Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* HistoricalHeroUpgrade: Though Tiberius is not portrayed as heroic as such, he is treated much more kindly than he is by Tacitus, Suetonius, or [[Literature/IClaudius Robert Graves]]. His reluctance to accept the title of Emperor and his sad resignation to the hatred of the Roman people as he eliminates his political opponents are emphasised, while his sexual depravities are only hinted at in a single line in "Sejanus".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Just watched those episodes—
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* MasterPoisoner: Livia is accused of this, but in contrast to ''Series/IClaudius'' we never actually see her poison anyone. Played straight when Piso and Plancina poison Germanicus, and again when Sejanus and Livilla poison Drusus.
to:
* MasterPoisoner: Livia is accused of this, but in contrast to ''Series/IClaudius'' we never actually see her poison anyone. Played straight when Likewise subverted with Piso and Plancina his wife, who are likely innocent of the charges of poison Germanicus, against them, and again when quite possibly with Sejanus and Livilla poison Drusus.Livillia as well--in all cases, we never are actually shown the poisoning, leaving it ambiguous whether the "victim" was murdered or not.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* SmugSnake: As opposed to ''I, Claudius'', Germanicus is painted in a less flattering light, as quietly power-hungry, and a great deal less clever than he imagines.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
* BigScrewedUpFamily: The Julio-Claudian dynasty.
to:
* BigScrewedUpFamily: The Julio-Claudian dynasty.dynasty, a family tree full of backstabbing, extortion, incest, and murder.
Changed line(s) 23 (click to see context) from:
* TheCaligula: The TropeNamer, in a genuinely unsettling performance by Ralph Bates.
to:
* TheCaligula: The TropeNamer, in a genuinely unsettling performance by Ralph Bates. He flies into a violent or even murderous rage at the least provocation, raises funds by forcing the wealthy to leave their entire estates to him in their wills and then having them assassinated, executes or exiles countless people (including several members of his own family) for treason on flimsy or outright false evidence, and then there's the whole [[AGodAmI god complex]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
[[{{Granada}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''Series/TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius", with the title characters played respectively by Ronald Culver, Eric Flynn, [[{{Quatermass}} Andre Morell]], Barrie Ingham, Ralph Bates, and Freddie Jones.
to:
[[{{Granada}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''Series/TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius", with the title characters played respectively by Ronald Culver, Eric Flynn, [[{{Quatermass}} Andre André Morell]], Barrie Ingham, Ralph Bates, and Freddie Jones.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''Series/TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius", with the title characters played respectively by Ronald Culver, Eric Flynn, [[{{Quatermass}} Andre Morell]], Barrie Ingham, Ralph Bates, and Freddie Jones.
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* MamasBabyPapasMaybe: In "Claudius", Caesonia gives birth to a daughter, Drusilla, just one month after marrying Caligula. She claims that Caligula is the father, but as she had a reputation for promiscuity before marrying Caligula, there is some doubt over the baby's paternity.
Deleted line(s) 78 (click to see context) :
* WhosYourDaddy: In "Claudius", Caesonia gives birth to a daughter, Drusilla, just one month after marrying Caligula. She claims that Caligula is the father, but as she had a reputation for promiscuity before marrying Caligula, there is some doubt over the baby's paternity.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* DeadGuyJunior: Caligula insists that his and Caesonia's daughter[[note]] or, at least, the daughter Caesonia bears after marrying Caligula; he freely acknowledges that he may not be the father[[/note]] be named Drusilla, after his dead sister.
Added DiffLines:
* WhosYourDaddy: In "Claudius", Caesonia gives birth to a daughter, Drusilla, just one month after marrying Caligula. She claims that Caligula is the father, but as she had a reputation for promiscuity before marrying Caligula, there is some doubt over the baby's paternity.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 29 (click to see context) from:
* DeadlyDecadentCourt
to:
* DeadlyDecadentCourtDeadlyDecadentCourt: The Julio-Claudian family and their social circle form a tangled web of debauchery and intrigue.
Changed line(s) 33 (click to see context) from:
* TheEmperor: Four of them, although the series mostly concentrates on Tiberius and Caligula.
to:
* TheEmperor: Four of them, although the series mostly concentrates on the reigns of Tiberius and Caligula.Caligula. Claudius remains an important character throughout, but only becomes Emperor in the final few minutes, while Augustus dies near the end of the first episode.
Changed line(s) 57 (click to see context) from:
* ThePurge: As Sejanus becomes more and more powerful, he arranges for the elimination of Tiberius' heirs apparent, Germanicus' son Nero and then Tiberius' own son Drusus. At the end of "Sejanus", Tiberius learns that Sejanus poisoned his son and conducts his own purge of Sejanus' family and supporters.
to:
* ThePurge: Two of them.
