Those About to Die” Complete Season 1 Review
“Those About to Die,” a historical drama directed by Roland Emmerich, delves into the brutal and opulent world of Imperial Rome’s gladiatorial games. With a cast featuring Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, the series presents a vivid portrayal of ancient Roman society and its obsession with violence and spectacle.
Episode Summaries:
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 1: “Rise or Die”
- A bread riot in Rome forces Emperor Vespasian to rely on his son Domitian, who stages chariot races to pacify the people. Meanwhile, a young African girl kills a Roman centurion in self-defense, leading her and her sister into slavery.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 2: “Trust None”
- The episode continues the political intrigue as Domitian navigates the dangerous waters of Roman politics, making alliances and enemies along the way.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 3: “Death’s Door”
- As the tension builds, various characters face life-threatening challenges both in and out of the arena.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 4: “Fool’s Bet”
- A Roman nobleman makes a risky bet, highlighting the high stakes and the perilous nature of Roman society.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 5: “Betrayal”
- Trust is a rare commodity in Rome, and this episode explores the depths of deception and treachery.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 6: “Blood Relation”
- Family ties are tested as characters navigate the dangerous landscape of Roman power dynamics.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 7: “Death’s Bed”
- As the series progresses, the brutal realities of gladiatorial life and Roman politics come to a head.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 8: “All or Nothing”
- Characters are pushed to their limits, with everything on the line in a climactic showdown.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 9: “The Die is Cast”
- Decisions made in the past come back to haunt the characters, setting the stage for the finale.
- Those About to Die Season 1 Episode 10: “Let the Games Begin”
- The season culminates in a grand spectacle, as the Flavian Amphitheater opens and the true nature of Roman entertainment is revealed.
Review:
“Those About to Die” attempts to balance historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling. While the series features impressive set pieces and strong performances, particularly from Hopkins, it has been criticized for its graphic violence and explicit content. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutality of the era, which can be both a strength and a weakness depending on viewer sensitivities.
The dialogue and plot have been described as somewhat formulaic, failing to fully capitalize on the potential depth of the setting. Despite these shortcomings, the series offers a compelling look at the dark side of ancient Rome, making it a notable addition to the genre of historical dramas On Netnaija
