Domina (2021) s01e01 Episode Script
Fall
[Livia] The first rule of power
is survival.
But still it comes for me.
Even now
when I'm alone in the dark.
The scent of winter woods.
The feel of icy stone.
Sudden burst of blood.
Because however many men
you kill --
and I have had to kill many --
you never forget the first.
And you can have a drink
from the water ♪
[Livia] No way!
No way! [Laughing]
-What's he doing here?
-I told you.
There won't be time
before the wedding.
Domina.
There's nothing
to be scared of.
I know.
I'm not scared.
I'm just tired.
No, wait. Stop.
We'll start with a look
at the penis.
What?
You'll thank me for this
on your wedding night.
No, I won't.
You can go now, Archias.
We haven't finished yet,
Domina.
Yes, we have.
[Door opens]
That's the front door.
[Livius] I've just heard,
there's a secret meeting tonight
in the North.
Antonius, Lepidus
and Gaius Julius.
[Piso] Ah, the thieves
have run out of money.
[Livius] Yes.
They need to make a deal.
Mm.
We've just got rid
of one dictator,
now we might end up
with three.
[Piso] We should kill him --
Gaius Julius -- at the wedding.
[Livius] My daughter's wedding?
[Piso] What?
It's practically a tradition.
And we'll never get
a better chance.
[Livius] No.
To butcher one of our own
like that,
it's it's un-Roman.
[Agrippa] It's the middle
of fucking nowhere.
It's a secret meeting.
That's the point.
They could be waiting inside
and we wouldn't stand a chance.
That's the way I'd do it.
Get us out here on our own
and finish it.
Yes.
That is the way you'd do it.
I think they'll use us
to get what they want
and then get rid of us
afterwards.
That's the way I'd do it.
-All right, then.
-[Chuckles]
Gaius Julius Caesar.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
Daddy?
[Chuckles]
Are you nervous
about getting married?
Every Roman girl
has to marry sometime.
You're already fifteen,
Little Bear.
You've been putting it off
two years now.
He's a good man, Nero.
A senator, a cousin.
We went through the list
together, more than once.
Livia Drusilla.
It's not too late.
It is a bit.
[Laughing]
Marcus Antonius.
You're two days late.
Oh, at least.
-Lepidus.
-Gaius.
What a pleasure to see you.
[Chuckling]
I agree to all your terms.
You can have Egypt and the East.
You can have all the rest,
and I'll take fucking Africa,
thank you very much.
Next
I'm right out of money.
We're going to need
800 million, at least,
to start a war
and see it through.
Why do we need to start a war?
Brutus and Cassius
have run away.
We can't just leave them
sitting in Greece
with a big fucking army.
It was your father
they killed.
You can avenge him.
Julius Caesar was my father,
and I will avenge him.
What are you suggesting?
I'm suggesting
that we think about
the richest senators
and knights in Rome.
All the people
behind the murder of Caesar.
Anyone still backing
Brutus and Cassius.
Anyone who supports
the Republic.
Then we butcher them
and seize all their assets.
On some legal pretext.
That would be at least
a hundred senators.
-And what, a thousand knights?
-Mm, nearer two.
[Lepidus laughing]
You can't be
taking this seriously?
This is insane.
I've started a list.
♪♪
[Livia] Get away from me!
Don't
don't you dare.
No!
No, I said go away!
Domina.
You're a Roman lady.
All of it has to come off.
Hmm?
Every hair.
Is this going to hurt?
We can start
with your underarms.
[Livia screams] Ow!
Fuck, Livius,
what are you sacrificing?
Sounds like your bride,
I'm afraid.
Don't ask.
-You're early.
-I brought over
the amended marriage contract
for you to sign.
I can see you haven't heard.
Uh
Gaius Julius has come to terms
with Marcus Antonius
and Lepidus.
They've divided up the provinces
between themselves.
And where are they now?
Gaius Julius
got back last night.
He'll be here
in a couple of hours.
Oh, you invited him
to my wedding.
I like him.
And I'd like to keep him close.
Another fucking wedding.
As if we don't have enough
of our own to go to
without all these
other people's as well.
-You're lucky to be invited.
-Not as lucky as you.
[Laughing]
Come here.
When's your husband
coming home?
[Octavia]
Scribonia? Scribonia?
[Scribonia]
Octavia. Darling.
I wasn't expecting you
so soon.