** As Sejanus becomes more and more powerful, he arranges for the elimination of Tiberius' heirs apparent, Germanicus' son Nero and then Tiberius' own son Drusus. At the end of "Sejanus", Tiberius learns that Sejanus poisoned his son and conducts his own purge of Sejanus' family andsupporters.supporters.
** After becoming Emperor, Caligula convicts vast numbers of influential Romans of treason on forged evidence and/or speculation, including his cousin and co-heir Gemellus, his brother-in-law Lepidus, and his sisters Julia Livilla and Agrippinilla. The alleged traitors are all either executed or exiled.
** As Sejanus becomes more and more powerful, he arranges for the elimination of Tiberius' heirs apparent, Germanicus' son Nero and then Tiberius' own son Drusus. At the end of "Sejanus", Tiberius learns that Sejanus poisoned his son and conducts his own purge of Sejanus' family and
** After becoming Emperor, Caligula convicts vast numbers of influential Romans of treason on forged evidence and/or speculation, including his cousin and co-heir Gemellus, his brother-in-law Lepidus, and his sisters Julia Livilla and Agrippinilla. The alleged traitors are all either executed or exiled.
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
* RoyallyScrewedUp: The Julio-Claudians.
to:
* RoyallyScrewedUp: The Julio-Claudians.Julio-Claudians, a family rife with backstabbing, adultery, incest, and murder.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 24 (click to see context) from:
* CaligulasHorse: Mentioned, though not actually seen.
to:
* CaligulasHorse: Mentioned, The TropeNamer, Incitatus, is mentioned, though not actually seen.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius", with the title characters played respectively by Ronald Culver, Eric Flynn, [[{{Quatermass}} Andre Morell]], Barrie Ingham, Ralph Bates, and Freddie Jones.
to:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''TheCleopatras'' ''Series/TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius", with the title characters played respectively by Ronald Culver, Eric Flynn, [[{{Quatermass}} Andre Morell]], Barrie Ingham, Ralph Bates, and Freddie Jones.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands, while Caligula's last words as he is being stabbed are "Strike again, I'm still alive!".
to:
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands, while Caligula's last words as he is being stabbed are "Strike again, I'm still alive!". alive!"
Changed line(s) 53 (click to see context) from:
* NeverTrustATrope: Caligula invokes this as a personal philosophy.
to:
* NeverTrustATrope: Caligula invokes this "Trust no one" as a personal philosophy.philosophy. Of course, his tyranny creates enough enemies even among his inner circle that he can be regarded as ProperlyParanoid.
Added DiffLines:
* RewardedAsATraitorDeserves: At the beginning of "Caligula", Macro [[VorpalPillow smothers Tiberius]] to help Caligula succeed to the Imperial throne. At the end of the episode, Caligula forces Macro to admit that he was technically still serving Tiberius at the time, and concludes that if Macro would betray the Emperor he served once, there is no reason why he might not do so again, and that he and his wife must therefore [[{{Seppuku}} do the honourable thing and commit suicide.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Not Dueling Shows after all. My mistake.
Changed line(s) 5,6 (click to see context) from:
The series has been largely overshadowed by ''Series/IClaudius'' since the latter series aired in 1976, but it was a hit with critics and audiences during its original airing, with Freddie Jones' performance as Claudius being singled out for particular praise and being awarded the Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 1969. The series was released on DVD (Region 2 only) in 2006.
to:
The series has been largely overshadowed by ''Series/IClaudius'' since the latter series aired in 1976, but it was a hit with critics and audiences during its original airing, with Freddie Jones' performance as Claudius being singled out for particular praise and being awarded the Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 1969. Among the differences in characterisation are a more sympathetic portrayal of Tiberius, Caligula's descent into madness beginning after his fever rather than at birth, and Messalina taking an almost instant dislike to Claudius rather than pretending to adore him while bedding countless other men behind his back.
The series was released on DVD (Region 2 only) in 2006.
The series was released on DVD (Region 2 only) in 2006.
Deleted line(s) 31 (click to see context) :
* DuelingShows: Comparisons with ''Series/IClaudius'' are inevitable; TheBBC series enjoys a better reputation in general, but ''The Caesars'' has its fans. Among the differences are a more sympathetic portrayal of Tiberius, Caligula's descent into insanity beginning after his fever rather than at birth, and Messalina taking an almost instant dislike to Claudius.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 5,6 (click to see context) from:
The series has been largely overshadowed by ''Series/IClaudius'' since the latter series aired in 1976, but it was a hit with critics and audiences during its original airing, with Freddie Jones' performance as Claudius being singled out for particular praise and being awarded the Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 1969. It was released on DVD in 2006.
