You touched on my least favorite part. Given all the bragging about the huge budget for this series, the montage treatment of the battle between Ceasar and Magnus felt really cheap. It totally reminded you that you were watching a TV show and not an epic film like Spartacus or Gladiator.
At least they finally mentioned Titus Labienus, commander in Gaul of Caesar's Xth Legion, and commander during the Civil War of Pompey's cavalry [He was subsequently killed in Spain]. He would have made a truly fascinating character in the series.
Minor beef, first episodes. Vorenus wore his gladius on the wrong hip [He's a centurion], and was never seen carrying a vine staff [his badge of rank].
Yes, the first episode had a decent but short battle scene in Gaul. I found the Roman system of rotating the troops and the role of The Centurion coordinating it fascinating. Also, I had no idea of the pagan religion system and the brutal treatment(slavery) of their conquered foes. Good stuff.
And good news its been picked up for a 2nd season which unfortunately won't air until 2007
Given all the bragging about the huge budget for this series, the montage treatment of the battle between Ceasar and Magnus felt really cheap. It totally reminded you that you were watching a TV show and not an epic film like Spartacus or Gladiator.
That's the biggest complaint I have right now, with all the money they were suppose to have spent I was expecting a awesome Braveheart/Gladiator type battle but instead there was nothing, nada, zip. grrrrr even in USA Network's Atilla we got battles.