As I sat there, nursing a cup of wine in the dimly lit tavern, my mind wandered back to the chaotic streets of ancient Rome. The gravel crunched beneath my sandals as I recalled the days when I was but a scrawny urchin, eking out a living by any means necessary. I had seen the city’s darkest corners and met its most depraved inhabitants. I had learned to harden myself against the cruelties of life, burying my vulnerabilities deep within.
Warning: The following content reveals major plot points from all episodes of “Those About to Die,” currently available on Peacock.
In the hidden side of Rome as portrayed in Peacock’s swords-and-sandals series “Those About to Die” by Peacock, Tenax (Iwan Rheon) can be described using various labels. He is a bookmaker, a broker, a faction head, and even a guardian angel for orphans. However, by the end of Season 1, he unwillingly earns an additional killer of emperors.
I’m deeply fascinated by the complex history between Jojo Macari, or Tenax as we know him, and his brother Domitian, the youngest son of the late Emperor Vespasian. You see, I’ve come to understand that their relationship was far from harmonious. Domitian never quite approved of Titus taking over their father’s throne, and Tenax saw an opportunity in this discord.
In the final act, Titus discovers Domitian’s intention to halt Rome’s imports, potentially leading to turmoil among its inhabitants. Following the thrilling inauguration of the Flavian Amphitheatre, now recognized as the Roman Colosseum, constructed under their father’s reign –– Titus confronts Domitian about the incriminating evidence against him. Unbeknownst to Titus, Domitian had already ordered Tenax to mastermind his assassination. However, this plot unravels so dramatically that Tenax is compelled to end Titus’ life himself to shield Domitian from execution.
In the Tenax saga, written by Robert Rodat from Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 novel, Tenax goes beyond a few instances of taking lives. Yet, crossing the line to kill the emperor is an action he cannot undo.
Rheon explains to EbMaster about Tenax: “His world is all business for him. To thrive in the high stakes arena he’s entered, every decision is a matter of life and death. The risk of being eliminated looms large at any moment. So, his actions are driven by survival instincts, not desires. He doesn’t want to harm emperors, yet finds himself with no other alternatives.”
Giving the crown to Domitian, Tenax is exposing Rome to a ruler whose actions may not be guided by reason or pragmatism. This is the same man who recently enjoyed the spectacle of his ex-lover’s execution. The grisly method involved securing him to the front of a ship and leaving him for crocodiles in a flooded amphitheater, all while an enthusiastic crowd looked on. Remember, Domitian had already endured the loss of his tongue prior to this.
Rheon points out that Tenax might have made a regrettable decision by aligning with Domitian, but now it’s too late for second thoughts to matter significantly.
Rheon expresses his character’s doubtful expression towards Domitian by saying, “Tenax is unsure if he can handle this situation.” In essence, Tenax has brought forth a beast and given it power. The question remains if he can tame this monster as he did with Scorpus, who was a brilliant charioteer but also an alcoholic. However, Domitian holds the power to end Tenax’s life at any moment.
At the end, Tenax may feel fear despite desiring to be in that situation, as the repercussions prove daunting.
When it comes to discussing fear, the season draws to a close with Tenax confessing aloud that he’s not afraid of Domitian, but rather the connection he’s formed with Cala (Sara Martins). Originally hiring Cala to rescue her enslaved children, she’s been clear about her primary goal being reunited with her family. However, as her role in managing Tenax’s betting business grew more significant and their undeniable chemistry developed, they found themselves drawn together in unexpected ways. Rheon points out that Cala brings out a hidden vulnerability in Tenax that he’d suppressed during his time on the streets to survive harsh conditions.
“He remarks that she’s likely the sole individual who speaks truthfully to him. With no close friends and being a solitary figure, he keeps people at bay and exhibits harsh behavior due to his moral exemptions. Yet here comes she, making a significant impact as his only company. Notably, she’s sincere and her intentions are unblemished. Unlike others who engage in deceitful games, she stays true to herself.”
As a movie buff, I can’t help but ponder over why Cala so easily betrays her lover, revealing his involvement in the assassination plot against Titus to save her kids. Despite the evidence never reaching its intended target before Tenax completes the deed, the harm has already been inflicted. In their last scene together, he accuses her of knowing about his side business of emperor-slaying and demands she take her life for her betrayal. However, Cala stands firm and reminds him that she’s crucial to running his businesses now that he’s busy dealing with Domitian. Their chemistry remains unresolved as the will they/won’t they romance unfolds throughout the season, leaving their attraction untouched in the end credits.
Rheon shares, “The final scene was a pleasure to film, and Sara is simply amazing. Yet, his not killing her holds significance. ordinarily, if anyone had betrayed him or anyone else, he would have killed them. However, sparing lives reveals vulnerability. This is why he admits, ‘You scare me.’ He recognizes the need for her presence in his life.”
I’ve observed Tenax closely, witnessing his prowess in chariot races and bloodsports. His influence extends beyond the arena, with a network of spies spread across the city. He even takes on a paternal role for many of them. Yet, I can’t help but wonder, what exactly does he stand for? What is the reason behind his actions?
“According to Rheon, what he craves most is respect. He yearns for the aristocracy to acknowledge and value him. There’s an innate part of him that responds favorably to such recognition, much like a child who receives approval from their father.”
Growing up, Tenax had a friend named Ursus (Daniel Stisen), who turned out to be a stalker. Shockingly, Ursus hinted that Tenax could be the son of the very patrician who once raised us as slaves and later ended their lives in order for us to escape. Despite this revelation, by the end of the season, being close to power under Emperor Domitian has fueled Tenax’s ambitions, making him yearn for even greater things.
“Once the season is over for him, he begins to entertain thoughts of being an emperor,” he shares. “Given his ability to manage and make difficult calls, he would likely excel in this role. He’s a smart individual who understands the game. However, before he can consider such a lofty position, he needs to secure his own standing first. There’s also the issue of Domitian to address. Managing him is a necessary step.”
As a movie buff, I can relate to the challenge of dealing with a psychopath who’s intoxicated by newly discovered power. I’ve seen firsthand how chilling and terrifying that can be, having watched Ramsay Bolton bring his twisted version of power to life on “Game of Thrones.” Playing the role of this vicious and universally detested character in the Seven Kingdoms, Ramsay made Tenax’s darkest deeds seem almost benevolent.
Which of Rheon’s two characters would emerge triumphant if they were pitted against each other in the coliseum as gladiators? Rheon bets on the one who exhibits the most endurance and self-control to secure victory.
He expresses his confidence in Tenax with a chuckle, considering the potential outcomes. In his opinion, Ramsay is prone to errors. Caution is advisable when dealing with Ramsay, but Tenax seems more composed. Ramsay can be impulsive and lacking in compassion, while Tenax demonstrates a strong sense of understanding towards others, a quality that holds significance even if not immediately apparent.
“It would be a good fight though.”
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2024-07-20 02:17