Remember last summer, dear reader, when I was waxing lyrical about the BBC/HBO series "Rome"? Well, I've just finished watching Season 2 and if anything it's even BETTER (my italics) than the first. First of all, we get to see a LOT more of the hunktastic James Purefoy, as his character Marc Anthony takes centre stage. And once he gets to Egypt, things really hot up as he starts wearing eyeliner and taking part in orgies (the summum of debauchery for the suburban creature that I am). In fact, there's a lot more nookie in Season 2 overall which, let's face it, is the main reason we're all watching in the first place. Who's interested in an accurate depiction of some boring old Senate debate (Cicero, what a pompous ass!) when we can watch two good-looking people - one of whom happens to be James Purefoy - going at it hammer 'n' tongs? PLUS, as if that weren't enough, this season, we can see several new characters in flagrante delicto (nice Roman touch there, note). My fave is Marcus Agrippa, played by Allen Leech. Yes, yes I KNOW he looks a bit like an Eastern European twink porn actor, but that is, I'm sure, merely a coincidence (ahem). With a bonus in the shape of Alex Wyndham ("The Line of Beauty") as the decadent Maecenas. But sadly, to use a common Roman expression, Obesa cantavit. Opinion seems to be divided - on the viewer bulletin boards at least - as to whether it was disappointing viewing figures, high production costs, or "artistic differences" between the BBC and HBO, that led to the plug being pulled. Anyway, I got through a whole box of Kleenex watching the last episode (wiping away the tears, I hasten to add). Now I've only got "Heroes" to brighten my televisual week ::sigh::
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Rome 2: Obesa Cantavit
Remember last summer, dear reader, when I was waxing lyrical about the BBC/HBO series "Rome"? Well, I've just finished watching Season 2 and if anything it's even BETTER (my italics) than the first. First of all, we get to see a LOT more of the hunktastic James Purefoy, as his character Marc Anthony takes centre stage. And once he gets to Egypt, things really hot up as he starts wearing eyeliner and taking part in orgies (the summum of debauchery for the suburban creature that I am). In fact, there's a lot more nookie in Season 2 overall which, let's face it, is the main reason we're all watching in the first place. Who's interested in an accurate depiction of some boring old Senate debate (Cicero, what a pompous ass!) when we can watch two good-looking people - one of whom happens to be James Purefoy - going at it hammer 'n' tongs? PLUS, as if that weren't enough, this season, we can see several new characters in flagrante delicto (nice Roman touch there, note). My fave is Marcus Agrippa, played by Allen Leech. Yes, yes I KNOW he looks a bit like an Eastern European twink porn actor, but that is, I'm sure, merely a coincidence (ahem). With a bonus in the shape of Alex Wyndham ("The Line of Beauty") as the decadent Maecenas. But sadly, to use a common Roman expression, Obesa cantavit. Opinion seems to be divided - on the viewer bulletin boards at least - as to whether it was disappointing viewing figures, high production costs, or "artistic differences" between the BBC and HBO, that led to the plug being pulled. Anyway, I got through a whole box of Kleenex watching the last episode (wiping away the tears, I hasten to add). Now I've only got "Heroes" to brighten my televisual week ::sigh::
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9 comments:
oooh, there's a television adaptation of the Line of Beauty? I had no idea! Is it any good?
Indeed there is, Amy, thanks again to those lovely people at the BBC. And I happen to have it on DVD, so I'll bring it along on Wednesday. Obviously, it's not as wonderful as the book, but I thought it was a pretty good effort overall.
ooh, wonderful! I can't wait.
So I was not the only one with a crush on Allen Leech. It's a pity they did not give him more scenes.
I completely agree gomad. I would even go as far as to suggest that he should have his own spin-off series!! (I love him)
I agree Rhino, the second season is even better! But my new fav character is the grown up Augustus Cesare. The way he was pounding on his woman, and getting slapped across the face at the same time!
KINKY!
He kind of looks like a young Roddy McDowell, don't you think?
Rob, one of my friends SWORE that scene would change my view and it IS HOT but I'm still a 'Grippa Boy. Starman, you're right, although a little rounder!
I have to say, for me, the older Octavian was less convincing and compelling than the younger. He seemed to much like a pompous University undergrad. Agrippa, though, yum and yummers again. Defo shaggable and not shameful at all.
Still, the last episode was horrifically over-melodramatic and only saved by Attia's excellent bitchiness. I couldn't even watch Marc Anthony's death scene... it was emotionally horrific. I can't imagine how one expects to do something like that... It's Belladonna all the way for me.
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