Rome

The average user rating for this TV Show is 9.3 out of 10 (based on 98 Votes).

Susan L. gave it a10:
bigger than life characters in a bigger than anything empire. Costumes, splendour, grittiness -- they got it right.

Marcio P. gave it a10:
It was the best roman movies I have ever seen. I really hope they make the third, fourth, ... seasons.

Steve F. gave it a10:
Loved the show. The NY Times review and several of the other newspaper commentary are just ridiculous. What’s wrong with being historically accurate? That’s a big +, not a -. And criticizing the show for one-dimension characters? Livy, of their beloved "I, Claudius" was one-dimensionally villainous. The HBO Rome characters are much more three-dimensional.

Dan B. gave it a9:
I could have used more politics. Bit more intrigue and scheming and history. Though I'm not sure I'd have exchanged it for all the sex and the blood. The first season is probably better, but this is still fantastic. The only thing I didn't like was Octavian's muddy motivation. How an overly clever boy turned into a pathological man is either not well explained or simply handled way too subtly, as if his unblinking, gecko eyes are supposed to impart something to us? Anyway. The show is still great. Shame there'll be no third season.

John T R. gave it a10:
Best show to come around in years. I was a huge Soprano fan also. Why HBO keep awful series going like Curb Your Enthusiasm and lose franchise shows like Sopranos, Deadwood, etc. is beyond me. Pay the actors what they are asking, drop your dead beat shows ie Curb Your Enthusiasm, and make another season. I could take the remainder of the shows HBO has halted production on and make a powerhouse network. If you havent seen Rome rent seasons one and two and post a review yourself. Classic, gritty, exciting... A production for men as well as women, but make sure the kids are in bed.

ray a gave it a10:
This show is fantastic in everyway...espcially if you are interested in the period. So sad to see it end so soon.

A Kelly gave it a10:
Sad that it's ended. James Purefoy as Mark Anthony just rocks, and Pullo, as played by Ray Stevenson, is a fantastic buddy. The duel of hate between Atia of the Julii (Polly Walker) and Servilia of the Junii (Lindsay Duncan) is one no wise man would get between, so they don't :-) I have enjoyed every episode and will buy the two series on DVD because I suspect it will be a long time before anything as good is on TV again.

Marti M. gave it a10:
Superb series. Darker and more emotionally charged than the first. More emphasis on the lower classes in this one and it works well to portray the harsh reality of life for most people at that time.

Michael C. gave it a4:
ROME is soap opera intended to titillate like a feather drawn across the skin--or shock like a dagger plunged into the abdomen. But it is not good history or good TV.

Mar G gave it a10:
Excelent season... i dont misses...

Corey B gave it a9:
Despite what many critics stated, it seems only sensible that this show skims over the battles due to the fact that any effort to portray them would seem mindless and poorly done due to the length and funding the show has. However the inaccuracies due to events and characters missing is a significant loss. In the end, too much time is being delivered in too little time. I give it 2 points higher than it deserves due to originality, I'm referring to Hollywood's lack of quality focus on the most popular civilization in history.

Justin G gave it a9:
I thought the second season was a great follow up to what was an excellent initial outing. As always the show was exceptional when dealing with Vorenus and Pullo, but I thought Attia & Mark Anthony were also very, very good. My primary regret for the second season was that the younger version of August was so much more interesting that the older version, but all in all the show was better than most all around.

Vincent L gave it a10:
It isn't "I Cladeaus" or "The Fall of Eagles" but just as great or graeter! It isn't history,It is not supost to be. It is about life and socity in general. A little view of us, the great and on first glance insignifacent. It reminds us that we all matter. we are all the product, and makers of history!

Chris M gave it a10:
Easily the best television series I've ever seen. Perfectly done. HBO has obliterated the historical television genre.

Erin C gave it a9:
I am sorry to see it end. I looked forward to it each week. With Sopranos soon comming to an end HBO doesn't seem worth having!

g b gave it a10:
It is a masterpiece and the critics are more concerned about peoples perceptions of their personal taste than in giving this show a fair review. I give it 10 out of 10! Bring on Season 3!

Mike K gave it a10:
Salve, This was one of the best shows ever placed on television.

Sanaz E gave it a10:
Please, please do another season! This is one of the best historic tv series EVER!!!

Evan H gave it a10:
One of my favorite shows. It's a real shame it ended. It did seem rushed and the 68 average critic review was shocking. The setting is beautiful. Most of the critics seem angry that it's not historically accurate. I didn't know the show presented itself as a historical/educational program; I thought it was just a clever setting for otherwise ordinary problems.

diurnal G gave it a9:
Picture not the best but the story is delightful. Great ending and finally HBO ended something right for a change. PS no more seasons end it here HBO

Brian K gave it a10:
So disappointed to see the series end. Fascinating characters, brisk pace. It seemed like the hour for each episode flew by. I hope Time Warner changes its corporate mind (and "resurrects" Vorenus).

