Those About to Die
Those About to Die" is a series set in ancient Rome, focusing on the corrupt and brutal world of gladiatorial combat and chariot racing, where the story follows various characters navigating power struggles, political intrigue, and the fight for survival within the Colosseum, all while the Emperor Vespasian and his sons, Titus and Domitianus, maneuver for control of the empire; notably, a key plotline involves a mother named Cala who travels to Rome to rescue her children, one of whom has been forced to become a gladiator, while another character, Tenax, attempts to rise in status through building a successful chariot racing team.
- Metascore49
- 2024-2024
- 1 season
- Peacock
- Action & Adventure, Drama, Documentary
- TV-MA
Those About to Die" is a series set in ancient Rome, focusing on the corrupt and brutal world of gladiatorial combat and chariot racing, where the story follows various characters navigating power struggles, political intrigue, and the fight for survival within the Colosseum, all while the Emperor Vespasian and his sons, Titus and Domitianus, maneuver for control of the empire; notably, a key plotline involves a mother named Cala who travels to Rome to rescue her children, one of whom has been forced to become a gladiator, while another character, Tenax, attempts to rise in status through building a successful chariot racing team.
Season 1 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2024
Episode 1
Rise or Die
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 55 mins
Old general Vespasian ended the civil wars after hated Nero's fall and established his family as new, Flavian dynasty, .which allows other commoners to grow unlimited ambition. Firstborn prince Titus expects to succeeds, being a successful general himself, who suppressed the Iudean rebellion, but took their queen as lover even in Rome. Titus is warned if he fails to prove himself, his scheming brother Domitian may be chosen- a storm preventing the crucial grain import discredits Titus, while shrewd Domitian stars, having suggested to appease the masses, about to revolt in the streets, by an early start of the immensely popular, free chariot races between four color-identified factions. The leading white faction is managed by ambitious Tenax, who manipulates his star race Scorpus, so as to make the 'imperial butt boy', gambling-indebted consul Marsus, lose his big wager, for his wife's shares in the green faction, having bribed the augur to give him a wrong 'divine tip'. Meanwhile construction of the Flavian amphitheater (now Colosseum) is nearing completion, so trade in wild animals and gladiator training becomes even more profitable. African lion catcher Kwame must volunteer a gladiator career, being captured, like his mother, failing to free his sisters, one of which killed a legionnaire sex client.
Episode 2
Trust None
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 59 mins
The Iberian brother trio convinces Tenax's star charioteer Scorpus to buy their 'Andalusian' horses, but the youngest refuses to stay as stable-hands, until a poisoning attempt, which is covered up while Domitian inspects the stable and accepts to allow Tenax to start his own team, which he finances by selling the shares in the blue was back to extorted consul Marsus. Emperor Vespasian praises Domitian publicly and privately lecturers Titus, but still decides to name the general his successor, declaring Rme's challenged security primordial. Kwame has a difficult start in "ludus" (gladiator school), but gets a priceless mentor. His mother is robbed of her pearl treasure but get Tenax to give her a chance as his spy in palace, rather the her daughters, after those are bought despite her double bid.
Episode 3
Death's Door
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 58 mins
The Iberians surprisingly manage to save the poisoned stallion, using Vesuvian sulfur. Tenax is pleased with the daughter's spying and the mother's bookkeeper talent, even grants her terms to redeem offspring. The other faction owners are furious as the gold newcomers win outright. Warned of the murder attempt on Scorpus, Tenax stages one so he can secretly keep him safe, with the junior Iberian stable-hand as surprisingly able interim driver. Vespasian senses rightly he's dying, hoping he'll become a god if he does so standing, Titus succeeds. Domitian takes great risks using the treasury gold for his own purposes, and comes under suspicion.
Episode 4
Fool's Bet
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 58 mins
Titus shuts down the Gold Faction; Scorpus joins the White Faction; Tenax meets a man from his past.
Episode 5
Betrayal
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 51 mins
Titus rehabilitates his image; Tenax's past is revealed; Kwame prepares for his fight with Flamma.
Episode 6
Blood Relation
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 56 mins
Domitian is furious that Kwame survived wounding Flamma and apparently attacked the imperial box during the tremor, so has him thrown in dungeon and broods on a spectacular revenge for Flamma. Titus warmly welcomes the refugees from Pompei, but jealousy among poor Romans creates an opportunity for consul Marsus's wife to convince him and others senators to plot a coup. Elia promises his beloved to buy her freedom, even if the price seems insurmountable. Thanks to Tenax's spy in Marsus's household, he can tip off Domitian, who earns Titus's grateful redemption as they can eliminate the plotters. Domitan rewards Tenax by reinstating the Gold faction. Tenax's nemesis Noro 'Ursus' seizes his winning again and not only survives a trap, by manages to cripple Tenax and leave him to die as Ursus sets fire to the place, after revealing the cruel, patrician master they left to burn sired Tenax.
Episode 7
Death's Bed
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 57 mins
Tenax reveals his past to Cala; Andria and Fonsoa win races; Kwame faces Flamma in a rematch.
Episode 8
All or Nothing
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 53 mins
After a racetrack accident, Elia blames Scorpus; Elia joins the Blue Faction for revenge.
Episode 9
The Die Is Cast
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 57 mins
Elia enters a revenge race with Scorpus; Tenax puts on a public execution for the Patricians.
Episode 10
Let the Games Begin
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 58 mins
Kwame and Viggo fight; Tenax spares a life in exchange for help; Domitian pulls one over on Titus.