I agree, USA network's Attila & Sparticus had battles, hell even TNT's Caesar had at least some fighting. All 3 combined probably had only ¼ the budget of HBO's Rome, yet Rome had two chances with Pharsalus and the Siege of Alexandria and both times they showed nothing.
Pharsalus was one of the most pivital battles in history, it's terrible the way they glossed over it like they did. Part of the reason the Romans are so fascinating is they were such bad asses, and not to see them in battle just takes something away from the show.
Well there's always battles of Thapsus and Munda, but from the coming attractions it doesn't look like that will happen either.
But on the other hand, the writers made sure to put in enough time dedicated to a make out session between Octavia and Servilia.
Really? Dam it, I must of missed it.
Over all though, except for the lack of battles I must say it is a great show
I was surprised about Pharsalus as well. I thought that they were saving their resources to put it into a grand recreation of that battle, but apparently even a $100 million budget spread over 12 episodes wasn't enough for that. And you're right, if they weren't going to go all out for Pharsalus, then its a safe bet that Thapsus and Munda will get similar treatment, if they are addressed at all.
The Alexandria battle surprised me a bit as well, even after seeing the treatment that Pharsalus got, because I thought that they could economically film the lower-scale engagements that made up most of that campaign.
And the two actresses playing Servilia and Octavia clearly aren't comfortable filming lesbian scenes.
But still, for the most part, it is an excellent show. My biggest gripe is that they haven't shown enough of Caesar.