THOSE ABOUT TO DIE (2024) – Game of Thrones wannabe set in Ancient Roman times
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Here is yet another ambitious project to start off another franchise attempting to emulate the success of Game of Thrones. It has all the usual elements like nudity, sex, gratuitous violence, corruption, treachery and a multi-layered story involving a wide scope of characters representing the various social ladders set. Replace the fictional continent of Westeros in the Game of Thrones with ancient Rome, and you have Those About To Die.
I have to admit that I was not impressed with its first episode. The characters and storyline felt weak and too much like some sort of soup opera. However, to the series’ benefit, the series grows on me as the plot progresses. Unlike Game of Thrones where multiple storylines happen simultaneously, here, we have one main story to follow which makes it far more accessible. The main plot involves the power struggle at the top of the Roman empire which is headed by an aging Vespasian (played by Anthony Hopkins). His two sons Titus and Domitian are bitter rivals to become the next emperor as they scheme and double cross one another to attain and retain the position. Supporting the main story are characters like the generals, and members of the senate, the people who run the betting taverns, and the slaves and gladiators who work for them. It all provides for an interesting mix of characters amidst a reenacted landscape that is supposed to be ancient Rome.
Casting Anthony Hopkins seem to be a bit of a joke. He doesn’t get to do much here and is probably here only for the money. Welsh actor Iwan Rheon whom many may recognise as Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones, fairs much better in the role of Tenax, the ruthless hustler with big ambitions. The rest of the cast are pretty much unfamiliar but gave decent performance.
The series is strongest when the action takes us to the chariot racing and gladiator fights at Circus Maximus and later at the Colosseum is built specifically for gladiatorial combat. To the film makers’ credit these scenes, especially the chariot racing scenes, were enticing despite the obvious limited budget. Some of the special effects may look cheesy but it did not take away the excitement of the show. These extended to the rest of the sets showing the interiors of the majestic buildings and the streets. I suspect much of this credit goes to the film’s producer, director Roland Emmerich who is widely known for his science fiction and disaster films. It is unusual for him to be involved in a TV production for a change. The weakest point of the series lies with its overall story which feels a bit messy. The subplot about a childhood friend seeking revenge felt illogical. There were several instances of narrow escapes of key characters from otherwise certain death, only to be saved by plot conveniences.
However, overall, this series is still worth a watch and it does get better and better so I would not hesitate to recommend this.