"Those About to Die," a new drama from Peacock, is inspired by Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 novel and brought to life by screenwriter Robert Rodat and director Roland Emmerich. The show delves into the seedy underbelly and opulent excess of ancient Rome, focusing on gladiators, chariot racers, and the political machinations of the era.
Anthony Hopkins stars as Emperor Vespasian, lending his gravitas to a cast led by Iwan Rheon as Tenax, a streetwise gambler aiming to start his own chariot racing faction. The narrative is rich with characters and subplots, ensuring a fast-paced storyline despite some shortcomings in CGI and overused tropes. The plot juxtaposes Tenax’s quest to form a chariot racing faction with the tensions between Vespasian's two sons and prospective heirs.
The visual effects, especially in wide shots of grand temples and crowded racetracks, lack detail and grandeur, and digitized lions fail to be menacing. Despite these flaws, the sheer density of characters and subplots helps the show avoid the slow pacing common in hour-long streaming shows just a little bit however.
The show's tone is often humorous, with characters like Domitian (Jojo Macari) and champion chariot driver Scorpus (Dimitri Leonidas) providing entertaining moments. Tenax's partnership with Cala (Sara Martins), a mother trying to free her enslaved children, adds depth and a slow-burn chemistry to the story.
The plot involving Cala (Sara Martins-Court) stands out as the most engaging narrative. Cala, a trader, faces the daunting challenge of retrieving her daughters from slavery and rescuing her son from becoming a gladiator. Her journey into Roman society is filled with twists and surprises, making her storyline compelling.
However, much of the series focuses on the less exciting political machinations within the chariot-racing industry, which often feels tedious. While Roland Emmerich's direction ensures that the racing scenes are action-packed and entertaining, the behind-the-scenes dealings over shares and horses detract from the overall excitement. The dialogue is overly dense and cumbersome, which adds to the lack of engagement in these segments. Although the characters are involved in extravagant and hedonistic pursuits, the creative execution of these themes falls short, resulting in a disappointing viewing experience. Overall, the emphasis on less captivating plots detracts from the more compelling elements of the show.
"Those About to Die" tries to embrace its pulpy nature, offering a mix of action, drama, and humor. While not a prestige drama, it can be somewhat entertaining, if occasionally flawed. The show is trying really hard to compete with Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon but it fails in that regard.
While "Those About to Die" may not be groundbreaking, it arrives at a time when familiar elements of premium cable and streaming dramas are well-established tools. It offers a suitable addition to the summer TV lineup but you won’t be on the edge of your seat.
The complete first season consisting of 10 episodes of "Those About to Die" is now streaming on Peacock.
