Raising Standards

Caesar returns to Rome and plans his triumph. Servilia pushes forward her plans with Octavia, forcing Atia to retaliate. Cato and Scipio commit suicide bringing an end to the civil war, and Vorenus and Pullo attempt to settle back into society in the fat old bitch herself. And by that, we mean Rome.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

William J MacDonald is one of the creators and executive producers of Rome, and in this wide ranging chat he talks about how the show came about, how the plot could have been very different, and what would have happened if the show hadn’t been cancelled.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Caesar pursues Pompey to Egypt only to find Alexandria embroiled in a dynastic dispute between the boy prince Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra. He installs Cleopatra on the throne, resulting in a prolonged siege.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Vorenus and Pullo are shipwrecked on an island, Caesar and Pompey fight it off offscreen, and the beginning of a relationship between Servilia and Octavia.

There is also a special interview with Ken Cranham, who played Pompey.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Mark Antony considers throwing in with Pompey before he packs his bags, follows Caesar and leaves Rome. Vorenus rekindles his romance with Niobe before he packs up his bag, raises his standard and leaves Rome. Octavian becomes a real man before he puts on his toga, packs up his bag and leaves Rome.

We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Lucius Vorenus has a setback in his new career when all his slaves die of the flux. After a brief crisis of identity he re-enlists in the 13th legion. Octavian helps Titus Pullo investigate his suspicions. Attia engages in some light public vandalism. Servilia engages in some light public cursing. Caesar chases Pompey out of Italy.

We are also joined by special guest Parvez Qadir, who plays the role of Tanjit.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Caesar receives a dictator's welcome as he enters Roman society and seeks approval of the auspices. Vorenus has a party and an offering as he enters civilian life. Pullo throws his newfound wealth around.

We are also joined by special guest Julian Farino, director of this episode of Rome.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Lee Boardman played the Timon across two seasons of Rome, a character who grew in more prominence and bought some much needed diversity to the ethnic melting pot of the Roman Empire.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Vorenus and Pullo deliver Caesar's demands to the senate, Atia makes the most of Caesar's impending arrival, and Pompey makes a strategic departure from Rome!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Caesar crosses the Rubicon, Mark Antony becomes the Tribune of the Plebs, and Pullo, somehow, gets the blame for bringing down the Roman republic!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.