to:
The series has been largely overshadowed by ''Series/IClaudius'' since the latter series aired in 1976, but it was a hit with critics and audiences during its original airing, with Freddie Jones' performance as Claudius being singled out for particular praise and being awarded the Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 1969. It The series was released on DVD (Region 2 only) in 2006.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 33 (click to see context) from:
* EvenBadMenLoveTheirMamas: As happened in real life, one of Caligula's first acts as Emperor is to carry his mother Agrippina's remains from Pandataria to the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome, and he orders that funeral games be held in her honour.
to:
* EvenBadMenLoveTheirMamas: As happened in real life, one of Caligula's first acts as Emperor is to personally carry his mother Agrippina's remains from Pandataria to the Mausoleum of Augustus Rome to be interred in Rome, Augustus' Mausoleum, and he orders that funeral games be held in her honour.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 28 (click to see context) from:
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina the Elder forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands, while Caligula's last words as he is being stabbed are "Strike again, I'm still alive!".
to:
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina the Elder forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands, while Caligula's last words as he is being stabbed are "Strike again, I'm still alive!".
Added DiffLines:
* EvenBadMenLoveTheirMamas: As happened in real life, one of Caligula's first acts as Emperor is to carry his mother Agrippina's remains from Pandataria to the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome, and he orders that funeral games be held in her honour.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 13 (click to see context) from:
* ArrangedMarriage: As happened in reality, most of the marriages in the series were arranged; one of Augustus' last requests was for Drusus to marry Livilla, while Caligula orders Claudius to marry Messalina to set an example for the Roman people. Although both marriages ended badly, we only see the outcome of the first. Tiberius also mentions his disastrous arranged marriage to Augustus' daughter Julia when confronting Livia in "Tiberius".
to:
* ArrangedMarriage: As happened in reality, most of the marriages in the series were arranged; one of Augustus' last requests was is for Drusus to marry Livilla, while Caligula orders Claudius to marry Messalina to set an example for the Roman people. Although both marriages ended badly, we only see the outcome of the first. Tiberius also mentions his disastrous arranged marriage to Augustus' daughter Julia when confronting Livia in "Tiberius".
Added DiffLines:
* HappilyMarried: Augustus and Livia are said to be this in "Augustus", having been married for fifty years at Augustus' death. Tiberius was also happily married to Marcus Agrippa's daughter Vipsania before being made to divorce her in favour of Augustus' daughter Julia; after Vipsania's (off-screen) death during the events of "Tiberius", he bitterly describes her to Livia as his "only real wife".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 65 (click to see context) from:
* UnfortunateName: Agrippa Postumus, whose name is phonetically identical to "posthumous" aka "after-death", and who was thus named because he was born after the death of his father. Fittingly, he is murdered by his guards at the end of "Augustus", ostensibly on Augustus' orders.
to:
* UnfortunateName: Agrippa Postumus, whose name is phonetically identical to "posthumous" aka "after-death", and who was thus named because he was born after the death of his father.father, Marcus Agrippa. Fittingly, he is murdered by his guards at the end of "Augustus", ostensibly on Augustus' orders.
Changed line(s) 67 (click to see context) from:
* UriahGambit: Tiberius observes that, since the more popular Germanicus was considered his main rival for the Imperial throne at the death of Augustus, he will be accused of having pulled one of these following Germanicus' death in Syria. (Although he did send Germanicus to Syria to get him far away from Rome, he had no intention of sending him to his death.)
to:
* UriahGambit: Tiberius observes that, since the more popular Germanicus was considered his main rival for the Imperial throne at after the death deaths of Augustus, Augustus and Postumus, he will be accused of having pulled one of these following Germanicus' death in Syria. (Although he did send Germanicus to Syria to get him far away from Rome, he had no intention of sending him to his death.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 10 (click to see context) from:
* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: Tiberius ultimately resigns himself to this after Piso's trial; Caligula is determined to fight it with fear.
to:
* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: Tiberius ultimately resigns himself to this after Piso's trial; trial (see MortonsFork); Caligula is determined to fight it with fear.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* MortonsFork: Two noteworthy examples:
** In "Tiberius", when Germanicus is poisoned by Piso and Plancina, Tiberius notes that if he does not prosecute Piso for the crime, it will look as though Piso was acting on his orders, whereas if he does prosecute Piso, it will look as though he is trying to hide his involvement in Germanicus' murder by letting Piso take the fall. Either way, he knows the public will believe he ordered Germanicus' murder to remove a major obstacle to his continued reign as Emperor.
** In "Caligula", carrying on a tradition from the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, Caligula decrees that all wealthy Romans should include a bequest to the Emperor in their wills... and that the size of their bequests shall be taken as a sign of their loyalty. Those who bequeathe their entire estates to him will be deemed fully loyal, those who bequeathe only a small part of their estate will be deemed traitors - a crime punishable by death and seizure of their full estates. A Senator who bitterly draws attention to the lose-lose nature of this law is executed on the spot.