Neither was my brother,
I see.
I hope you're
wearing a toga today.
Livius is very informal.
-Don't be ridiculous.
-You're lucky to be invited.
Everyone will be there.
OK, fine.
I'll go home and change.
How long
has this been going on?
Octavia, you know
we've always liked each other.
What I know is, my brother
is engaged to Clodia Pulchra,
and you're married
to Publius Scipio.
I I want to marry him.
Your brother.
I'll wait for you in the atrium.
But a word about my daughter
before you go.
Obviously,
you hardly know her.
She's attached to a particular
slave, a lovely girl.
Antigone.
She was born in this house.
She's got a gift
for herbs and medicines.
I I'm sorry, Livius.
I can't take on
another mouth to feed.
And, to be honest,
I'm surprised you would want
to encourage a friendship
between my wife and a slave.
I'm afraid you misunderstand me.
-Uh, that's freezing!
-It's ice.
It's supposed to be.
You're not putting that
anywhere else.
Dominus wants his daughter
and Antigone.
Livia.
Ah, this is one
of my "serious talks."
[Chuckles]
Little Bear,
marriage and children
are what Rome expects of you.
But now I think it will ask
something else.
500 years ago,
we ended the tyranny of kings,
and since then, Rome has always
been ruled by two consuls
Elected each year
by its citizens.
The sharing of power
has made us great.
Our family fought
to establish the Republic.
But now I think we'll have
to fight again to keep it.
You said the other factions
were split.
They were, until now.
War will come, in the end.
And I will fight
with Brutus and Cassius.
It's on honor to give your life
for something you believe in.
They were your mother's.
She'd want you to have them.
I haven't forgotten.
I'll see her now.
Nero!
Dominus.
As a wedding present to Livia,
I've arranged for your freedom.
Duly witnessed
by Tiberius Claudius Nero.
You are now a Roman citizen,
Antigone.
Congratulations.
But where will I go?
What will become of me?
Well, you can marry
if you want.
And I'll provide a dowry.
In the meantime,
Nero has generously insisted
that you go to his house
with Livia as a companion.
As a freedwoman.
That is,
if you want to.
-Thank you.
-[Both laughing]
[Whistles]
Are you sure about this?
Why?
We're invited.
Livius is on the other side.
Not yet, he isn't.
He will be.
Come on.
Not too tight.
It's bad luck
if he can't undo it tonight.
Perfect.
Excuse me.
Move. Move.
It's always a mistake
to go with a pig.
Far too intelligent.
[Applause]
[Livius] Thank you, Cicero.
[Cicero] Welcome, friends,
to the wedding
of Tiberius Claudius Nero
and Livia Drusilla.
Great Juno, Goddess
of Marriage and Fertility,
accept this gift of life
They can sort of sense
what's coming.
[Cicero] and blood
Pigs.
from this great house of
Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus.
-Livia Drusilla, are you ready?
-Yes.
Tiberius Claudius Nero,
do you agree?
I do.
Then she is yours.
Let's witness the contract!
[Nero] Oh, come on Piso,
there won't be a war.
Everyone has too much to lose.
[Libo] That's true.
What does Gaius Julius
have to lose?
Ha! You see,
Livius made the mistake
of teaching his daughter
how to think.
She's right.
He's the only one in the game
with nothing to lose.
Look at them, Agrippa.
Old, fat, lazy, complacent.
My worry's how to do it.
Killing over two thousand men'll
take the best part of a legion
-going into the city at once.
-Mm.
It's impossible at night.
Streets are rammed with wagons.
It's impossible in daylight. The
streets are jammed with people.
We'll put a price
on their heads. A big one.
Their own slaves
will betray them.
Their wives, their neighbors.
They'll be torn apart.
All we have to do
is block the city gates.
If Livia keeps on
staring at you,
even her husband might notice.
I want a house like this.
Well, you can have
this one soon.
-I like Livius.
-[Agrippa] You were there.
-They want him on the list.
-I'll give them Cicero instead.
-Cicero?
-Mm.
He's backed us from the start.
I'll get Livius taken off
in return.
No, not Livius.
You'll never save him.
I can try.
Fuck off.
-Gaius.
-[Gaius chuckles] Livius.
-Is that running water?
-Yes.
Mm.
We got connected
to the aqueduct last year.
-It cost a fortune.
-Mm.
