A very messy, entertaining show.
Summary Those About To Die is inspired by the 1958 non-fiction novel by Daniel P. Manni, which focuses on Ancient Rome and the era of gladiators and chariot racing. Roland Emmerich's latest project delves into the corrupt politics of these dangerous games and the cast of nefarious characters who stand to gain or lose a lot as the citizens of Rome struggle with poverty. Those About To Die is a grand spectacle bathed in blood, sweat and derivative writing.
Those About To Die Has Too Much Going On With Little Focus There is really no reason for season 1 to introduce all these characters and their respective stories — many of them are fictional. Creator Robert Rodat seems hellbent on including as many issues and facets of Ancient Rome that he forgets he is telling a fictional narrative, not developing a docuseries.
Ultimately, the writing doesn't intertwine the two-tiered story about the rich and poor in a way that doesn't make half the ensemble feel inconsequential or disposable. Even those with a fixed place in the long-term narrative are underdeveloped, with only tropes and thinly disguised inner motives sustaining them.
The use of color is appreciated, though, especially when differentiating the four factions that rule Rome, the games, and even the lower-class individuals such as Tenax, who is usually draped in gray or brown . The cinematography is inconsistent, but sharp contrasts and unnatural lighting make for a visually stimulating experience. The presentation of this story is undoubtedly a win for the show, even with its flaws.
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