** In "Tiberius", when Germanicus is poisoned by Piso and Plancina, Tiberius notes that if he does not prosecute Piso for the crime, it will look as though Piso was acting on his orders, whereas if he does prosecute Piso, it will look as though he is trying to hide his involvement in Germanicus' murder by letting Piso take the fall. Either way, he knows the public will believe he ordered Germanicus' murder to remove a major obstacle to his continued reign as Emperor.
** In "Caligula", carrying on a tradition from the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, Caligula decrees that all wealthy Romans should include a bequest to the Emperor in their wills... and that the size of their bequests shall be taken as a sign of their loyalty. Those who bequeathe their entire estates to him will be deemed fully loyal, those who bequeathe only a small part of their estate will be deemed traitors - a crime punishable by death and seizure of their full estates. A Senator who bitterly draws attention to the lose-lose nature of this law is executed on the spot.
Added DiffLines:
* UriahGambit: Tiberius observes that, since the more popular Germanicus was considered his main rival for the Imperial throne at the death of Augustus, he will be accused of having pulled one of these following Germanicus' death in Syria. (Although he did send Germanicus to Syria to get him far away from Rome, he had no intention of sending him to his death.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* KingIncognito: In the opening scene of the series, Augustus is sitting on a public staircase, begging from passers-by. It is later explained that this is a tradition he follows for one day each year.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: Subverted; following the murders of Caligula and Caesonia, Claudius hears the Praetorian Guard approaching and scurries across the room to hide behind a curtain. The guards pull him from out of hiding and declare, "Hail Caesar!" The final scene of the series has Claudius, still reeling a bit, receiving his first audience as Emperor.
to:
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: Subverted; following the murders of Caligula and Caesonia, Claudius hears the Praetorian Guard approaching and scurries across the room to hide behind a curtain. The guards pull him from out of hiding and declare, "Hail Caesar!" The final scene of the series has Claudius, still reeling a bit, receiving his first audience as Emperor.
Added DiffLines:
* DrivenToSuicide: When Caligula is assassinated, Caesonia knows she will soon follow and orders the Praetorian Guard to kill her. When they hesitate, she takes a sword from one of them and stabs herself in the chest.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
* BlackWidow: Livia becomes this in "Tiberius".
to:
* BlackWidow: Livia becomes has become this in by the events of "Tiberius".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
to:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
"Claudius", with the title characters played respectively by Ronald Culver, Eric Flynn, [[{{Quatermass}} Andre Morell]], Barrie Ingham, Ralph Bates, and Freddie Jones.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 13 (click to see context) from:
* ArrangedMarriage: As happened in reality, most of the marriages in the series were arranged; one of Augustus' last requests was for Drusus to marry Livilla, while Caligula orders Claudius to marry Messalina to set an example for the Roman people. Although both marriages ended badly, we only see the outcome of the first.
to:
* ArrangedMarriage: As happened in reality, most of the marriages in the series were arranged; one of Augustus' last requests was for Drusus to marry Livilla, while Caligula orders Claudius to marry Messalina to set an example for the Roman people. Although both marriages ended badly, we only see the outcome of the first. Tiberius also mentions his disastrous arranged marriage to Augustus' daughter Julia when confronting Livia in "Tiberius".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 43 (click to see context) from:
* MyBelovedSmother: Livia to Tiberius in "Augustus". By the time of "Tiberius", he regards her as largely irrelevant, and she disappears from the series for the remaining episodes.
to:
* MyBelovedSmother: Livia to Tiberius in "Augustus". By the time of "Tiberius", he regards her as largely irrelevant, and she disappears from her death between the series for the remaining episodes.events of "Tiberius" and "Sejanus" goes unmentioned.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
to:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus in 14 AD and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor.Emperor in 41 AD. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''The Cleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
to:
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''The Cleopatras'' ''TheCleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
* CurtainCamouflage: Claudius is hiding behind one when he is crowned emperor.
to:
* CurtainCamouflage: Claudius is hiding hides behind one when after Caligula's assassination; he is crowned emperor.found by the guards and declared Emperor.
Changed line(s) 28 (click to see context) from:
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina the Elder forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands.
to:
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina the Elder forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands.hands, while Caligula's last words as he is being stabbed are "Strike again, I'm still alive!".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
A British mini-series shot entirely on studio sets, with a cast largely comprising well-known stage actors, focusing on the political intrigue surrounding the reigns of the Julio-Claudian Roman Emperors... [[Series/IClaudius sound familiar?]]
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''The Cleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
The series has been largely overshadowed by ''Series/IClaudius'' since the latter series aired in 1976, but it was a hit with critics and audiences during its original airing, with Freddie Jones' performance as Claudius being singled out for particular praise and being awarded the Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 1969. It was released on DVD in 2006.
----
!!This series provides examples of:
* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: Tiberius ultimately resigns himself to this after Piso's trial; Caligula is determined to fight it with fear.
