S.P.Q.R.

Rome, Season Two. Lavish, decadent, and bloody could describe both HBO’s series and the empire it was based on, as ultimately, those characteristics led to the downfall of both. Sadly, tonight HBO aired the final episode in the all-too-brief run of Rome, ending it after only two seasons. The writers had planned out a story arc over three seasons, but were told at the beginning of this year that due to low ratings and high production values, there would be no third season. This meant that the episodes in season two often felt rushed, covering months or even years at a time as Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus (above) led us through Octavian’s vanquishing of Brutus, Cassius, Antony and Cleopatra on his way to becoming Caesar.

Despite the time crunch, Rome was far more entertaining than 95% of what’s on TV, and I’m sorry to see it go. But the people have spoken, and apparently more of them would rather watch Dancing With the Stars than a history lesson dressed up with battles and orgies. Heathen savages, the lot of them. Gauls, most likely.