Rome

[Atreides]

"Die screaming, you pig-spawned trollop" - Atia to Cleopatra
"Look at the fucking state of you!" - Antony to Vorenus
"I fuck Concord in the ass!" - Vorenus to the Captains
"You fucking whore!" - Octavian to Atia (his mother!)

Such colourful language the Ancient Romans had. You could call it Romewood. I've got to figure out how to use that first phrase in real life.

[girlnamedcarl]

At first, I was like "Ah, man! Show faked us out! Didn't kill the kids like they said they did!" But then I realized that Lucius thought them dead, so he did got the full horror of that, and I'm willing to bet that when they're reunited with him, it will end in tragedy. "What more can I lose?" You can lose your kids for real this time.

I can't wait to see what will happen between Octavian, Mark Anthony, Cleopatra and Atia. There's a volatile foursome there. I also wonder what role, if any, Octavia will play.

[Ripley]

"Die screaming, you pig-spawned trollop" - Atia to Cleopatra

So that's what she said. I got the pig-spawned part, but not the rest.

[bklynred]

This show is just magnificent, in its writing, the dialogue, the acting, the intricate plots...no wonder they can't maintain it past this season. Sigh. I almost didn't watch it (between this and Deadwood, HBO is causing me major abandonment issues), but I couldn't help it. I'm so glad I did.

[niddlemiddle]

Remember how Pullo (sp?) interviewed the 'prostitute that wasn't a prostitute'? She looked a bit like his wife... I wonder if they're sisters seprated by slavery.

I love this show! I didn't watch last year but over the summer I bought the 1st season. It was such instant gratification being able to spend a week, watching the entire season. I'm chomping at the bit now.

[huntergrayson]

The look between Cleopatra and Pullo? Priceless.

So how and when is Octavian being recast? He left Rome in last week's episode and returns a different actor? I noticed that the previews made mention of him constantly but never showed his face.... Hmm....

Also, more and more Rome ads are popping up over Los Angeles! It doesn't make much sense since (a) the premiere already happened and (b)it's the last season. But I swear there are more ads since the premiere than before... My guess? Due to the critical drumming they received for their last batch of new shows (i.e. Lucky Louie, Tourgasm) and for the Deadwood misfire, HBO wants to promote the hell out of their remaining jewels and go out with a bang for Rome, critically and ratings-wise [hence the push in LA, center of industryland]. The new ads are profile shots against a white background...anyone else seen them in their town?

Here's the character slogans I've got so far -- I saw Pullo and Vorenus but can't remember them whatsoever.

Cleopatra: "Seduction tips the balance of power."
Servilia: "Revenge calms the pain of betrayal."
Atia: "Beauty veils the face of war."
Mark Antony: "Arrogance tarnishes the virtue of a leader."
Brutus: "Power hides the crimes of assassins."

The HBO Rome store has wine glasses and T-shirts but no "Team Atia/Servilia" shirts for sale. Guess they were for the giveaway promotion only.

EBAY has the posters! If only I had disposible income... But the remaining slogans are:

Pullo: "Violence corrupts the noblest of intentions."
Vorenus: "Brutality masks a code of honor."

Awesome, awesome fodder for speculation.

[Atreides]

I got one of those posters off Ebay since HBO's shop doesn't ship to Canada. It's a closeup of seven of the main characters, all with very intense stares (especially Pullo). Looks really nice on my wall.

[girlnamedcarl]

OMG, Atia!!! I don't know what will happen, but I'm gobsmacked by my concern for such a horrible person. Well done, Miss Polly Walker!

This felt like one of those "bridge" episodes, that gets you from Point H to Point J, but lacks a lot of the breathtaking stuff that marks the better episodes.

[bklynred]

Definitely. She just seemed so pathetic, dining alone and miserable. Shoulda had the sea urchins.

[Deleted]

*pout* I want HBO so I can watch this and not merely read the recaps. Dumb "money-saving" husband.