‘Those About to Die’ Recap: ‘Trust None’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE -- Episode 102 -- Pictured: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus -- (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Those About to Die’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

When we last settled in, to discuss the fascinating Peacock series, Those About to Die, we talked at length about how the show was unconventional in nature. For it clearly wanted to peer beyond the gladiator arena and the races that took place inside Circus Maximus, to offer up a vastly different kind of story. One that was going to explore the political theater of Rome near its end, and how everyday folks lived and what they sought after and well, that’s top of mind today because the show really did dive deep into such matters in its second episode. In fact, ‘Trust None’ was one of the most unique Roman stories to hit the airwaves in decades.

Simply because, it focused heavily on what so many wanted to share in, in this era. For the rich lived so well, and so joyously that everyone wanted a piece of that, including dear Tenax. For he truly wanted to be part of the world of the elite and that prompted him… to scheme his way into the new faction with Scorpus and make that money. A plan that mostly worked. Since he was able to secure the funds he needed, get the horses needed and even impress Domitian enough to get him involved in creating the faction. Provided of course, Tenax offered a cut to fatten his wallet. All because Tenax knew that this would give him financial freedom and something else that was highly sought after in this world, standing and power.

Because so many wanted to be revered and feel important and feel as though they had control, and that was evidenced by the problems that Tenax ran into along the way. For his prize horses were poisoned by forces unknown, whom he eventually figured out. But that move spoke to a power play, to bringing failure forth for someone that wanted to stand tall in Rome and that really did sum up what that society was like at that point in time, and how the individual mattered more than anything else and that made for a fascinating journey with Tenax. One that was of course, enhanced by a few other plot threads that explored the nature of Rome and its outright decline.

Since we saw Cala fight tooth and nail to try and buy her daughters, to no avail, because she didn’t have that standing to have servants, despite having the money to do so, and also… it was just plain messed up that she had to buy the freedom of her daughters to begin with. Plus, we saw through Kwame how tough it was for so many to fight as gladiators. For he wasn’t taken seriously as a gladiator, since he didn’t meet the physical mold of one and had to battle his way into the role. Not to mention, this story did make sure to showcase how trouble was brewing at the top level in Rome, since Emperor Vespasian made his decision about who would take over the throne down the line, and he chose Titus. A move that infuriated his brother because once again… standing and power. 

All of which made, for another entertaining and wild hour of television. One that didn’t offer massive commentary about our world, nor did it speak deeply to the human condition. It was just an hour of entertainment, of a slice of life of Rome and all of its wonder and trappings and there’s nothing wrong with that. Because it was damn entertaining from beginning to end and really did showcase the fragility of Rome at this time and of course, set the stage for some big moments. For now, there’s a family feud brewing to be Emperor of Rome and Tenax is working behind the scenes to garner revenge and change that standing, and it will be fascinating to see how all of that plays out as this grand and sweeping story continues along. Until next time.

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