* AmbiguouslyBi: Caligula is portrayed as this, flirting openly with members of the PraetorianGuard and even planting a kiss on Drusilla's husband Lepidus in "Caligula".
* AncientRome: The early years of TheRomanEmpire.
* ArrangedMarriage: As happened in reality, most of the marriages in the series were arranged; one of Augustus' last requests was for Drusus to marry Livilla, while Caligula orders Claudius to marry Messalina to set an example for the Roman people. Although both marriages ended badly, we only see the outcome of the first.
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: Subverted; following the murders of Caligula and Caesonia, Claudius hears the Praetorian Guard approaching and scurries across the room to hide behind a curtain. The guards pull him from out of hiding and declare, "Hail Caesar!" The final scene of the series has Claudius, still reeling a bit, receiving his first audience as Emperor.
* BalancingDeathsBooks: When Caligula was ill with the fever that led him to believe he was a god, several Senators vowed that they would give their own lives if the gods would spare Caligula. When Caligula recovered, he decreed that the Senators in question would make good on their vows.
* BasedOnATrueStory: Although, for the most part, the series avoids the more salacious rumours spread by contemporary historians, the primary sources are still such classical accounts as those by Tacitus and Suetonius. Some details remain exaggerated (for example, most modern historians believe that if Caligula committed incest with any of his sisters, it was likely limited to Drusilla).
* BigScrewedUpFamily: The Julio-Claudian dynasty.
* BlackWidow: Livia becomes this in "Tiberius".
* BodyguardBetrayal: In "Claudius", Callistus and Vitellius persuade Cassius Chaerea to lead the PraetorianGuard in assassinating Caligula.
* BrotherSisterIncest: Caligula and his sisters, at least until he accidentally kills Drusilla by strangling her and banishes Julia Livilla and Agrippinilla for allegedly conspiring against him.
* TheCaligula: The TropeNamer, in a genuinely unsettling performance by Ralph Bates.
* CaligulasHorse: Mentioned, though not actually seen.
* TheChainsOfCommanding: Tiberius never wanted to become Emperor, and resists accepting the title following Augustus' death until it becomes politically necessary.
* {{Cloudcuckoolander}}: Claudius, although he admits to his closer confidantes that it is largely an act, especially during the reign of Caligula.
* ColdBloodedTorture: Frequently employed by the powerful to get their enemies to confess to imaginary crimes. Caligula even has Capito and his son Bassus tortured to death as dinner entertainment in "Claudius".
* CurtainCamouflage: Claudius is hiding behind one when he is crowned emperor.
* DeadlyDecadentCourt
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina the Elder forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands.
* DirtyOldMan: Tiberius admits to shades of this in his later years, although fewer details are given than in ''Series/IClaudius''.
* DuelingShows: Comparisons with ''Series/IClaudius'' are inevitable; TheBBC series enjoys a better reputation in general, but ''The Caesars'' has its fans. Among the differences are a more sympathetic portrayal of Tiberius, Caligula's descent into insanity beginning after his fever rather than at birth, and Messalina taking an almost instant dislike to Claudius.
* TheEmperor: Four of them, although the series mostly concentrates on Tiberius and Caligula.
* FramingTheGuiltyParty: In "Claudius", Capito tries to save his and Bassus' lives by claiming to be involved in a conspiracy against Caligula along with Mnester, Callistus, Vitellius, and Caesonia. The last name convinces Caligula that Capito is lying and he is tortured to death. However, Callistus and Vitellius ultimately ''do'' successfully conspire to have Caligula assassinated by the Praetorian Guard.
* AGodAmI: Caligula declares this following his fever, and the more sycophantic of his followers commission temples in his honour in Rome.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: Almost every character in the series is mentioned by name in the classical sources.
* InsaneEqualsViolent: Caligula plays this straight following his fever, and is all the more terrifying because there is no way of knowing what might cause his violent outbursts.
* JustTheFirstCitizen: In "Germanicus", Tiberius resists taking on new titles (including that of Emperor) for as long as possible following Augustus' death, partly because he feels he is too old to be Emperor and partly because he sees himself as a temporary ruler rather than the lifelong ruler Augustus ultimately became.
* KingOnHisDeathbed: Augustus and Tiberius. Caligula is not so fortunate in his death.
* LadyMacbeth: Agrippina shows shades of this in "Germanicus", trying to persuade her husband to use the rebellious troops' support of him to put himself on the Imperial throne.
* LikeAWeasel: Everyone behaves like this around Caligula as a survival mechanism, although Caligula himself [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] the fact that he rules in such a way that there is no way to predict whether a given instance of flattery will please or anger him, and that he can twist any flattery into an insult and react accordingly.
* ManipulativeBastard: Sejanus manipulates himself into the position of Tiberius' enforcer, then uses this to arrange for the elimination of his competition as heir to the throne.
