In the common view, all we know of Nero is that he fiddled while Rome burned. This stunning episode in the series tells a different story, that it was Nero that rebuilt Rome after a horrendous fire.
There is a voice-over that fills in some of the details, but we can follow what is happening as Michael Sheen portrays Nero, at first in full control and so imaginative and far-seeing. Then later, the descent into "madder than a meat-axe". James Wilby is Tigellinus, the chief of security, and does a fine job.
Catherine McCormack is the unfortunate wife, Poppaea. Wonderfully costumed and groomed and almost unrecognisable.
The story is told clearly as the rebuilding bankrupts the Emperor and he goes to extraordinary lengths to get more money and so upsets the Senators that they eventually decide to change their Emperor. There are gruesome events.
Superbly produced, directed and acted, so it's almost a 10.
There is a voice-over that fills in some of the details, but we can follow what is happening as Michael Sheen portrays Nero, at first in full control and so imaginative and far-seeing. Then later, the descent into "madder than a meat-axe". James Wilby is Tigellinus, the chief of security, and does a fine job.
Catherine McCormack is the unfortunate wife, Poppaea. Wonderfully costumed and groomed and almost unrecognisable.
The story is told clearly as the rebuilding bankrupts the Emperor and he goes to extraordinary lengths to get more money and so upsets the Senators that they eventually decide to change their Emperor. There are gruesome events.
Superbly produced, directed and acted, so it's almost a 10.