Mike H gave it a10:
Sorry to see it end, wish there would be a third season.

Draco M gave it a10:
Vini, vidi, vici...way to go HBO!

Roy Rob gave it a10:
This show was great! Definitely hoping for a third season.

J Paul Parker gave it a10:
Common, as Titus and Lucius thread their way through history (sort of) is a hoot. Bring on a third season.

john h gave it a10:
great shgow but did not have to end

rafael o gave it a10:
Up there with 'The Wire' as one of the best show ever made. Beautifully realized characters. Respect and acclaim will only grow once it's off the air. Critics really got this one wrong.

AJ Elmore gave it a10:
The show had its flaws but honestly people who get HBO aren't exactly history majors. The character developement gets you hooked. I caught it at the tail end of the 2nd season which is quite dissapointing. I don't see why HBO would end such a good show. Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo...come on how can you not love it. I am sad that I wont have my Sunday's at 8 to settle down over a new episode of Rome. I have never purchased a show before and I baught Rome...come HBO...get it together here.

ali b gave it a10:
Why does it need to end?? Finally something that could replace the Sopranos.

Steve R gave it a10:
Best series on HBO ever. It's the only show I look forward to watching every week without fail. Intrigue, politics, history, sex, violence and characters I really care about - no other series has ever matched it's depth. I only wish it had presented at a slower pace, with Caesar's life ending at the end of year two, and spending another two years watching the battle for control of Rome and Marc Anthony's slow decay unfold.

kostya gave it a10:
One of the greatest series ever aired =)

Don gave it a10:
This show is awesome! I look forward to it's viewing each week. I hate that it won't be back for a third season.

William K gave it a10:
Sorry to see it end in 2007

Michael P gave it a9:
Much like Deadwood, it's ending too soon.

Matt M gave it a10:
Once in a while the critics seem to have blinders on (okay more often than not it seems nowadays). How this series could be rated anything less than perfect by the 'experts' is beyond any rational explanation. Its characters are intriguing -its storyline's plots and subplots intertwine to form a mesmerizing epic. This show is destined to become a cult classic. I fully realize how bold the following statement is - This is the best show HBO has ever put out.

richard r gave it a10:
Best show on HBO, bar none.

Ian M gave it a10:
This show is great! Definitely hoping for a third season.

Stephen M gave it a10:
I have to go back to I Claudius to find as good a series. I wish Rome would go as far as the reign of Nero.

warren b gave it an8:
Not as good as the first season, still very watchable and easily the best thing on the box. The collaboration of the BBC and HBO was bound to make something good e.g. extras

J H gave it a10:
Best series on tv.

Chuck S gave it a9:
I thought this show did an excellent job in portraying the Rome that was. The reason I didn't give it a 10 is that I think they could have toned down on the nudity and still got the point across. I would be really interested in another series that covers the rein of Nero.

Phil H gave it a3:
Couldn't wait for the 2nd season, but have been badly dissapointed. It has lost something - turned into a sex and violence fest (not that I have anything against sex and violence). First season was classic - it may be that Michael Apted left.

r. david c gave it a10:
always entertaining

Nick P gave it a10:
I can't wait from one Sunday to the other. Pleace make season three. Go all the way to the end I got it all figured out: Pullo is going to have a son and Lucious Vorenus has the son of his wife and the other guy. They can take the story after their parents die of age. Continue the friendship and join the army bla bla bla thru Caligula, Neron and all those guys and of course pilatos washing his hands regarding jesus. It will be just great.

Tom S gave it a10:
Wonderfully acted, wonderfully directed, great cinematography, great storyline. Not only engaging and entertaining but educational and cerebral.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
I still have yet to see any haters present a logical argument of why this show is not outstanding. I just wish it wasn't finished after 2 seasons

Grace C gave it a10:
Best show on television. There are admittedly too many moments of soapoperaishness, but the show wouldn't be as interesting if it were pure history. Either way, Rome sticks by history pretty closely, much more closely than most other historical dramas on TV or in movies do!

Michael C gave it a10:
Smart and fun

Rikene F gave it a10:
Best show on tv...

steve s gave it a10:
If you are a history buff, as I am, this show is pure pleasure. The fact that the cast is made up of quality British actors lends a certain class to the historical production. I can't think of a more fun show on TV today.