But the old pit
was unbearable in summer.
Fuck.
I hate togas.
Allow me.
Marcus Livius,
I'm asking
for your friendship
and your support.
You have my friendship.
As for my support,
the Republic
may not be perfect,
but it's better
than the alternative.
Kings, dictators and civil war.
And that's why I'm asking
for your support.
It's not too late.
Why didn't you join the plot
to kill Caesar?
It was
un-Roman.
[Scribonia]
Gods, he's lucky.
Every man in Rome
wanted Livia's dowry.
Over a million in farmland,
I heard.
Yes, Livius auditioned them
for years.
Someone told me that he caught
the pox off an actress.
Who?
Livius?
No, no, stupid. Nero.
[Laughing]
Oh, dear, poor Livia.
Welcome to marriage.
I can let her have
some ointment.
But of course with a father
like Livius it had to be
a staunch Republican
from one of the old families.
There must have been someone
without a venereal disease.
Um, I'm younger,
prettier and richer than you.
So why are you laughing at me?
You're lucky to be here.
Both of you.
[Moaning]
[Moaning continues]
[Heavy breathing]
[Moaning intensifies]
She's Cicero's wife.
Yes.
I thought
Cicero was your friend.
He is.
He married her
because her family's rich.
That's why everybody
gets married.
Money, power, family.
They're the only things
that matter.
Hmm! To the son of a moneylender
I'm sure that's true.
Hmm!
Grandson.
[Groans]
That's my bed.
What happened to you?
Your affair with Cicero's wife
is indiscreet and unseemly.
It will damage you.
That's before
we talk about Scribonia.
Do you want to be taken
seriously or not?
Grow up.
You were right.
I can't save Livius.
[Applause]
Gaius Julius
put his tongue in my mouth.
Just his tongue?
[Fingers snap, applause]
[Grunting]
[Heavy breathing]
[Moaning]
[Livia gasps]
[Heavy breathing]
[Panting]
Heading south
for the winter.
What?
The birds.
They're getting out
while they can.
Mm.
Is that a good omen?
Of course it is.
Let's do it.
Move!
Close the gate.
[Vinnius] Livius!
Marcus Livius!
We were sent to save your life.
[Banging on door]
[Livius] Livia!
Livia!
-That's the Dominus.
-[Banging continues]
Livia!
-Livia?
-Daddy?
Who's that?
The war has come,
Little Bear.
Livius, what are you doing here?
For the last time, a list of
names is going up in the forum.
Senators and knights.
And 100,000 sesterces
on every head.
What?
Well, am I on it?
No, but I am.
Now, get yourself dressed and
warn everyone you can think of.
Start with Piso.
Come on.
Let me come.
I'm going to Greece
to join Brutus and Cassius.
And afterwards, I'll find you.
Remember your family
and your duty.
Always.
Father?
Antigone thinks
I might be pregnant.
A grandson.
Well, I wouldn't
waste your time with a girl.
If she's anything like you,
Little Bear, I'll be happy.
[Panting]
[People screaming, shouting]
[Groans]
[Groans]
Hello, Salassus.
Marcus Tullius Cicero.
[Groaning]
It's nothing personal.
[Octavia] Is this
really necessary, Gaius?
Depends what you mean
by "necessary."
Come back safe.
[Livius] "My Little Bear,
"thank you for your letter.
"I wish you a safe
and beautiful birth.
"The army of the Dictators
has found us in Greece.
"I saw Gaius Julius,
just briefly, on the other side.
"That young scamp
at your wedding.
"It's only a year
since that day in Rome,
"but it seems like a lifetime.
"Tomorrow we fight again.
"The day will be decisive,
one way or the other,
"for the Republic.
"If I should fall,
"come and find me across
the river in the Underworld,
"when your time comes.
"I'll be waiting for you
with your mother.
"And, unfortunately, hers.
"Your proud father
"Marcus Livius.
"Dated Philippi, eleven days
before the kalends of November."
[Baby crying]
[Nero] The armies
met in Greece.
Brutus and Cassius are dead.
Their armies are scattered.
My father,
what happened to him?
-Where is he?
-How should I know?
We have to go!
There's a new list,
and I'm on it.
Go where?
This war, it will bring
everyone to their knees!
At the end there'll be
big opportunities
for anyone left alive.
Is that
why you wouldn't fight?
