A mediocre season makes Those About To Die difficult to assess. After a very messy first episode, the series and the story slowly improve. The season has several other misses, but overall it is manageable and quite interesting. A first episode is difficult for any series. Characters must be introduced and positioned. However, Those About To Die makes a mess of it. It goes from one to the other. When the dust of confusion settles, it turns out after this episode that this season is quite nice.
Unfortunately, the special effects feel cheap. Backgrounds and animals are clearly CGI. More attention should have been paid to this. It is clear that you cannot recreate everything and that you cannot literally throw lions into battle, but what is being delivered now is unfortunately not of a very good level. This remains a blemish on this television series. If you can let go of the frustration about this, then there is quite a bit to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the special effects feel cheap.
That enjoyment is not really due to star actor Anthony Hopkins (Westworld). His role is limited. What makes Those About To Die attractive is the story around Tenax (Iwan Rheon, Wolf). He is the corrupt organizer of the immensely popular chariot races. Due to his manipulative nature, he is able to slowly but surely work his way up. That comes with trial and error. Setbacks are partly due to his unorthodox choices, his loyalty to an unreliable friend and his past. Tenax finds himself in the middle of the power struggle for the imperial throne. The two brothers who fight each other look for partners to fight their battle. Given Tenax's character, it is not surprising that he ends up with the more dangerous of the two.
Another important part of the story is about the family of the African Cala (Sara Martins, Caïn). Her daughters were arrested for murder of Roman soldiers. They are transported to Rome as slaves. In an attempt to help them, Cala's son also ends up in danger. He is forced to become a gladiator. Through her daughter, Cala comes into contact with Tenax and the dangerous game for power. Rome turns out to be a free port for everyone because the space and freedom given to slaves and Cala is very striking. Nice for the story, but it is far from realistic.
In general, Those About To Die is quite well put together.
Those About To Die has a number of important characters in addition to these storylines. For example, there are three brothers from Spain who try to sell their horses and therefore become entangled in the various events. In addition to the old and new emperor, there are also wealthy families competing for imperial power. It gives Those About To Die multiple layers. Despite all the different stories and people, the writers manage to keep it clear. Sometimes a dead-end and therefore unnecessary storyline or character comes along, but in general Those About To Die is well put together.
Those About To Die is not a spectacle for the reasons mentioned. Still, it's quite fun to follow. Especially if you like relaxation with a touch of tension and Roman violence. If you know how to adjust expectations, this series has quite a few plus points that provide tasty, somewhat predictable entertainment.
