This episode of Rome is one of the most “didactic” they have aired so far. The torture scenes (Duro, and Servilia) were thoroughly explained. First, in the show itself, when Atia enlightened Octavia about the need of torturing slaves in order to obtain a legal confession. Torture is also commented in the HBO Rome official website, where Jonathan Stamp, the history guru of the show, explains that Servilia’s torture was not only a physical ordeal, but an emotional one as well (see the section “Inside the Episode”, at the series website for more details about this).

Personally, I am still waiting to see how Simon Woods will develop his character, after the wonderful performance by Max Pirkis. It’s too early to tell. And I also think it was too early for switching between the young and the not so young Octavian.

And yes, it was good to see Maecenas joining the crew.

Judging by the excellent screenplays we have seen so far, I am dying to see how Octavian and Antony will negotiate their peace as we move on towards Philippi. I guess we are in for some very good dialogs. Or so I hope.