Aaron Y gave it a2:
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...and I gave this series a real chance...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

peter d gave it a10:
A TV classic, a level (but just a level) lower than I Claudius, this is a gem that for some unknown (to me) reason has not caught on with the intellegentia. Bravo! A memorable show, and educational too.

matt a gave it a10:
It is just sad to see this how get slighted so often by critics. Not only is Rome totally underrated-it is better than both Six Feet Under and, and I know I'll be hated for this, Deadwood (It's still not quite on par with The Sopranos or The Wire-but those are the two best TV Dramas ever, so......). Season 2 has started just fine, all you naysayers. It's just ridiculous that show is mentioned in the same breath as Aaron Spelling in some of these capsules. Although I will not try and argue that everything in the show is historically accurate (as far as characters and events go), it still gets the overall atmosphere right, and all the sex and violence that goes on is entirely appropriate. Regardless of the history though, the show just flat-out entertains, in addition to being expertly acted and produced. Easily one of the top five shows on the air right now. Forget the critics, check this show out.

Erik j gave it a9:
It is hard to describe how huge the scope of this show is. Its cast isn't quite as large as HBOs show The Wire, but it is close and still has 2 more seasons to catch up. Although the cast isn't as large as the wire yet, the sets/locations might as well be as accurate as Baltimore, except 2000 years ago. The historical accuracy of the story lines is questionable, but the emotion is very strong. The storylines parallel many modern day issues so it is easy to get immersed. I agree with previous reviews that Season 2 isn't off to the start the first season was, but the season is still young. And HBO shows have a tendency to put the best episodes at the beginning and end of the season.

Julio M gave it a10:
one of the best shows on TV today . I found the show to watch after the Sopranos Finale.

Joe D gave it a10:
I can't understand why the critics are so lukewarm towards this great show - Philistines if you ask me. ' 'Deadwood' in togas it certainly is - and that was one of the best TV series I have ever seen.

Glenn C gave it a10:
Spectacularly convincing and complex personalities, in a largely accurate historical portrayal. Ancient Rome brought to life and made human. A brilliant series. Brilliant!

Sean gave it a10:
One of my top 5 TV shows, and the second season started fantastically hopefully proving that this season will leave its intended mark. Tonight's episode should be wonderful.

keith w. gave it a7:
I would have given a higher score,but sort of dissapointed in the start of season 2,compared to the end of season 1.It still has a chance to get back to the unpredictability of last year,but seems to be getting caught up in the unneccessary.In the grand scheme of things it seems to be staying with the actual story on the rulership of Rome,and Egypt.*spoiler*If so sorry about your luck M.A,and big C,Octo boy rules!

Judy T. gave it a7:
Though not as good as the first season, its still my favorite guilty pleasure to watch. I can't wait to see what they do with Octavian.

nick j gave it a10:
I love this show very much

Patty gave it a10:
Wow, I'm totally hooked on this series! I just watched the first season all in one weekend via HBO-On Demand and loved it. Rome has it all: sex, drugs, heads rolling, and one hellofagood story line. Now waiting until Sunday night each week to watch the next episode is going to be hard! It must cost millions to produce and they do an amazing job. Try it, you won't be sorry.

john c gave it a0:
messed up

vallonicka films gave it an8:
It's a great show about one of the greatest civilizations to ever exist and is by far the best non-reality show on TV after 24.

cegarazor gave it a10:
the best ever

ta ta gave it a10:
awesome, awsome, awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brendan N gave it a9:
Rome may not have as much of a following as a show like CSI or even The Sopranos, but it still remains one of the most epic, bloody, erotic, beautiful, intense series on TV EVER! Sure, this may be the last season, but people will be replaying this series for years to come. It truly does make you feel like no penny was wasted in the budget for this show. Everything has a purpose, even if it's purpose is only to prove that Rome truly was one of the most amazing and horrifying places to ever exist.

christopher gave it an8:
I was intially bummed reading the reviews for this season...and then I saw the first episode. Improved pacing and character exploration, entertaining action and gore, and a bit more sophesticated story telling overall. Please explain to me how a reviewer uses a spelling/90210 analogy for the "new direction" of this series? This is my 4th favorite HBO series of the 4 I enjoy emensly, but come on folks, it is still emensly enjoyable and worth watching. HBO continues to outdo itself.

Joe C gave it a10:
best show on tv

Ernest D gave it a9:
Well acted!!! Great story beyond the story. HBO does it again

muz s gave it a10:
excelent series

joel db gave it a10:
Tad Friend and Matt Roush are fucking retards. Best show ever.

Brandon S gave it an8:
Rome's first series got better and better as it went along last year. Since this will be its second and final series, the quality should remain very high, so I'm very excited that they'll bring the story to a satisfying ending. You never know, though. It could stink. My hopes are up, though. Combined with Battlestar Galactica, Sundays are back in business!