Livia, the Republic's dead.
It's time to take
a different side.
[Baby crying]
You don't have to go with him.
Other wives have stayed behind.
Honorably.
That would be un-Roman.
Shh!
[Baby crying]
Come on!
Quickly!
Get a bloody move on!
Here.
Hurry!
They're burning it.
Which side do we take now?
Sicily.
-We're going to Sicily.
-Sicily?
Sextus Pompeius
is holed up there.
His fleet controls the seas,
and they can't get to him.
We will be safe there.
-You said that about Perugia.
-What?
We're tired of running, Nero.
We can go to Gaius Julius.
He's less than a mile away.
I will never crawl
in front of that fucking kid!
He'll pardon us.
I don't want his fucking pardon!
Then let me go.
I'll speak to him.
I would rather kill you first
and the boy!
Sextus will welcome my support.
He hates Gaius as much as I do.
Lord.
Maecenas is here
with Sextus Pompeius.
Hmm.
I told you Maecenas
could get Sextus to come.
[Sharpening knives]
No.
No, we are not
going to kill him.
You might never get
another chance.
His fucking fleet's
starving Rome to death.
We need a deal.
Ugh!
-Maecenas.
-Gaius.
Where's Sextus?
There's just
the slightest hitch.
He thinks you're going
to kill him.
What?
Sextus!
Gaius.
You're a long way from Sicily!
So are you!
[Laughing]
So are you.
Ah.
[Scribonia] Uh! Octavia!
The Gods!
Give me one of those.
Take Marcellus.
He's such a lump.
I can manage Marcella.
Wow.
How much did this cost?
My brother came into some money,
as you know.
Excuse the mess.
Gaius has only just
got back to Rome.
He's too busy to bully the
builders, so I offered to help.
It helps take my mind
off everything.
Do you like it?
I I do. [Chuckles]
That's good because
you'll be living here soon.
My brother's proposing
a marriage to you
as part of the treaty
with Sextus.
-Oh.
-[Baby crying]
I told you
you'd find my family useful.
Of course, negotiations
are bound to drag on for months.
That's what Gaius says anyway.
What?
-Aren't you happy for me?
-Yes.
Yes.
But I am to marry
Marcus Antonius
to seal the truce
between him and my brother.
The latest one, anyway.
You're not even half-way
through your mourning period.
I could hardly say no to Gaius.
-[Baby cries]
-[Indistinct comforting]
I must say,
after two children
in two years
and losing a husband,
I'd hoped to be left alone.
For a while at least.
And you always worry
each birth will be your last.
[Octavia] That's all in
the past now, isn't it, Gaius?
Either of you two ever hear
what became of Tiberius Nero?
-Nero?
-Why do you care about him?
We never found his body
in Perugia.
Why?
A lot of stragglers
have been washing up in Sicily.
Sextus is taking them in.
He must be dead by now.
Surely.
-His wife was gorgeous, though.
-Livia?
I've forgotten all about her.
The Golden Girl of the Claudii.
Oh, dear.
The arrogance at her wedding.
Do you remember?
What a brilliant match
that turned out to be.
[Maecenas] It's true,
her husband displayed
a rare genius
for picking the wrong side.
[Agrippa] Well
his Republican principles
didn't last long either.
Yes, what would
her father have said?
Livius was a man of honor.
He fought to the end
at Philippi.
You still took
everything he had.
Yes, we did.
Anyway
poor Livia.
[Livia] Archias!
You can see the smoke.
We've seen nobody
in over a week.
They're ready.
They're ready!
His fever's no worse.
It would be kinder
to let him die.
We both know it.
Be clear what you ask
the Gods for.
Come and eat.
[Indistinct chattering
in distance]
[Dacius] Smells good.
[Nero] I'm afraid
there isn't much of it.
But, of course, you're welcome.
You're a long way
off the main roads up here.
You're lucky it was us
that found you.
Loyal veterans.
Have we met?
Your face seems familiar.
What's your name?
Gaius Vipsanius Varus.
A relation to the great Marcus
Vipsanius Agrippa, I assume?
Very distant.
A hard man.
We fought against him
at Philippi.
We were part of the 27th,
under Brutus.
Were you at Philippi, Lord?
Is that where I know you from?
Marcus Livius Claudianus.
He was at Philippi.
-With the army of Brutus.
-Yes.
Yes, he was.
