Although we all wanted to witness another great episode, the Jan 14th 2007 episode of ROME, was for me, lacking in focus, and trying to say too much too quickly. For all that occurred (politically speaking) ROME 2007 felt stuck dramatically, reminding me of some of my experiences when digesting an endless Wagnarian aria..., I know there is a leitmotif somewhere if only I can find it!! Only Gaius Octavian's key political analysis, and occasionally Mark Antony captured the sense of dramatic movement and urgency required for these people to survive after their protectors demise.
Tracking Vorenus' slump into momentary madness made him into a caricature (crazed victim able to exact revenge killing 10 men with superhuman abilities); much like the character ploys Mel Gibson often likes to portray (Braveheart, Ransom, Lethal Weapon, Payback,etc). Perhaps Vorenus' state of mind is a metaphor for the chaos in the immediate aftermath of the murder of Ceaser, but it did not work for me. Also, Titus Pullo's detached, matter of fact reaction to the tragic turn of events facing his dear friend Vorenus made no emotional sense, given our understanding of Pullo and his relationship with Vorenus, from ROME 2006.
I did however enjoy certain scenarios, such as Mark Antony's negotiation with Brutus and Servilia. We can hope the best is yet to come, right?
Tracking Vorenus' slump into momentary madness made him into a caricature (crazed victim able to exact revenge killing 10 men with superhuman abilities); much like the character ploys Mel Gibson often likes to portray (Braveheart, Ransom, Lethal Weapon, Payback,etc). Perhaps Vorenus' state of mind is a metaphor for the chaos in the immediate aftermath of the murder of Ceaser, but it did not work for me. Also, Titus Pullo's detached, matter of fact reaction to the tragic turn of events facing his dear friend Vorenus made no emotional sense, given our understanding of Pullo and his relationship with Vorenus, from ROME 2006.
I did however enjoy certain scenarios, such as Mark Antony's negotiation with Brutus and Servilia. We can hope the best is yet to come, right?