Rome

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 28, 2005
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 220 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 208 out of 220
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 220
  3. Negative: 5 out of 220
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User Reviews

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  1. BobaFett666
    May 28, 2011
    8
    Very good. Vorenus and Pullo are classic. Atia is one cold-blooded, badass milf. Do yourself a favor, though, don't watch the second season - it sucks.
  2. dheeraji
    Aug 29, 2012
    10
    My favorite TV show of all time. I was crushed when HBO decided to discontinue the show. I did enjoy the first season more than the second, but the second was still amazing as well. It's the details that make this show.
  3. GotTheseScars
    Dec 16, 2012
    9
    I was leaning very close to giving this an 8, but dammit, this show is just too amazing to downgrade. The sets, costumes, and all other period pieces are just utterly fantastical. Plot is very interesting, acting is great, writing is very well done, and for being a show about history, there were several solid plot twists. My only issue with this season is that to a point, it does get slow,I was leaning very close to giving this an 8, but dammit, this show is just too amazing to downgrade. The sets, costumes, and all other period pieces are just utterly fantastical. Plot is very interesting, acting is great, writing is very well done, and for being a show about history, there were several solid plot twists. My only issue with this season is that to a point, it does get slow, and I cant put my finger on it, but there is some missing element somewhere. Overall, amazing show, completely worth watching.… Expand
  4. Excellis
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    Don't know what the critics were thinking on this one, although the original score for Breaking Bad was 71, they don't know what they are doing. Personally this is one of the best series I have ever seen, the characters and scenes are incredibly well made and organised Enjoy!
  5. littlemanp32
    Nov 17, 2010
    10
    My favorite drama of all time... Historically acurate, brilliant acting, set and costume design were both top notch and more drama and great characters than you can ask for!
  6. Tipjar
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    Rome was completely thrilling to watch, their representation of the historic events was compelling and the story surrounding their characters Vorenus and Pullo were pretty capturing. Some of the sexual scenes felt like they were inserted for no real purpose but they were excusable. The finale was amazingly well done and it was really easy to get captured by the show and watch numerousRome was completely thrilling to watch, their representation of the historic events was compelling and the story surrounding their characters Vorenus and Pullo were pretty capturing. Some of the sexual scenes felt like they were inserted for no real purpose but they were excusable. The finale was amazingly well done and it was really easy to get captured by the show and watch numerous episodes on end.… Expand
  7. yamidude
    Jul 19, 2011
    9
    You may try watching it while you're taking your Humanities course in your university. What is described as a boring tale on books is far more thrilling, sexual and entertaining on the TV series. You explore the culture, the political agendas, the economical standing, the battles, the enigmas and many other details in approximately one hour. Outstanding.
  8. pmart4
    Oct 8, 2014
    9
    I would only put 'The Wire, 'Breaking Bad' and maybe 'Game of Thrones' above this for being the Greatest TV Series of All Time.

    A fantastic cast, as historically accurate as it can be and they nail the atmosphere and clothing of the era perfectly. The ending in Season 2 is rushed (you can tell they'd had their funding pulled and must have been told to wrap it up), but even so this is    I would only put 'The Wire, 'Breaking Bad' and maybe 'Game of Thrones' above this for being the Greatest TV Series of All Time.

    A fantastic cast, as historically accurate as it can be and they nail the atmosphere and clothing of the era perfectly.

