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.
And the two actresses playing Servilia and Octavia clearly aren't comfortable filming lesbian scenes.
Also didn't Octavia marry Mark Anthony? The way the characters have been portrayed especially Octavia they would seem like a total mismatch on the show. I hope they don't do something silly like make Octavia go for Mark Anthony in order to get back her mother or something else stupid like that.
But still, for the most part, it is an excellent show. My biggest gripe is that they haven't shown enough of Caesar.
The 1st couple of episodes he was lacking, his character was poorly introduced but last couple of episodes at least he's been around more. Atia & Servilla have run their course and they could just vanish
Season two should be interesting with Octavian vs Mark Anthony.
If there's a season 3, I hope they skip to the crisis of 193-194, that time would make for a good show (Though there are rumors that Gladiator II will do it).
And God willing if there's a season 4 I hope they skip to the 400's and make your namesake the central character. I find Aetius much more fascinating than Ceaser, the way he played one barbarian tribe off another and beat down Attila and basically kept the empire going. Powers Boothe did a good job of him in USA's Attila (at least they attempted to do the Battle of Charlons)so bring him back!