‘Those About to Die’ Recap: ‘Fool’s Bet’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE -- Episode 104 -- Pictured: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus -- (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Those About to Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Peacock series, Those About to Die, it really seemed as though better days were ahead for the Roman Empire, and the characters we adore. After all, Titus was about to find power untold and a chance to do things his way through his father’s passing, and of course, Tenax was on easy street at last, thanks to the government sanctioned formation of the new Gold Faction. But alas, that joy was merely fleeting, and good days were most certainly not poking about the horizon. For riots were happening in the streets and that brought about some stunning surprises for several characters in the next episode of this incredible tale.

For ‘Fool’s Bet’ picked up shortly after the passing of the former emperor and well, Titus’ first official act as the new one, was to quell the riots and try and understand what brought them forth to begin with. Which of course, was blamed upon the fifth faction. As though somehow a chance to make more money was seen as a negative amongst the people. But Titus bought it, since he needed something to work with and just like that, he stepped in and shut down the Gold Faction and brought a grand end to Tenax and Scorpus’ promising future. Not to mention, he went after his brother and locked him up in his own room, out of concern of his involvement in the riots, but more on that in a minute.

Because that grand change to Tenax’s life, brought about nothing but trouble for the man. Because he was in essence, humiliated in the racing world and forced to do lower bidding for Domitian to even have a chance to race again. But even then, those chances were slim, and the team was falling to pieces for Scorpus cared not about their time together and offered his services back to blue, with no result, and then to the highest bidder. Which he found one, at a pay cut because that’s the price he paid for being a mercenary in racing. And of course, the decision to leave Tenax’s stable and race for white shattered that friendship and left Tenax searching and hoping for a break. Only to discover that a blast from his past found him in Rome, and this mystery man made it clear… Tenax will pay in every sense of the word for doing him harm ages ago.

But there was mention of more family drama here, and that was pretty epic in its own right. Because being told no and being put under control made Domitian quite dangerous. For he loved his money, loved the good life and his freedom. So, being robbed of it, prompted him to pull strings and sow trouble in the palace. First of course, by having Tenax run dirty deeds in the city, but also… by working to drive a wedge into his brother’s marriage to sow discontent, and free Domitian so he could make money and do as he please. Which led to real humiliation for the queen, since Domitian put together a show in the stadium that murdered some of her close followers and showed her to be a joke. A move that certainly diminished her standing but may not have accomplished exactly what Domitian wanted.

But what mattered most here, is that this episode showcased, the raw chaos of Rome in this era. Of how quickly things could change in that world and how corrupt it truly was. Because a regime change should be smooth as it is in most nations. But to install a new emperor under cover of chaos and riots and demands for money, is disturbing to say the least, and likely means that Titus has inherited a grand cancer really, and his attempts to restore honor and direction will mean nothing really, for now the empire stands for greed. All of which made for an engaging and entertaining story, one that really did get its point across and set the stage for more incredible moments, as Rome continues to crumble before our eyes. Until next time.

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