convince Brutus that the life and death of the Republic is indeed "in your hands."
Historical Notes
- While not specifically named, it would appear that from the timing and the settlement of the men in Narbo, that at least some of the soldiers being settled were those of the Legio X Equestris. Legio XIII Gemina (the oft named 13th Legion) was also disbanded and settled at this time, although on better lands within Italy.
- Caesar is appointed Dictator for life.
Kalends of February
Production
- Episode: #12, 1-12
- Director: Alan Taylor
- Writer(s): Bruno Heller
- Airdates: November 20, 2005 (HBO)
Plot and Setting
- Setting: Rome
- Time Frame:
- Synopsis:
Historical Notes
- None
Season 2 (2007)
While no details have yet been released, HBO has renewed the series for a second season. Principal photography shooting will begin in 2006, and the second season will air in 2007.