Ambition destroys, and in the case Sejanus, it's delicious Shakespearean drama to watch that ambition bring him down. It's also the fall of Livilla, brought about by her mother Antonia in a most shocking way. The one detail that is noticable is the slight difference in attitude from Antonia towards Claudius, still caustic but a bit more loving. It's Antonia who discovers the plots of her daughter's past and decides to inform Tiberius with the help of Claudius. This strengthens Caligula's bond with his great uncle and sets in motion his reign. George Baker's appearance has been altered to make him appear to be decaying both physically and through his dying soul.
Margaret Tzyack gives a strong performance as Antonia, morally indignant to the perversions of Rome and willing to deal with the devil temporarily to stop the evil. John Hurt is deliciously sly as he expressed shock over Sejanus's actions. Patrick Stewart grins as he realizes that his hours are numbered, and Patricia Quinn shows little remorse over her evil ways, filled with vile jealousy towards her daughter Helen and willing to destroy her. When Derek Jacobi declares as Claudius that Rome is finished, it's a chilling moment. The decline indeed has begun, and with the absence of Livia, there seems to be a void to fill. However, it's still thrilling as the saga continues to burn through the sands of time.
Margaret Tzyack gives a strong performance as Antonia, morally indignant to the perversions of Rome and willing to deal with the devil temporarily to stop the evil. John Hurt is deliciously sly as he expressed shock over Sejanus's actions. Patrick Stewart grins as he realizes that his hours are numbered, and Patricia Quinn shows little remorse over her evil ways, filled with vile jealousy towards her daughter Helen and willing to destroy her. When Derek Jacobi declares as Claudius that Rome is finished, it's a chilling moment. The decline indeed has begun, and with the absence of Livia, there seems to be a void to fill. However, it's still thrilling as the saga continues to burn through the sands of time.