Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Those About to Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Peacock series, Those About to Die, we talked a little bit about how scheming was something that appeared to be a normal behavior in this vastly advanced society. Well, advanced for the time. Because so many people were going back and forth with one another behind the scenes, working to sabotage, working toward an advantage and that definitely left all of us wondering… was scheming the norm back in those days? Was that truly the only avenue for survival in Ancient Rome? Well, it just so happens that the next episode in this engaging series, took the time to answer yes to both of those questions. Because ‘Death’s Door’ was all about the scheme. In fact, the majority of this tale focused heavily upon Tenax and Cala, and how they needed to exact revenge upon Antonia. For she was the one responsible for nearly bringing Tenax’s new venture to its knees and she of course, had possession of Cala’s other daughter, and well… to properly put her in her place… scheming was the name of the game. Which was why Tenax worked closely with Cala to garner all the information they could about what the Blue Faction had planned next for the racing world so that Tenax could get ahead and well, that worked like a charm. Since he came to discover that Antonia was ready to kill Scorpus over his defection and that prompted quite the shocking plan to come forth from Tenax. Wherein he fooled his own star racer to fake his death, all so Antonia would think she had the upper hand, and this plan came forth with help from Cala and her daughter and it allowed… for wonders to take place in the Circus Maximus. Because no one knew that a new faction was coming, nor did they know that Scorpus was alive or that the horses Antonia tried to kill in an effort to retake her shares and make more money, were doing much better. And that led to shock, and excitement and a grand win from the new faction. One that allowed for Tenax to finally enjoy a little agency over his enemy and for Domitian to be pleased. For he was embroiled in his own money-making scheme here, and a win from the new faction helped keep him out of trouble with his brother and the newfound power he enjoyed. But what mattered more here, was that scheming was the name of the game in this episode, and it was so widespread and so normal that we can indeed infer at least, that in this interpretation of Rome, that this was the only way to survive and the only way to enjoy spoils untold. Which makes this a sorrowful land for certain, one where happiness cannot be achieved since scheming requires more scheming and keeping a close eye on one’s back. But who knows, that may change with a regime shift in place. For this story also saw the great Emperor Vespasian in poor health. So poor in fact, that he summoned his family and his closest and most trusted soldiers and servants… to help him stand tall before leaving this world for the next. Which means that Titus is now the Emperor of Rome and with his arrival will undoubtedly come the change he sees fit for the empire. But while we wait to see what that will be, we can celebrate one engaging and amazing tale. One that truly showcased a great empire filled with distrust and dishonesty. Where every person was in it for themselves and well, that may indeed explain why Rome fell. For its ruling class believed the empire was unified when in fact, it was fractured, and that made for a solid hour of television, one that does indeed have us ready for more. So, we can see what lies ahead for a new ruler as he confronts the wanton corruption of this empire, and corruption within the walls of his own palace courtesy of his brother, and the woman he loves, since the queen… also has her own agenda. Until next time. Watch ‘Those About to Die’
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