A swords-and-sandals epic that’s cast in a mold—and strives to whet audiences’ appetites for ’s — delivers intrigue, deception, and coliseum carnage with an enthusiasm that’s offset by its derivativeness. Though nominally based on Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 book of the same name, appears to be the true authorial inspiration for showrunner Robert Rodat and director Roland Emmerich’s 10-part Peacock drama (out July 18), what with its mix of sex, violence, treachery, and murder—as well as its treatment of its most famous star, whose participation turns out to be merely a short-term device to entice viewers to embrace a tale featuring largely unknown players.
In 79 CE, Tenax (Iwan Rheon, best known as ’s Ramsay Bolton) runs the biggest and most profitable betting tavern in Rome. This is a lucrative profession, since the masses are endlessly entertained by the games held at the Circus Maximus stadium, and they’re eager to wager on the fates of those who dare to square off in gladiatorial combat and chariot races. Tenax is a cunning businessman who’s pulled himself up from the gutter, and he’s always on the lookout for an angle that will best benefit him.
There are plenty of those, since despite being a time of peace, Rome is in a moment of potential transition, with Emperor Vespasian ( ) in the final days of his rule, and—while working to build a monumental Flavian Colosseum that will contribute to his legacy—trying to decide who will succeed him on the .