* MasterPoisoner: Livia is accused of this, but in contrast to ''Series/IClaudius'' we never actually see her poison anyone. Played straight when Piso and Plancina poison Germanicus, and again when Sejanus and Livilla poison Drusus.
* MoodSwinger: In "Caligula", the title character lampshades his use of this, saying that the uncertainty it instills in people who must deal with him is an integral part of his ruling philosophy.
* MyBelovedSmother: Livia to Tiberius in "Augustus". By the time of "Tiberius", he regards her as largely irrelevant, and she disappears from the series for the remaining episodes.
* MyGirlIsASlut: Caligula happily admits that Caesonia had a reputation for promiscuity when he married her, as evidenced by the fact that their daughter Julia Drusilla was born only a month after their marriage.
* NeverTrustATrope: Caligula invokes this as a personal philosophy.
* ObfuscatingDisability: Claudius admits that he exaggerates his disabilities so as to be written off as harmless while Caligula is Emperor.
* ObfuscatingStupidity: Although he laments not being taken seriously or given responsibility during Tiberius' reign, Claudius resorts to pretending to be incompetent during Caligula's reign as a survival mechanism.
* PraetorianGuard: The original one carries out the assassination of Caligula and declares Claudius Emperor at the conclusion of "Claudius".
* ThePurge: As Sejanus becomes more and more powerful, he arranges for the elimination of Tiberius' heirs apparent, Germanicus' son Nero and then Tiberius' own son Drusus. At the end of "Sejanus", Tiberius learns that Sejanus poisoned his son and conducts his own purge of Sejanus' family and supporters.
* ReluctantRuler: Tiberius remains this throughout his reign, only accepting the title of Emperor very reluctantly, and mostly leaving the running of the Empire in the hands of Sejanus in his later years.
* RoyallyScrewedUp: The Julio-Claudians.
* {{Seppuku}}: Many characters are obliged to commit this over the course of the series, mostly off screen - Piso in "Tiberius", Livilla and Sejanus' ex-wife Apicata in "Sejanus", Macro and his wife Ennia in "Caligula", and Caesonia in "Claudius".
* ShownTheirWork: Adapted from such classical sources as Tacitus and Suetonius, in some cases quoting (translations of) the dialogue (for example, Suetonius claims that Augustus said "Have I played my part well in the comedy of life? Then applaud!" on his deathbed, and this scene is recreated in "Augustus"). However, in contrast to ''Series/IClaudius'', some of the really juicy bits were omitted, perhaps in deference to the censors of 1968.
* SpeechImpediment: Claudius, especially when he is drunk (which he often is). Caligula taps his foot impatiently when Claudius stammers in front of him, which only makes things worse.
* SpringtimeForHitler: In "Caligula", the patricians who declare publicly that they will offer their lives if the gods spare Caligula's in an attempt to curry favour with him are forced to carry out their promises when Caligula recovers.
* SuccessionCrisis: Tiberius is confronted with one throughout his reign. Initially, he plans to make Germanicus his successor, followed by Germanicus' son Nero. When they are killed, he names his own son Drusus as his successor, to be followed by Drusus' son Gemellus. When Drusus is killed, he names Caligula and Gemellus co-heirs; Caligula accepts, but glosses over the "co-heir" idea and has Gemellus murdered after Tiberius' death.
* TakeMeInstead: Several members of the Senate are revealed to have said this when Caligula falls ill in "Caligula". When he recovers, Caligula forces them to follow through on this.
* UglyGuyHotWife: Claudius and Messalina; each [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] the other's contribution to this when Caligula orders them to marry.
* UnexpectedSuccessor: Claudius after Caligula's death.
* UnfortunateName: Agrippa Postumus, whose name is phonetically identical to "posthumous" aka "after-death", and who was thus named because he was born after the death of his father. Fittingly, he is murdered by his guards at the end of "Augustus", ostensibly on Augustus' orders.
* UnwantedSpouse: Messalina is disgusted at the idea of being forcibly married to Claudius.
* VillainousBreakdown: Sejanus suffers one when Tiberius' letter denouncing him and ordering his arrest is read before the Senate.
* VillainousIncest: Caligula, naturally.
* VorpalPillow: A blanket rather than a pillow, but Macro uses this on AlmostDeadGuy Tiberius in "Caligula".
----
[[{{ITV}} Granada Television's]] take on the early years of TheRomanEmpire comprised six episodes written by Philip Mackie (who went on to write ''The Cleopatras'' for TheBBC in 1983) and directed by Derek Bennett, first airing in [[OlderThanTheyThink autumn of 1968.]] Rather than encompassing the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty, the series focuses primarily on the reigns of Tiberius and [[TheCaligula Caligula]], beginning with the last days of Augustus and concluding with the declaration of Claudius as Emperor. Each of the six episodes is named for one of its primary characters: "Augustus", "Germanicus", "Tiberius", "Sejanus", "Caligula", and "Claudius".