    The ending in Season 2 is rushed (you can tell they'd had their funding pulled and must have been told to wrap it up), but even so this is an unsung, under-rated and unmissable gem of a show!    … Expand
  9. OOngats
    Feb 18, 2011
    10
    watching the back seasons now. one DVD at a time through netflix. can't wait for next 2 episodes. I love this show, and they did a fantastic job with it. Pulo is my favorite character. Was a bit disappointed with the change of actor for role of Octavian, I thought the first actor was developing tremendously, but when he goes off to fight Mark Anthony the new actor just seems a bitwatching the back seasons now. one DVD at a time through netflix. can't wait for next 2 episodes. I love this show, and they did a fantastic job with it. Pulo is my favorite character. Was a bit disappointed with the change of actor for role of Octavian, I thought the first actor was developing tremendously, but when he goes off to fight Mark Anthony the new actor just seems a bit shallow. That's my only negative, and the rest of the story continues to fascinate. Big fan of gladiator arena stuff, and I love the fight scene with Titus Pulo and Lucius Vorenus defending the honor of XIII in the arena. If you like gladiator arena genre, try playing Gladiatus online game. It's free to play. Click link to try game. http://s4.gladiatus.us/game/c.php?uid=82727… Expand
  10. Masjko
    Apr 16, 2012
    10
    The best tv serie of all time. everything in this series is excellent, the acting, the story, the characters
  11. Tywin
    Sep 10, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The series got off to such a great start, Caesar has a great actor and is a pleasure to watch and Octavian was interesting. All of the political intrigue was done quite well. The soldiers were carried along quite well, no problems. Then Caesar died and the whole series came crashing down
    The two soldiers became a soap opera story and the series began to devote more and more time to their tiny tales of tiny people. The actually interesting part of the story, the intrigue, began to falter when Augustus Caesar was introduced. The actor just couldn't carry the man and he was no where near a replacement for Julius. Then they show the Egyptians as freeky deeky. I know they are a 3000 year old civilization by this stage but come on. Cleopatra is neither likable nor manipulative, at least in how the show portrays it. They simply say she is manipulative and cut to her getting what she wants, but as they say; the thrill is in the chase, never in the capture.
    The faltering second season just soured the whole thing for me. It became so slow and monotonous, it was just unbearable, I had to skip most of the soldiers sections for being so irrelevant. I'm watching Rome here, I want to see the Senate and the great family's. I don't need the producers creating some plebeians to try and relate to me. I can relate to other human beings just fine thanks, I don't care what their social status is.    … Expand
  12. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2018
    6
    Une série indéniablement intéressante mais dans l'ensemble trop inégale pour faire honneur sans faillir à la grandeur de Rome à l'un des moments-clés de son histoire, celle de la fin de la République et des débuts de l'Empire.

    Une période troublée faite de luttes de pouvoir et de guerres civiles qui commence avec Jules César, Pompée, Cicéron, Brutus et bien d'autres dont la mère    Une série indéniablement intéressante mais dans l'ensemble trop inégale pour faire honneur sans faillir à la grandeur de Rome à l'un des moments-clés de son histoire, celle de la fin de la République et des débuts de l'Empire.

    Une période troublée faite de luttes de pouvoir et de guerres civiles qui commence avec Jules César, Pompée, Cicéron, Brutus et bien d'autres dont la mère d'Octave, Atia, maléfique femme "couguar" manipulatrice à souhait. Marc-Antoine est également de la partie, ainsi que la divine Cléopâtre et bien entendu l'intelligent Octave, futur César Octave...

    Ces personnages historiques sont une manne pour tout scénariste ou même romancier en mal d'inspiration : ils dépassent la fiction elle-même et leurs actions et leur personnalité ont construit leur légende par delà les âges. C'est un point sur lequel la série excelle que de nous brosser les traits et contradictions de tels personnages via une interprétation remarquable de tous les acteurs et actrices présents.

    Ainsi, les complots et manoeuvres politiques sont fort bien restitués sur les deux saisons ; des libertés ont sans doute été prises avec la réalité historique mais c'est une période sur laquelle on s'interroge encore, car ironiquement rien n'est gravé dans le marbre.

    A ces personnages flamboyants se sont adjoints deux légionnaires qui servent l'un ou l'autre camp au gré des marées. Or, la série s'attarde beaucoup trop sur eux et leur vie sentimentale exagérée et outrée, peu crédible et prétexte à un déballage de psychodrames qui n'en finissent pas. Là précisément, la série loupe le coche et perd son temps et le nôtre.

