A new historic epic dropped by Peacock, “Those About to Die” whips viewers headfirst into the harsh and spellbinding world of ancient Rome. Written by Robert Rodat and boasting a strong cast, including veterans such as Anthony Hopkins and up-and-comers such as Jojo Macari, this show reimagines a very familiar tale of gladiators as a story of political intrigue, social commentary, and heart-pounding action.
The show takes off with an innovative blend of a grittier aesthetic, amped-up chariot races, and a vividly colorful array of characters pitted against each other in the survival game within the Colosseum.
Sword, Sand, and Secrets: A Story of Blood and Betrayal
The action is set in 79 AD, in Rome at a time of unease. To mollify this restless population, Emperor Vespasian, played by Anthony Hopkins, holds lavish chariot races and gladiatorial contests. Enter Scorpius, the charioteer for a barbarian tribe, outstanding in his craft and compelling in his grit—who has been enslaved and trained for those brutal chariot games.
As all this transpires in the imperial court, political storms are brewing when figures with ambition are working backstage to bend events in their favor. One of these young noblemen is Lucius, played by Thomas Hunt whose destiny becomes inseparably connected with Scorpius and the gladiatorial arena. “Those About to Die” weaves a systematic and at the same time exciting plot from these different storylines.
Characters Forged in Fire: A Look at the Players
Tenax (Iwan Rheon)
Tenax, played by Iwan Rheon with steely resolve, becomes an interesting hero. He’s a ruthless competitor, and his urge for freedom and revenge drives him hard. Rheon gives a mesmerizing performance as Scorpius, showing a lot of raw talent, simmering rage, and dashes of often unexpected vulnerability.
Lucius (Thomas Hunt)
Lucius played by Thomas Hunt, is a character torn between duty and conscience. Torn between the family he is loyal to and justice he yearns for, Thomas Hunt has played his part to bring out the internal dilemma and gradual transformation in Lucius.
Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins)
One of Anthony Hopkins’s ace performances is turning in for the aging Emperor Vespasian. That weight of power he carries reflects in his portrayal of a man attempting to grasp control amidst the crumbling empire.
Its supporting cast includes a cunning politician, played by Dimitri Leonidas; a ruthless trainer, played by Tom Hughes; and a defiant, female gladiator, played by Sara Martins-Court. These characters flesh out the story as an interesting tapestry filled with ambition, betrayal, and desperate struggle to survive.
A Sensory Spectacle: Beautiful and Unapologetically Gritty
“Those About to Die” is truly a visual feast, from the breathtaking cinematography that captures the greatness of Rome alongside the brutal reality of gladiatorial games, through the set designs that recreate the Colosseum and other iconic locations of Rome, carrying the viewer back into this troubled era. The costume design is similarly excellent and informative of the social hierarchy and the brutal nature of the games.
Although there are moments of CGI used for grand chariot races and wild animal attacks, the show prioritizes practical effects. This lends the scene added grit from practicality, which helps to make the scene more real. The chariot races and fights are virtuously choreographed and thus exhilarating, visceral—plunging viewers into the adrenalin-infused atmosphere of the arena.
Beyond the Arena: Exploring Themes of Power and Humanity
“Those About to Die” goes beyond mere entertainment; deep inside, there are messages. It is the corrupting influence of power, the urge to uplift society for social justice, and the will to survive against all hostile forces.
It also opens a window into the lives of those normally overlooked within historical writings—the slaves and women who are forced to fight for their survival within the arena. This adds a layer of social commentary that resonates with today’s audiences as well.
A Legacy Etched in History: A Show Worth Watching
“Those About to Die” is a captivating historical epic that will keep viewers hooked until the very last shot. From fearless action sequences to the detailed characters and timeless themes, it gives a new spin to the gladiatorial games. While the show’s violence might prove too much for some viewers’ taste, it still reflects how brutal the epoch was. If what you’re looking for is a show to blend historical drama with political intrigue and heart-pounding action, “Those About to Die” is certainly a contender. More than anything else, it testifies to the resilient myth of the gladiator.