The series has been largely overshadowed by ''Series/IClaudius'' since the latter series aired in 1976, but it was a hit with critics and audiences during its original airing, with Freddie Jones' performance as Claudius being singled out for particular praise and being awarded the Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 1969. It was released on DVD in 2006.
----
!!This series provides examples of:
* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: Tiberius ultimately resigns himself to this after Piso's trial; Caligula is determined to fight it with fear.
* AmbiguouslyBi: Caligula is portrayed as this, flirting openly with members of the PraetorianGuard and even planting a kiss on Drusilla's husband Lepidus in "Caligula".
* AncientRome: The early years of TheRomanEmpire.
* ArrangedMarriage: As happened in reality, most of the marriages in the series were arranged; one of Augustus' last requests was for Drusus to marry Livilla, while Caligula orders Claudius to marry Messalina to set an example for the Roman people. Although both marriages ended badly, we only see the outcome of the first.
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: Subverted; following the murders of Caligula and Caesonia, Claudius hears the Praetorian Guard approaching and scurries across the room to hide behind a curtain. The guards pull him from out of hiding and declare, "Hail Caesar!" The final scene of the series has Claudius, still reeling a bit, receiving his first audience as Emperor.
* BalancingDeathsBooks: When Caligula was ill with the fever that led him to believe he was a god, several Senators vowed that they would give their own lives if the gods would spare Caligula. When Caligula recovered, he decreed that the Senators in question would make good on their vows.
* BasedOnATrueStory: Although, for the most part, the series avoids the more salacious rumours spread by contemporary historians, the primary sources are still such classical accounts as those by Tacitus and Suetonius. Some details remain exaggerated (for example, most modern historians believe that if Caligula committed incest with any of his sisters, it was likely limited to Drusilla).
* BigScrewedUpFamily: The Julio-Claudian dynasty.
* BlackWidow: Livia becomes this in "Tiberius".
* BodyguardBetrayal: In "Claudius", Callistus and Vitellius persuade Cassius Chaerea to lead the PraetorianGuard in assassinating Caligula.
* BrotherSisterIncest: Caligula and his sisters, at least until he accidentally kills Drusilla by strangling her and banishes Julia Livilla and Agrippinilla for allegedly conspiring against him.
* TheCaligula: The TropeNamer, in a genuinely unsettling performance by Ralph Bates.
* CaligulasHorse: Mentioned, though not actually seen.
* TheChainsOfCommanding: Tiberius never wanted to become Emperor, and resists accepting the title following Augustus' death until it becomes politically necessary.
* {{Cloudcuckoolander}}: Claudius, although he admits to his closer confidantes that it is largely an act, especially during the reign of Caligula.
* ColdBloodedTorture: Frequently employed by the powerful to get their enemies to confess to imaginary crimes. Caligula even has Capito and his son Bassus tortured to death as dinner entertainment in "Claudius".
* CurtainCamouflage: Claudius is hiding behind one when he is crowned emperor.
* DeadlyDecadentCourt
* DefiantToTheEnd: Agrippina the Elder forcibly starves herself to death to ensure that her blood is on Tiberius' hands.
* DirtyOldMan: Tiberius admits to shades of this in his later years, although fewer details are given than in ''Series/IClaudius''.
* DuelingShows: Comparisons with ''Series/IClaudius'' are inevitable; TheBBC series enjoys a better reputation in general, but ''The Caesars'' has its fans. Among the differences are a more sympathetic portrayal of Tiberius, Caligula's descent into insanity beginning after his fever rather than at birth, and Messalina taking an almost instant dislike to Claudius.
* TheEmperor: Four of them, although the series mostly concentrates on Tiberius and Caligula.
* FramingTheGuiltyParty: In "Claudius", Capito tries to save his and Bassus' lives by claiming to be involved in a conspiracy against Caligula along with Mnester, Callistus, Vitellius, and Caesonia. The last name convinces Caligula that Capito is lying and he is tortured to death. However, Callistus and Vitellius ultimately ''do'' successfully conspire to have Caligula assassinated by the Praetorian Guard.
* AGodAmI: Caligula declares this following his fever, and the more sycophantic of his followers commission temples in his honour in Rome.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: Almost every character in the series is mentioned by name in the classical sources.
* InsaneEqualsViolent: Caligula plays this straight following his fever, and is all the more terrifying because there is no way of knowing what might cause his violent outbursts.
* JustTheFirstCitizen: In "Germanicus", Tiberius resists taking on new titles (including that of Emperor) for as long as possible following Augustus' death, partly because he feels he is too old to be Emperor and partly because he sees himself as a temporary ruler rather than the lifelong ruler Augustus ultimately became.
* KingOnHisDeathbed: Augustus and Tiberius. Caligula is not so fortunate in his death.