    La reconstitution historique, les décors et costumes, sont de toute beauté bien qu'un brin étriqués et la réalisation est globalement inégale elle aussi, voire carrément naze avec des combats affreusement confus et brouillons lorsqu'il y en a. En fait, en matière de violence, on reste généralement sur sa faim, car si elle est bien présente, son impact est rarement bien rendu. Une seule bataille est vraiment bien faite et spectaculaire lors de la saison 2... et c'est tout. De la part d'une série HBO, on attendait mieux.

    Par contre, niveau fesse, on en a pour son argent, à tel point que Rome peut rivaliser sans forcer avec l'autre série romaine, celle des gladiateurs, Spartacul pour les intimes. Et les filles sont belles, rien à y redire !

    La série a ses grand moments avec notamment Octave et Antoine auxquels les acteurs donnent une épaisseur stupéfiante ; elle en a de bien tièdes aussi avec nos deux légionnaires revenus dans la vie civile, des exécutants dont les vicissitudes nous passent par dessus la tête.

    On reste vraiment partagé devant une telle série qui souffle le chaud et le froid en permanence et pourtant, le dernier, l'ultime épisode avec Antoine et Cléopâtre est en état de grâce avant de retomber de façon capillotractée avec Vorenus et Pullo. Mais je ne veux pas conclure sur une note négative, car la série reste -dans son domaine- digne d'intérêt.    … Expand
  13. jdogginess
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    This is my favorite TV show of all time. The acting is terrific and all of the characters have different strengths and flaws which make them as believable as the person sitting next to you. I have never been this attached to characters and am swept away by their ups, downs, and fateful ends in some cases. Even the death of some characters which were primarily cruel, deceitful, orThis is my favorite TV show of all time. The acting is terrific and all of the characters have different strengths and flaws which make them as believable as the person sitting next to you. I have never been this attached to characters and am swept away by their ups, downs, and fateful ends in some cases. Even the death of some characters which were primarily cruel, deceitful, or cowards leaves you with a sense of remorse. It is rare that a period piece can completely immerse you in the time and hold your attention with such realistic costumes and sets. Simple minded folk that are looking for just sex and violence, while their is plenty of both, might get bored during the excellent dialogue and character development which gives meaning to those many instances. The only gripe I have is that in the second and final season they replace Attia's son with a slightly grown up actor that looks like a deer in the headlights and it completely contradicts the young actor that portrayed a clever and engaged character in the first season. I still have to give this show a 10 because of how moved I was by it and how I still am moved when I reflect upon it.… Expand
  14. Bruce722
    Nov 14, 2013
    10
    The first season of Rome is one of the best individual seasons I've ever seen. The acting is top notch, the set pieces and scenary are incredible, and the story is incredibly interesting. That story is driven by characters that feel realistic the entire time. The depth and emotion they convey feels so genuine. Hands down, Rome is amazing.
  15. Killga
    Nov 20, 2017
    10
    Truly fantastic series with great actors and a storyline (Cesar, Cleopatra, ...) that has fascinated us since our childhood. The side story of the two legionnaires can be a bit tedious at times but the viewer is rewarded every time the focus shifts back to the main plot. Its a pity they didnt continue the series past season 2!
  16. dante_finn
    Nov 22, 2012
    9
    Universal Acclaim
  17. haw2991
    Jan 11, 2014
    9
    There's extreme, relentless, at times mind numbing violence, graphic sexual scenes which includes orgies, lesbian scenes, homo scenes, pedophile scenes, all the works. There is barely a single sympathetic character in sight; there is not the slightest hint of anything humoristic and as always actual historical fact is twisted and turned into something that may be suitable for entertainmentThere's extreme, relentless, at times mind numbing violence, graphic sexual scenes which includes orgies, lesbian scenes, homo scenes, pedophile scenes, all the works. There is barely a single sympathetic character in sight; there is not the slightest hint of anything humoristic and as always actual historical fact is twisted and turned into something that may be suitable for entertainment purposes but rather (over)stretches credulity at times – one wonders why, because it's not as if these people actually were a dull bunch leading uneventful lives. Yet "Rome" is strangely haunting