We never heard
what became of him.
You knew him, Lady?
My husband
was his wine merchant.
You're a wine merchant.
He owes us money.
[Chuckling]
Marcus Livius.
After the battle
he drove a sword
through his guts.
Bled to death.
Slowly.
I saw his body.
We won't get our money, then.
But
he was lucky.
When you think of what happened
to all the rest of them.
All those aristocrats in Rome.
Butchered in their own homes.
Running for their lives
in the sewers, they say.
And nothing left in the world
but the clothes they escaped in.
Fugitives.
A hundred thousand sesterces
on every head.
Run!
Argh!
[Grunting]
[Grunting continues]
No!
No!
Make it easy,
and I won't kill you after.
-[Whimpers]
-Open your legs.
Nice and wide.
And afterwards,
we'll find your friends.
[Livia grunts]
[Grunting]
Tiberius.
Oh! Hey
Hey. Hey.
[Sobs gently]
[Sobbing]
Don't worry.
They're dead.
And so is Archias!
But at least
you're all right!
What are you doing?
The ground's too hard
to bury him.
Did they touch you?
[shouting]
Did they touch you?
Oh, forget it.
Forget it!
I told you they could see
that fire for miles!
Well, come on!
There might be more of them.
-Wait!
-Come on!
Stop! Nero, wait!
Nero!
Nero!
Antigone!
Wait!
Nero!
Nero!
Antigone!
Antigone!
♪♪
is survival.
But still it comes for me.
Even now
when I'm alone in the dark.
The scent of winter woods.
The feel of icy stone.
Sudden burst of blood.
Because however many men
you kill --
and I have had to kill many --
you never forget the first.
And you can have a drink
from the water ♪
[Livia] No way!
No way! [Laughing]
-What's he doing here?
-I told you.
There won't be time
before the wedding.
Domina.
There's nothing
to be scared of.
I know.
I'm not scared.
I'm just tired.
No, wait. Stop.
We'll start with a look
at the penis.
What?
You'll thank me for this
on your wedding night.
No, I won't.
You can go now, Archias.
We haven't finished yet,
Domina.
Yes, we have.
[Door opens]
That's the front door.
[Livius] I've just heard,
there's a secret meeting tonight
in the North.
Antonius, Lepidus
and Gaius Julius.
[Piso] Ah, the thieves
have run out of money.
[Livius] Yes.
They need to make a deal.
Mm.
We've just got rid
of one dictator,
now we might end up
with three.
[Piso] We should kill him --
Gaius Julius -- at the wedding.
[Livius] My daughter's wedding?
[Piso] What?
It's practically a tradition.
And we'll never get
a better chance.
[Livius] No.
To butcher one of our own
like that,
it's it's un-Roman.
[Agrippa] It's the middle
of fucking nowhere.
It's a secret meeting.
That's the point.
They could be waiting inside
and we wouldn't stand a chance.
That's the way I'd do it.
Get us out here on our own
and finish it.
Yes.
That is the way you'd do it.
I think they'll use us
to get what they want
and then get rid of us
afterwards.
That's the way I'd do it.
-All right, then.
-[Chuckles]
Gaius Julius Caesar.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
Daddy?
[Chuckles]
Are you nervous
about getting married?
Every Roman girl
has to marry sometime.
You're already fifteen,
Little Bear.
You've been putting it off
two years now.
He's a good man, Nero.
A senator, a cousin.
We went through the list
together, more than once.
Livia Drusilla.
It's not too late.
It is a bit.
[Laughing]
Marcus Antonius.
You're two days late.
Oh, at least.
-Lepidus.
-Gaius.
What a pleasure to see you.
[Chuckling]
I agree to all your terms.
You can have Egypt and the East.
You can have all the rest,
and I'll take fucking Africa,
thank you very much.
Next
I'm right out of money.
We're going to need
800 million, at least,
to start a war
and see it through.
Why do we need to start a war?
Brutus and Cassius
have run away.
We can't just leave them
sitting in Greece
with a big fucking army.
It was your father
they killed.
You can avenge him.
Julius Caesar was my father,
and I will avenge him.
What are you suggesting?
I'm suggesting
that we think about
the richest senators
and knights in Rome.
All the people
behind the murder of Caesar.
Anyone still backing
Brutus and Cassius.
Anyone who supports
the Republic.
Then we butcher them
and seize all their assets.
