Utica

Vorenus and Pullo put down their swords and return to the city once again. Niobe and Lyde run a profitable butcher shop and convince reluctant Vorenus and Pullo to work there. Everything seems to be going well for Vorenus until he makes waves with a local thug, now crime lord. Pullo seemed envious of Vorenus' situation at home and is searching for meaning and happiness. He grows closer to the slave Eirene during this time and seems happier with her.

Octavian returns home from military school and Caesar appoints him a pontiff despite his age.

Servilia takes Atia's role of master manipulator this episode when she persuades Octavia to find out more regarding Caesar's affliction from Octavian. Octavia's method of extracting the truth from Octavian results in dire consequences for both of them, and Servilia.

I have always loved the relationship between Vorenus and Pullo and this episode shows more of that. Pullo is just so loyal Vorenus - I love it. Vorenus being promoted by Caesar may not help Pullo's questionable emotional state and loyalty to his friend.

The scene with the defeated Cato and Sciopio is shot wonderfully and has a gorgeous look to it. The background of the city from the outdoor-ish scene between Octavia and Octavian also had me in awe.

This episode combines several different plots and many characters are coming and going. The opening scene is a highlight. Cato and Scipio are two Senators who have fought Caesar's legions all over the Roman world, but now their luck has run out. Watching how nobly and bravely they deal with defeat forces the viewer to see Brutus and Cicero in a different light. It seems that Caesar has destroyed only his noblest enemies. The only ones who accept his mercy are the liars and backstabbers. As Pullo might say, well then, there you have it. So much for mercy, nay?

While the historical figures are presented with great dignity, it's a bit difficult to watch some of the family drama in this episode. Lindsay Duncan and Kerry Condon are both amazing actresses, but whenever they kiss they look as awkward as eighth graders in a school play! Are we really supposed to believe young Octavia would betray her family (and seduce her brother) because she's under the hypnotic spell of those less than passionate kisses?

Fortunately, the friendship between Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus is never less than believable in this episode. It's so great to watch them stand up to Erastes Fulmen and his thugs, and even more to see the look on Vorenus' face when an unexpected visitor drops by!

This is a great episode, but one where the warlike, historical characters are a lot more interesting than the family drama.