and compelling. Often it does a good job of transporting the viewer to a world unencumbered by Christian sensitivities, particularly in its love of blood sports, its dealings with slaves, and its relaxed attitude to sex and public nudity. Most importantly, "Rome" conveys the constant sense of tension, intrigue and threat dominating the lives of those in power. Finally, a fairly good job was done of giving a realistic impression of the city itself; the amount of money spent on production was to put it lightly, "excessive", add in the fact the series was shot in Italy. It is, however, weird and rather silly that the characters speak English but throw in occasional Latin. Despite this, all British actors are simply superb. By far the most engaging plot is Polly Walker and Lindsey Duncan’s feud, subtly and vigorous with believable passion. This story line, along with many others, are braided together seamlessly. Season one of Rome is truly addictive entertainment which allows your brain to be engaged and hooked.… Expand
  18. CallMeSerb
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    May take 2 episodes to get hooked, but trust me it only gets better and well worth the wait. One of the very few excellent TV series out there, hands down all time favorite.
    Basically a story told mostly around the 2 soldiers around Julius Caesar's time, the drama, sex, action, violence, politics is just a very well played out take on this story. Wish someone can produce quality like this    May take 2 episodes to get hooked, but trust me it only gets better and well worth the wait. One of the very few excellent TV series out there, hands down all time favorite.
    Basically a story told mostly around the 2 soldiers around Julius Caesar's time, the drama, sex, action, violence, politics is just a very well played out take on this story. Wish someone can produce quality like this again in the future. Very sad its only 2 seasons but makes sense given the story and Rome's timeline itself.    … Expand
  19. hristo-hr
    Mar 13, 2017
    10
    A beautiful, historically-inspired. The show itself can be split and seen in two. The first part follows the main characters, who pop up all the time during all crucial events of the civil wars in this period. The second part follows the historic events with a reasonable accuracy, both the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, and, later, between Augustus and Mark Antony. The characters areA beautiful, historically-inspired. The show itself can be split and seen in two. The first part follows the main characters, who pop up all the time during all crucial events of the civil wars in this period. The second part follows the historic events with a reasonable accuracy, both the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, and, later, between Augustus and Mark Antony. The characters are incredibly well balanced --- they are neither good nor bad. At some points you love them, at others you hate them. Not to mention, the costumes and the decors were superb as well.… Expand
  20. wiiy71
    Dec 26, 2017
    9
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  21. GarethB
    Oct 7, 2018
    9
    Compelling to watch and some of my favourite characters from history, Pullo and Caesar the standouts, so much so now when i read a historical novel i see the characters as the actors from this show!
  22. Metodist
    Mar 12, 2020
    10
    Greatest historical tv drama, this show were a "Game of Thrones" before "Game of Thrones" were released

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best TV Season of 2005
41
#41 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared TV Season of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. San Diego Union-Tribune
    Reviewed by: Robert P. Laurence
    Jan 28, 2014
    75
    The finished product is passably entertaining, intermittently involving, tolerably well acted by an all-English cast, and offers enough kinky sex and graphic violence to satisfy all but the most depraved tastes. [22 Aug 2005, p.D-1]
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    Jan 28, 2014
    25
    Rome is so jam-packed with Caesar and pals, it feels like a show that high school teachers would ask students to watch, if it weren't for all the whore sex, rape and consensual carnality. It very well might take an apt pupil to follow this cinematic jigsaw puzzle. [24 Aug 2005, p.55]
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    Jan 28, 2014
    88
    The only chink in the series' armour is the miscasting of Polly Walker as the evil Atia. She overacts so much, that it'll make you ache for Sian Phillips' long-ago portrayal as Livia in "I Claudius." While Rome's not as great as that old series, it's still deserves a helluva Hail Caesar!
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