On some legal pretext.
That would be at least
a hundred senators.
-And what, a thousand knights?
-Mm, nearer two.
[Lepidus laughing]
You can't be
taking this seriously?
This is insane.
I've started a list.
♪♪
[Livia] Get away from me!
Don't
don't you dare.
No!
No, I said go away!
Domina.
You're a Roman lady.
All of it has to come off.
Hmm?
Every hair.
Is this going to hurt?
We can start
with your underarms.
[Livia screams] Ow!
Fuck, Livius,
what are you sacrificing?
Sounds like your bride,
I'm afraid.
Don't ask.
-You're early.
-I brought over
the amended marriage contract
for you to sign.
I can see you haven't heard.
Uh
Gaius Julius has come to terms
with Marcus Antonius
and Lepidus.
They've divided up the provinces
between themselves.
And where are they now?
Gaius Julius
got back last night.
He'll be here
in a couple of hours.
Oh, you invited him
to my wedding.
I like him.
And I'd like to keep him close.
Another fucking wedding.
As if we don't have enough
of our own to go to
without all these
other people's as well.
-You're lucky to be invited.
-Not as lucky as you.
[Laughing]
Come here.
When's your husband
coming home?
[Octavia]
Scribonia? Scribonia?
[Scribonia]
Octavia. Darling.
I wasn't expecting you
so soon.
Neither was my brother,
I see.
I hope you're
wearing a toga today.
Livius is very informal.
-Don't be ridiculous.
-You're lucky to be invited.
Everyone will be there.
OK, fine.
I'll go home and change.
How long
has this been going on?
Octavia, you know
we've always liked each other.
What I know is, my brother
is engaged to Clodia Pulchra,
and you're married
to Publius Scipio.
I I want to marry him.
Your brother.
I'll wait for you in the atrium.
But a word about my daughter
before you go.
Obviously,
you hardly know her.
She's attached to a particular
slave, a lovely girl.
Antigone.
She was born in this house.
She's got a gift
for herbs and medicines.
I I'm sorry, Livius.
I can't take on
another mouth to feed.
And, to be honest,
I'm surprised you would want
to encourage a friendship
between my wife and a slave.
I'm afraid you misunderstand me.
-Uh, that's freezing!
-It's ice.
It's supposed to be.
You're not putting that
anywhere else.
Dominus wants his daughter
and Antigone.
Livia.
Ah, this is one
of my "serious talks."
[Chuckles]
Little Bear,
marriage and children
are what Rome expects of you.
But now I think it will ask
something else.
500 years ago,
we ended the tyranny of kings,
and since then, Rome has always
been ruled by two consuls
Elected each year
by its citizens.
The sharing of power
has made us great.
Our family fought
to establish the Republic.
But now I think we'll have
to fight again to keep it.
You said the other factions
were split.
They were, until now.
War will come, in the end.
And I will fight
with Brutus and Cassius.
It's on honor to give your life
for something you believe in.
They were your mother's.
She'd want you to have them.
I haven't forgotten.
I'll see her now.
Nero!
Dominus.
As a wedding present to Livia,
I've arranged for your freedom.
Duly witnessed
by Tiberius Claudius Nero.
You are now a Roman citizen,
Antigone.
Congratulations.
But where will I go?
What will become of me?
Well, you can marry
if you want.
And I'll provide a dowry.
In the meantime,
Nero has generously insisted
that you go to his house
with Livia as a companion.
As a freedwoman.
That is,
if you want to.
-Thank you.
-[Both laughing]
[Whistles]
Are you sure about this?
Why?
We're invited.
Livius is on the other side.
Not yet, he isn't.
He will be.
Come on.
Not too tight.
It's bad luck
if he can't undo it tonight.
Perfect.
Excuse me.
Move. Move.
It's always a mistake
to go with a pig.
Far too intelligent.
[Applause]
[Livius] Thank you, Cicero.
[Cicero] Welcome, friends,
to the wedding
of Tiberius Claudius Nero
and Livia Drusilla.
Great Juno, Goddess
of Marriage and Fertility,
accept this gift of life
They can sort of sense
what's coming.
[Cicero] and blood
Pigs.
from this great house of
Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus.
-Livia Drusilla, are you ready?
-Yes.
Tiberius Claudius Nero,
do you agree?
I do.
Then she is yours.
Let's witness the contract!
