For similarity of subject - same period, , the first temptation is to compare it with "Rome" by Bruno Heller. But this episode gives some reasons to not make this parallel. First, because the perspective is real different and the events are only sketches/ frames for a story with feminist flavors. Second, because it is more superficial , in almost all senses. I repete, it is just a beautiful series , for clothes, rooms, rituals, in few cases for acting. But it remains one of decent historical series , with the basic virtue to be a sort of kick for discover the real events in history books. In the case of this episode, the drop of spice remains the presence of Isabella Rosellini in a role reminding Ursula from Little Mermaid and the characters of Fellini..