As a seasoned movie critic with a deep appreciation for the rich history of classical antiquity and its enduring influence on modern storytelling, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Peacock’s new series “Those About to Die.” Having lived through the golden age of epic Roman dramas like Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” and HBO’s “Rome,” I was intrigued by the prospect of a modern take on this timeless theme.
As someone who grew up in Rome and has always been fascinated by ancient history, I can’t help but be thrilled by the recent surge of interest in classical antiquity in both cinema and television. I still remember the excitement I felt when “Gladiator” graced the silver screen back in the early 2000s. It transported me back to the Roman Empire, allowing me to live through the triumphs and trials of Maximus Decimus Meridius.
The Peacock series “Those About to Die,” inspired by Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 novel of the same name, presents an old-school sword-and-sandal epic depicting the sordid side and extravagant wealth of ancient Rome. Screenwriter Robert Rodat (“Saving Private Ryan”) adapted this gritty production. Directors Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day,” “The Day After Tomorrow”) and Marco Kreuzpaintner each helm five episodes, with Emmerich making his series debut in the first half. Emmerich isn’t known for highbrow films, and this show isn’t prestigious; instead, it’s a thrilling, violent spectacle reminiscent of ancient Roman amphitheaters, then called the Flavian Amphitheatre. Despite its flaws, such as overacting and excessive CGI, “Those About to Die” keeps viewers engaged with its captivating storyline about gladiators. To tell a tale of arena combatants, one must connect with the audience.
In every promotional material for the series “Those About to Die,” Anthony Hopkins‘ visage graces the posters, as he portrays Emperor Vespasian during the final years of his ten-year rule. However, Hopkins’ impressive acting resume often overshadows other cast members, making his presence more of an added weight than a focal point. The large ensemble has a leading character in Tenax, played by Iwan Rheon from “Game of Thrones.” A penniless orphan turned proprietor of Rome’s most bustling gambling den, among other questionable enterprises, Tenax serves as the show’s primary figure. Surprisingly, the disorganized production introduces Tenax with a voiceover in the beginning that soon vanishes as a narrative tool.
In this intriguing tale called “Those About to Die,” I find myself caught between Tenax’s ambition to establish a chariot racing faction and the power struggle between Vespasian’s two potential heirs. However, the synopsis falls short of conveying the richness of the cast that includes racers, gladiators, slaves, spectators, nobles, priests, and royals, all striving for recognition or survival in a ruthless, stratified society. Tenax’s habitual expressions like “Rise or die: the Roman way” and “This is Rome; it’s all blood money,” while perhaps annoying at times, hold truth. Moreover, the multitude of characters and storylines prevents the series from succumbing to the sluggish pacing that plagues many hour-long streaming productions.
The surfeit of story also helps smooth over some glaring flaws. Emmerich’s fees must have eaten up the visual effects budget, because wide shots of grand temples and crowded racetracks have all the detail and grandeur of an elaborate Lego set. Lions sicced on prisoners for the masses’ entertainment are meant to be menacing, but because they’re so transparently digitized, the scenes carry all the dramatic tension of watching a playthrough of a video game. Other attempts to inject intrigue are laughably overused. I’m no anti-sex scene puritan, but we see so many players mid-coitus that, by the season’s midpoint, a bare nipple elicits little more than a yawn.
In essence, “Those About to Die” can be described as having a charming yet simple-minded nature, much like a himbo. The show’s antagonist, Domitian (Jojo Macari), is a menacing and flamboyant figure who delights in causing mischief and creating chaos, even if his actions are predictable. He’s reminiscent of classic villain archetypes and adds an entertaining twist to the series, despite his one-dimensional character development. Scorpus (Dimitri Leonidas), a skilled chariot racer, is another noteworthy character who amuses with his egocentricity. When confronted by authority, he unapologetically asserts, “I am Scorpus!” reflecting the show’s humorous tone and self-awareness.
“Rome” premiered when premium cable and later streaming dramas were just beginning to establish their conventions. In contrast, “Those About to Die” debuts when these techniques are commonplace, making them less revolutionary but still effective. Tenax is a character reminiscent of Stringer Bell, a criminal mastermind eager to legitimize his ill-gotten gains. The other racing factions are led by Roman aristocrats who resent this newcomer. Previously, Rheon gave a chilling portrayal as the cruel Ramsay Bolton; in this series, he continues to be menacing but also displays more depth, particularly when Tenax joins forces with Cala (Sara Martins), a mother determined to liberate her enslaved offspring. The pleasure of observing two skilled individuals collaborating is undeniable, and their relationship exhibits an unexpectedly subtle development in an otherwise swift-paced show.”
“The Show ‘Those About to Die’ doesn’t follow typical summer TV patterns, but instead aligns with the growing trend of blockbuster series that have moved from cinemas to our living rooms. Unlike shows like ‘The Acolyte’ and ‘House of the Dragon,’ this production doesn’t rest on the shoulders of a major franchise. Emmerich and Rodat swiftly move past any potential weaknesses in the narrative, keeping viewers engaged without pushing our patience too far. With an entertaining mix of elements that work, this gladiator in the TV arena deserves another round in the ring.”
All 10 episodes of “Those About to Die” are now available to stream on Peacock.
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2024-07-18 17:19