Jennet P gave it a10:
Rome and Dynasty: hmmm, let's think for a moment about whether the comparison is remotely apt. Okay, both shows are interested in the histories of rich, powerful families. Fair enough. Both shows feature catfights. But there the comparison ends--and, even there, the comparison is misleading. Sure, the storyline pitting Atia against Servilia was a classic "catfight," in the sense that any truly vicious contest between women is, but it was twenty times as subtle and complex, even at its angriest and most cruel. Consider for a moment Joan Collins and Linda Evans wrestling in the lily pond, ruining at least half a million dollars' worth of designer clothing and heaven knows how many hair extensions. The classic bad girl (brunette) fights the classic good girl (blonde) for no real reason, except that the former comes over to the latter's house and says really, really mean things which the latter just takes and takes until the former says truly horrible things about the little, tiny babies the latter can't have, and childlessness, well, you know you just can't go there, no matter how mean you are, former, so into the lily pond with you! Aside from an early sequence in which Collins whacks Evans with her hat a bunch of times and a couple of air-punches, the "fight" actually looks more like the dolphin show at Sea World or an energetic game of Marco Polo--all leaping and diving and spashing around the pond--than it does a real fight, so that, when John Forsythe arrives (by chauffered limo, of course) to "break it up," all he really has to do is stand next to the pond wearing a disapproving expression, and Evans jumps right out to hang her still-groomed head in shame, because, after all, despite the slight darkening effects of the water, she's the blonde, so she doesn't do that sort of thing, even though, in truth, she mixes it up with Collins about every other week and is almost always the first to push, strangle, and use fists, however badly. Imagine Atia and Servilia in the same scene. No, I know you can't, but try anyway, just as a thought experiment First of all, they won't begin the scene by summarizing the reasons they hate each other. The Dynasty writers must have received a weekly memo reminding them to state the obvious; they do it so relentlessly. "You bitch, you're trying to break up my marriage!" "You bitch, you're trying to alienate my daughter." On Rome, the writers do us the honor of assuming we don't completely lose our minds every five minutes. Does that mean we get no over-the-top dialogue? Absolutely not! What is "I am the son of Hades; I fuck Concord in her ass" if not extreme? What was Servilia's curse in Season One if not extreme? What Rome understood that Dynasty never grasped is the power of indirection, even in extremity, indirection at the level of language and at the level of action. On Dynasty, "I am the son of Hades" would come out "Oooooh, I am so angry--well, angry and sort of guilty at the same time--about my wife leaping off the balcony and all that stuff with my children, that I could cuss a really big cussword right about now!" On Dynasty, when women hate each other, they mud-wrestle. On Rome, they plot; they kill, but never directly; they use what women could use--slaves, children, sex, rumor, spectacle--to gain what scraps of power they could for themselves and their families, and their ultimate losses are tragic. Show me a roll in the mud with one-tenth the emotional power of Servilia's suicide (it's the body-slave's second that kills me), and I'll admit that comparing Rome and Dynasty is fair. So Atia and Servilia are not going to be pushing one another into any lily ponds (which I'm sure was a relief to the hard-working Rome hair staff), but, if they did, can you imagine them stopping for breath, noticing a man with an angry frown standing next to the pond and so climbing out in shame? The entire seventh legion could be standing next to the pond waving their swords around and screaming "We are the sons of Hades; we fuck Concord in her ass!" and those two women would be trying so hard to kill one another that they would scarcely notice, except, perhaps to wonder what their chances might be of grabbing a couple of those swords and stabbing each other. In my opinion, if a dozen or so legionnaires were foolhardy enough to jump into the water and attempt, physically, to separate Atia and Servilia, we would finally see the military gore that several readers have missed in the series. (This seems to me a fair criticism, given what's going on in the series; I guess I just feel that the series can't do everything well, and, since nine out of ten films or miniseries dedicated to ancient Rome feature far more battle scenes than necessary, those readers could maybe just borrow a couple.) Okay, that's ridiculous. But so is comparing Rome and Dynasty. I like camp as well as the next gal (assuming the next gal is maybe just a little sick of camp for its own sake), but I could barely watch Dynasty. Rome I cannot stop watching. In addition to the many features other readers have cited, I love the interpretive dilemmas; it's so seldom that a television show trusts viewers with conflicting possibilities (Caesar, tyrant or victim? Brutus, patriot or manipulated mama's boy? Pullo's peaches: a moment of grace in a brutal world or murder-as-harvest?) I join those who claim the readers of this column have understood Rome better than the critics, and I join those readers in calling for a third season--and more.

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