Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Explicit sex and violence in Ancient Roman drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Those About to Die
What's the Story?
Narrated by the owner of the biggest betting house in Rome, THOSE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE follows various characters as they navigate the dangerous and politically charged world of ancient Rome. The storyline includes gladiator fights, chariot races, slavery, and the power struggles within the Roman elite.
Is It Any Good?
This drama attempts to capture the magic of Game of Thrones, with the series' infamous Ramsay (Iwan Rheon) at the helm, but falls short in comparison. Despite grand sets and an impressive score, the writing in Those About to Die comes across as lackluster, giving even Anthony Hopkins little to do. Aside from the massive scale, the visual world of the series feels uninspired, echoing many Roman-themed shows from past decades and missing the opportunity for inspired costumes and styling. The most engaging scenes occur in the arena, with thrilling chariot races and gladiator fights. The show does become more compelling after a few episodes, especially around the subplot involving an African family forcibly dragged to Rome. Mild Gladiator vibes are evoked, but the show never reaches the heights of a prestige drama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in media. How does the portrayal of violence in the show affect your perception of the characters and story? What do you think is the impact of such graphic content on viewers?
Discuss the portrayal of diverse characters in the series. What are the implications of the derogatory language used to describe people of North Africa?
What does the series say about the pursuit of power and its consequences? How do the characters' actions reflect their values and motivations?
How does the depiction of ancient Rome in Those About to Die compare to historical accounts? What liberties do you think the creators took for dramatic effect?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 18, 2024
- Cast : Anthony Hopkins , Iwan Rheon , Sara Martins
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 31, 2024
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