Rome (TV Series) Utica (2005) User Reviews

Excellent Transitional Episode in Season One

[Dan1863Sickles · 7/10 · 2 July 2020]

This episode combines several different plots and many characters are coming and going. The opening scene is a highlight. Cato and Scipio are two Senators who have fought Caesar's legions all over the Roman world, but now their luck has run out. Watching how nobly and bravely they deal with defeat forces the viewer to see Brutus and Cicero in a different light. It seems that Caesar has destroyed only his noblest enemies. The only ones who accept his mercy are the liars and backstabbers. As Pullo might say, well then, there you have it. So much for mercy, nay?

While the historical figures are presented with great dignity, it's a bit difficult to watch some of the family drama in this episode. Lindsay Duncan and Kerry Condon are both amazing actresses, but whenever they kiss they look as awkward as eighth graders in a school play! Are we really supposed to believe young Octavia would betray her family (and seduce her brother) because she's under the hypnotic spell of those less than passionate kisses?

Fortunately, the friendship between Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus is never less than believable in this episode. It's so great to watch them stand up to Erastes Fulmen and his thugs, and even more to see the look on Vorenus' face when an unexpected visitor drops by!

This is a great episode, but one where the warlike, historical characters are a lot more interesting than the family drama.

The Second Homecoming

[Xerces88 · 9/10 · 23 January 2008]

Vorenus and Pullo put down their swords and return to the city once again. Niobe and Lyde run a profitable butcher shop and convince reluctant Vorenus and Pullo to work there. Everything seems to be going well for Vorenus until he makes waves with a local thug, now crime lord. Pullo seemed envious of Vorenus' situation at home and is searching for meaning and happiness. He grows closer to the slave Eirene during this time and seems happier with her.

Octavian returns home from military school and Caesar appoints him a pontiff despite his age.

Servilia takes Atia's role of master manipulator this episode when she persuades Octavia to find out more regarding Caesar's affliction from Octavian. Octavia's method of extracting the truth from Octavian results in dire consequences for both of them, and Servilia.

I have always loved the relationship between Vorenus and Pullo and this episode shows more of that. Pullo is just so loyal Vorenus - I love it. Vorenus being promoted by Caesar may not help Pullo's questionable emotional state and loyalty to his friend.

The scene with the defeated Cato and Sciopio is shot wonderfully and has a gorgeous look to it. The background of the city from the outdoor-ish scene between Octavia and Octavian also had me in awe.

Vorenus receives a promotion and Octavia seduces her brother

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 26 February 2016]

After further defeats in Africa it is finally the end of the road for those who sided with Pompey; unwilling to return to Rome and surrender to Caesar, Cato and Scipio commit suicide. Back in Rome Servilia is determined to discover the secret that could destroy Caesar after Octavia mentions that he apparently suffers from a terrible affliction; she asks Octavia to find details from her brother. When he fails to give details Servilia instructs Octavia to seduce him despite the taboos about incest. Vorenus finds work as a butcher but soon runs into trouble when he confronts a pair of thugs working for Erastes Fulmen; Fulmen threatens to kill Vorenus if he doesn't apologise publicly; something he is unwilling to do. It looks like bloody conflict is inevitable until Caesar turns up at Vorenus's home asking him to stand for public office.

This was another solid episode; it got off to a good start with the events in North Africa which effectively close that chapter of the story. The events in Rome feature some delightful scheming; Lindsay Duncan does a fine job as Servilia; a woman willing to do almost anything to destroy her former lover Caesar… actions that will inevitably have repercussions when they become exposed. Kerry Condon is also impressive as Octavia; a moral character who does something she believes is immoral. It was interesting to see the effect Vorenus's promotion had on his friend Titus Pullo; Ray Stevenson did a fine job showing how this usually jolly character seemed depressed as he saw his friend advance while his life stayed the same. Overall another impressive episode with lots of scheming, some tense moments as well as a bit of action.