Rome – 1.04: Stealing from Saturn dir. by Julian Farino

Episode: 1.04 -because I’m sticking with the HBO episode numbers from now on, although this is the third shown on the Beeb.

In this episode Julius finally makes it back to Rome, and although he does put the city under martial law he is careful to announce that if everyone supports him he won’t be too concerned with killing people. We also meet up with Vorenus, who is trying to become a businessman (roots in the community see), or as Mark Anthony calls him a grocer. And speaking of Mr. Anthony… well indeed. Lots of nakedness there wasn’t there?

There are various political manoeuvres as Julius begins to consolidate his power. Mainly through bribery, and speaking of money where is our little Chicken^[1] eh?

Vorenus’ big celebration day goes all wrong as the sister-in-law and her husband have a bit of an altercation., her husband see is the father of Vorenus’ wife’s son that she is pretending is Vorenus’ grandson^[2] And they end up smashing the head of Janus, the god that was supposed to bless the new business. Not a good omen. And the bad luck doesn’t take long to arrive, in the form of Quintus Pompey^[3] who has come looking for his gold.

Obviously Vorenus knows nothing about it, and before Quintus can persuade him to tell him anything else our Chicken arrives. And let me tell you, Chicken is not one for keeping his sudden wealth to himself, arriving in a litter, scattering coins left right and centre, not to mention his fancy clothes.

Of course, in the end Vorenus tells Chicken he has to give the money back. Chicken doesn’t want to, but superior order and legion-brainwashing means that he obeys, taking Quintus along as a little sweetner.

Other stuff happens too, Gaius Julius having a fit, Octavian finding out, but you know, you really should have watched the episode.