Movies News Talk
Though Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 50%, "Those About to Die," a new Ancient Rome drama series starring Iwan Rheon has had streaming success. Designed by Robert Rodat and under direction by Roland Emmerich, the show examines the cruel entertainment of Ancient Rome, including gladiatorial fight and other lethal sports. Released on Peacock on July 18th, the 10-episode season 1 of the series starring Anthony Hopkins drew mixed reviews upon premiere.
Reelgood's data shows that for the week of July 18–24, "Those About to Die" came in sixth most popular TV show on streaming in the United States. Though behind films like "The Acolyte" and "The Bear," this sets it above shows like "Lady in the Lake," "Cobra Kai," "Sunny," and "Evil." This popularity shows viewers' interest even with conflicting reviews.
The show's low Rotten Tomatoes—50% from critics and 57% from viewers—showcases a generally mixed reception. With a 49/100 Metascore and a 3.9/10 user rating, Metrocritics presents an even worse picture. With a user rating of 6.5/10, IMDb shows a more positive picture though. This emphasizes the differences of view on the show.
The show's strengths are in its well-realized depiction of the Ancient Roman world and the profusion of violence, from subdued betrayals to grand spectacles including chariot races. Critics applaud the way the terrible reality of Roman entertainment is shown. The show is criticized, meanwhile, for lacking depth and for having underdeveloped characters. Critics have pointed out the big cast and inadequate attention to unique narratives, which leaves some viewers disappointed with the character growth.
Among the series' real-life subjects are Emperor Vespasian and his sons. The show emphasizes melodrama above historical accuracy even as it explores the fall of the Roman Empire. Although viewers looking for sword-and-sandal material would find this approach appealing, it is not as historical dramas like "Gladiator" or HBO's "Rome." This focus on melodrama most certainly helps to explain the conflicting opinions.
Set in the year 79 AD, "Those About to Die" presents a gripping narrative highlighting the cruel world of gladiatorial fighting and the reliance of the Roman people on entertainment. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, the show's popularity shows that it grabs viewers' attention rather successfully. Though not everyone is a fan, the popularity of the show shows a strong audience interest in the study of Ancient Rome even if it deviates from historical accuracy in favor of dramatic storytelling.