Raising Standards

Antony and Cleopatra are the ultimate livers, Octavian Caesar has his triumph in Rome, and Vorenus and Pullo reunite for the final time. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

In this interview we speak to Alice Henley who portrayed Livia, about stepping in to a well established cast in what was one her first roles on television. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Octavian pushes back against promiscuity and the tenuous alliance with Mark Antony finally unravels, over both women and money. Both Vorenus and Pullo lose everything they hold dear, and the stage is finally set for a showdown in Alexandria. With special guests Carl Franklin (Director) and Todd Ellis Kessler (Writer). Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

The triumvirate is formed, Vorenus and Pullo get their hands very dirty, Cicero pays the ultimate price for his rhetoric, and Brutus and Cassius make the final stand of the Roman republic with an actual battle scene. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Octavian becomes both consul and a problem for the senate, Vorenus settles down to a life of familial bliss, and Antony grows one heck of a beard. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Vorenus begins gang warfare in the Aventine, Servilia steps up her feud with Atia, Cicero makes a stand the only way he knows how, and Antony violates a household plant. We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

In this interview we speak to Lorcan Cranitch, who portrayed crime boss of the Aventine Erastes Fulmen. Lorcan has had a long acting career both on and off the screen, he had a long run on The Bill and more recently the BBC series Bloodlands, There’s a slight spoiler warning for season 2 episode 2 of Rome, but otherwise enjoy. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith take a fond look at the first season HBO's Rome.

In this interview we speak to Legionary Pullo himself, Ray Stevenson. Ray’s performance as Pullo was the heart of Rome, and he bought a loveable roguish every-man quality to the role while at the same time isn’t someone that I’d want to mess with. In the years since Rome he’s become famous as friend of Thor Volstag in the Marvel films and appeared in major roles in the television shows Vikings and Black Sails. He spoke to us recently from Bulgaria where he’s shooting a new film. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast. Also while we have your attention, the When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for the sixth series. Please give your support.

Caesar is proclaimed dictator by the senate and rewarded with a triumph for his successful conquest of Gaul. Brutus receives an insult from Caesar that drives him to side with Cassius. Pullo decides to retire to the countryside, Vorenus prepares for his new position in politics, and Servilia plots her revenge There is also a special interview with episode writer Adrian Hodges. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

William J MacDonald is one of the creators and executive producers of Rome, and in this wide ranging chat he talks about how the show came about, how the plot could have been very different, and what would have happened if the show hadn’t been cancelled. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Lee Boardman played the Timon across two seasons of Rome, a character who grew in more prominence and bought some much needed diversity to the ethnic melting pot of the Roman Empire. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.