by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
I typically subscribe to streaming services without ads. I’ve become so accustomed to watching shows like this that it becomes jarring when an ad does pop up. It takes me out of my experience sometimes, especially if it’s a show that I enjoy. If it’s a little slow, I find it harder to get through the show, because the pauses become annoying. For a show like Those About to Die, it’s somewhere in the middle, yet it made the first half almost unbearable to watch.
Those About to Die follows the rule of the Flavian Dynasty in the Roman Empire. They are led by Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) and his two sons, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), who are jockeying to be named his successor upon his death. Around Rome, games such as chariot races and gladiator matches are held in the Flavian Amphitheater, also known as the Coliseum. Bettors, soldiers, enslaved people, racers, and warriors go about their lives as the actual game is political intrigue.
The Flavians are a dysfunctional family. Vespasian is at the tail end of his rule, but has helped Rome thrive. He has a specific trait he’s looking for in his successor: military experience. Titus is the natural choice for the throne, but Domitian is the king of scheming in this show. Domitian is so slimy that we’re waiting for an opportunity to see him come up. This is a testament to Macari’s performance, which shows he can be horrible yet keep us captivated by his every chess move. Hopkins is barely in the show, so his role is inconsequential to the story.
This series is a textbook example of a tale of two halves. The first half is admittedly an arduous task. It has to do the heavy lifting of establishing all the characters, setting the story in motion, and building the world of ancient Rome. Unfortunately, there’s so much thrown at you in the first three episodes that it’s hard to keep everything straight. Moreover, there isn’t a single likable character during the first half (and a lot of the second half). This show paints itself as a Roman Game of Thrones, where politics drives most of the story. You need someone to root for, though, and you won’t find anyone until midway through.
That individual worth rooting for is Kwame (Moe Hashim), one of the people chosen to fight in the gladiator games. He’s a talented warrior on a mission to save his sisters from slavery, and help his mother, Cala (Sara Martins), have a better life. This small unit is the closest to a healthy and normal relationship, and is the show’s heart. Whereas the Flavians are scheming against each other, Kwame and his family are fighting to keep each other intact. Hashim’s emotional performance is outstanding, particularly all the moments in the gladiator arena.
The gladiator storyline is much more intriguing than the chariot race storyline. Along with Kwame, we follow Viggo (Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson), who shows Kwame the ropes of being a gladiator. Their friendship is genuine, making their story’s potential one of the most intriguing if the show were to get a second season. Chariot race scenes are fun to watch, but I struggle to see how they remain relevant to the story. None of the racers are worth rooting for, as they all have flaws, and there’s nothing intriguing about them either. Sadly, the races feel computer-generated and green screened. At least the gladiator fights are a little more accurate with dazzling fight choreography.
Tenax (Iwan Rheon), a Jabba the Hutt figure, controls the chariot races through betting. He has lots of minions doing his bidding, and he schemes for power and aligns himself with influential people. Rheon is tailor-made for a role like this, with Game of Thrones prepping him for success. There are moments when you think Tenax can be redeemed, and there’s a possibility for a happy ending, but that goes right out the door in the final two episodes.
Those About to Die’s second halfis much more exciting, and it kept more of my attention. The story doesn’t need to be established, so it focuses more on the action. Conflict is everywhere, and that makes for a compelling story that moves a lot faster. It’s still a little messy, but I did enjoy it a lot more than the first.
The final two episodes are the best of the series. They have everything someone could want in a show. Perhaps the best part of the two episodes is the tension established after eight episodes that can feel like a slog. However, there is also the feeling that no one is safe, as in the final episode. It doesn’t end as I hoped, but now I’m invested and want to keep going.
Those About To Die starts slow, but sticks the landing with a solid final two episodes. The characters are great, but there are only a few that I’m really interested in. If Season Two is in the cards, I’m hoping for a bit more action and stronger character development. Hopefully there will be fewer characters to focus on — keeping the cast more contained gives everyone a chance to thrive.
Rating: High Side of Just Okay
Those About To Die is currently streaming on Peacock
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