* LadyMacbeth: Agrippina shows shades of this in "Germanicus", trying to persuade her husband to use the rebellious troops' support of him to put himself on the Imperial throne.
* LikeAWeasel: Everyone behaves like this around Caligula as a survival mechanism, although Caligula himself [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] the fact that he rules in such a way that there is no way to predict whether a given instance of flattery will please or anger him, and that he can twist any flattery into an insult and react accordingly.
* ManipulativeBastard: Sejanus manipulates himself into the position of Tiberius' enforcer, then uses this to arrange for the elimination of his competition as heir to the throne.
* MasterPoisoner: Livia is accused of this, but in contrast to ''Series/IClaudius'' we never actually see her poison anyone. Played straight when Piso and Plancina poison Germanicus, and again when Sejanus and Livilla poison Drusus.
* MoodSwinger: In "Caligula", the title character lampshades his use of this, saying that the uncertainty it instills in people who must deal with him is an integral part of his ruling philosophy.
* MyBelovedSmother: Livia to Tiberius in "Augustus". By the time of "Tiberius", he regards her as largely irrelevant, and she disappears from the series for the remaining episodes.
* MyGirlIsASlut: Caligula happily admits that Caesonia had a reputation for promiscuity when he married her, as evidenced by the fact that their daughter Julia Drusilla was born only a month after their marriage.
* NeverTrustATrope: Caligula invokes this as a personal philosophy.
* ObfuscatingDisability: Claudius admits that he exaggerates his disabilities so as to be written off as harmless while Caligula is Emperor.
* ObfuscatingStupidity: Although he laments not being taken seriously or given responsibility during Tiberius' reign, Claudius resorts to pretending to be incompetent during Caligula's reign as a survival mechanism.
* PraetorianGuard: The original one carries out the assassination of Caligula and declares Claudius Emperor at the conclusion of "Claudius".
* ThePurge: As Sejanus becomes more and more powerful, he arranges for the elimination of Tiberius' heirs apparent, Germanicus' son Nero and then Tiberius' own son Drusus. At the end of "Sejanus", Tiberius learns that Sejanus poisoned his son and conducts his own purge of Sejanus' family and supporters.
* ReluctantRuler: Tiberius remains this throughout his reign, only accepting the title of Emperor very reluctantly, and mostly leaving the running of the Empire in the hands of Sejanus in his later years.
* RoyallyScrewedUp: The Julio-Claudians.
* {{Seppuku}}: Many characters are obliged to commit this over the course of the series, mostly off screen - Piso in "Tiberius", Livilla and Sejanus' ex-wife Apicata in "Sejanus", Macro and his wife Ennia in "Caligula", and Caesonia in "Claudius".
* ShownTheirWork: Adapted from such classical sources as Tacitus and Suetonius, in some cases quoting (translations of) the dialogue (for example, Suetonius claims that Augustus said "Have I played my part well in the comedy of life? Then applaud!" on his deathbed, and this scene is recreated in "Augustus"). However, in contrast to ''Series/IClaudius'', some of the really juicy bits were omitted, perhaps in deference to the censors of 1968.
* SpeechImpediment: Claudius, especially when he is drunk (which he often is). Caligula taps his foot impatiently when Claudius stammers in front of him, which only makes things worse.
* SpringtimeForHitler: In "Caligula", the patricians who declare publicly that they will offer their lives if the gods spare Caligula's in an attempt to curry favour with him are forced to carry out their promises when Caligula recovers.
* SuccessionCrisis: Tiberius is confronted with one throughout his reign. Initially, he plans to make Germanicus his successor, followed by Germanicus' son Nero. When they are killed, he names his own son Drusus as his successor, to be followed by Drusus' son Gemellus. When Drusus is killed, he names Caligula and Gemellus co-heirs; Caligula accepts, but glosses over the "co-heir" idea and has Gemellus murdered after Tiberius' death.
* TakeMeInstead: Several members of the Senate are revealed to have said this when Caligula falls ill in "Caligula". When he recovers, Caligula forces them to follow through on this.
* UglyGuyHotWife: Claudius and Messalina; each [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] the other's contribution to this when Caligula orders them to marry.
* UnexpectedSuccessor: Claudius after Caligula's death.
* UnfortunateName: Agrippa Postumus, whose name is phonetically identical to "posthumous" aka "after-death", and who was thus named because he was born after the death of his father. Fittingly, he is murdered by his guards at the end of "Augustus", ostensibly on Augustus' orders.
* UnwantedSpouse: Messalina is disgusted at the idea of being forcibly married to Claudius.
* VillainousBreakdown: Sejanus suffers one when Tiberius' letter denouncing him and ordering his arrest is read before the Senate.
* VillainousIncest: Caligula, naturally.
* VorpalPillow: A blanket rather than a pillow, but Macro uses this on AlmostDeadGuy Tiberius in "Caligula".
----
