Those About to Die

When I first saw the trailer for Those About to Die I knew this show was for me. I'm definitely the target audience when they approve shows like this and I have to say even though it probably could've been a little better, I still really liked it. While I don't think it will win any awards but I promise you that at the very least you'll have a good time watching this. If you have a problem with violence or nudity then you should pass because this show has a plenty of both. The show takes place during the height of the Roman Empire as it explores the dark side of the city while also providing plenty of political drama too. I binged through this series as fast as I could (there's not a bad episode) and I pray they renew this for at least another season because there were still a lot of stories unresolved.

The show's attention to detail in set design and costumes immerses viewers in the era, making the brutal and often heart-wrenching scenes even more impactful. Plunges viewers into the gritty and intense world of ancient Rome. The performances are top-notch, with the cast delivering powerful portrayals that bring the historical figures to life. The narrative is gripping, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, "Those About To Die" is a show you should watch for fans of historical dramas and action-packed storytelling. It offers a raw and unflinching look at the lives of those who fought for survival and glory, leaving a lasting long impression on its viewers.

Well, I don't know what to tell you, maybe it was just the fact they Iwan Rheon played (one of) the protagonist(s) but this all reminded me a lot of Game of Thrones -- and frankly, I enjoyed it a lot. Apart from some unnecessary deaths and romance plots that had me surprised, devastated, and confused, Those About To Die is a really good watch. I love love love the subtle narration at the beginning and the end and I would have loved some more throughout the episodes but I'll take what I can get here honestly. I really appreciated how the last two, and especially the finale, pulled together so many strings and left a clear cut plan as a set up for the next season. I really hope we'll get one and I'm very much looking forward to it.

Is the show perfect? No. Is it entertaining? Heck yes!

I've seen complaints that 'it's not as good as hbo's Rome'. My brothers and sisters, nothing will ever be as good as Rome, simply because it was an era of terrific shows, masterpieces of golden age, with a gigantic budget that ultimately led to cancellation.

I've also seen complaints about the CGI. Yes, I agree, in a couple of scenes it was super clunky. But all the rest? Come on!!! Chariot races looked spectacular, the city looked spectacular, wide shots were beautiful. Even animals looked ok - the last rampage of a lion was terrifying, I don't care what you say, it looked and sounded real.

Interior design was masterful - those marbles! Colors! Burning lamps and flames! Emperor palace rooms! Gods, it looked amazing and DEFINITELY not cheap.

Some claim that 'it was all CGI'. Nah. There were beautiful sets built, houses, streets of Rome, and underbelly of Circus Maximus. From wide shots to little details, it was - dare I say - almost as immersive as 'Rome'.

Iwan Rheon is terrific as always. What a fascinating character Tenax is! Love love love. Sara Martin is excellent. Domician is a delightfully creepy guy, Scorpius is hilarious (up to a point), spanish horse carers are adorable.

Yes, the script is clunky here and there. Especially in the first episode. So please give 'Those about to die' a chance and stay for the second episode - and further. It gets better and better with each episode, with an excellent, excellent last one.

Maybe it's not for the highest of taste, but hey - it's a great, meta, plebeian entertainment for those who want to be entertained.

Those About to Die started a little slow but got better with each episode. I just found out about this show just a few days ago. I can't believe Peacock didn't promote this more considering how much it cost to make. Peacock never promotes any of their original shows very well but if they were to ever do it this is the one. I need to start off by saying that I love this genre so I may be a little biased, shows like Spartacus, Rome, Game of Thrones, etc and movies like Gladiator, Troy, etc are among my favorite shows/movies of all-time. While this isn't close to as good as those shows I just mentioned it's still worth watching if you're a fan of this genre. It's not exactly historically accurate but who cares, just enjoy it for the entertaining show it is. When an episode ended I couldn't wait for the next one and that's exactly what you want from a show.