[Nero] Oh, come on Piso,
there won't be a war.
Everyone has too much to lose.
[Libo] That's true.
What does Gaius Julius
have to lose?
Ha! You see,
Livius made the mistake
of teaching his daughter
how to think.
She's right.
He's the only one in the game
with nothing to lose.
Look at them, Agrippa.
Old, fat, lazy, complacent.
My worry's how to do it.
Killing over two thousand men'll
take the best part of a legion
-going into the city at once.
-Mm.
It's impossible at night.
Streets are rammed with wagons.
It's impossible in daylight. The
streets are jammed with people.
We'll put a price
on their heads. A big one.
Their own slaves
will betray them.
Their wives, their neighbors.
They'll be torn apart.
All we have to do
is block the city gates.
If Livia keeps on
staring at you,
even her husband might notice.
I want a house like this.
Well, you can have
this one soon.
-I like Livius.
-[Agrippa] You were there.
-They want him on the list.
-I'll give them Cicero instead.
-Cicero?
-Mm.
He's backed us from the start.
I'll get Livius taken off
in return.
No, not Livius.
You'll never save him.
I can try.
Fuck off.
-Gaius.
-[Gaius chuckles] Livius.
-Is that running water?
-Yes.
Mm.
We got connected
to the aqueduct last year.
-It cost a fortune.
-Mm.
But the old pit
was unbearable in summer.
Fuck.
I hate togas.
Allow me.
Marcus Livius,
I'm asking
for your friendship
and your support.
You have my friendship.
As for my support,
the Republic
may not be perfect,
but it's better
than the alternative.
Kings, dictators and civil war.
And that's why I'm asking
for your support.
It's not too late.
Why didn't you join the plot
to kill Caesar?
It was
un-Roman.
[Scribonia]
Gods, he's lucky.
Every man in Rome
wanted Livia's dowry.
Over a million in farmland,
I heard.
Yes, Livius auditioned them
for years.
Someone told me that he caught
the pox off an actress.
Who?
Livius?
No, no, stupid. Nero.
[Laughing]
Oh, dear, poor Livia.
Welcome to marriage.
I can let her have
some ointment.
But of course with a father
like Livius it had to be
a staunch Republican
from one of the old families.
There must have been someone
without a venereal disease.
Um, I'm younger,
prettier and richer than you.
So why are you laughing at me?
You're lucky to be here.
Both of you.
[Moaning]
[Moaning continues]
[Heavy breathing]
[Moaning intensifies]
She's Cicero's wife.
Yes.
I thought
Cicero was your friend.
He is.
He married her
because her family's rich.
That's why everybody
gets married.
Money, power, family.
They're the only things
that matter.
Hmm! To the son of a moneylender
I'm sure that's true.
Hmm!
Grandson.
[Groans]
That's my bed.
What happened to you?
Your affair with Cicero's wife
is indiscreet and unseemly.
It will damage you.
That's before
we talk about Scribonia.
Do you want to be taken
seriously or not?
Grow up.
You were right.
I can't save Livius.
[Applause]
Gaius Julius
put his tongue in my mouth.
Just his tongue?
[Fingers snap, applause]
[Grunting]
[Heavy breathing]
[Moaning]
[Livia gasps]
[Heavy breathing]
[Panting]
Heading south
for the winter.
What?
The birds.
They're getting out
while they can.
Mm.
Is that a good omen?
Of course it is.
Let's do it.
Move!
Close the gate.
[Vinnius] Livius!
Marcus Livius!
We were sent to save your life.
[Banging on door]
[Livius] Livia!
Livia!
-That's the Dominus.
-[Banging continues]
Livia!
-Livia?
-Daddy?
Who's that?
The war has come,
Little Bear.
Livius, what are you doing here?
For the last time, a list of
names is going up in the forum.
Senators and knights.
And 100,000 sesterces
on every head.
What?
Well, am I on it?
No, but I am.
Now, get yourself dressed and
warn everyone you can think of.
Start with Piso.
Come on.
Let me come.
I'm going to Greece
to join Brutus and Cassius.
And afterwards, I'll find you.
Remember your family
and your duty.
Always.
Father?
Antigone thinks
I might be pregnant.
A grandson.
Well, I wouldn't
waste your time with a girl.
If she's anything like you,
Little Bear, I'll be happy.
[Panting]
[People screaming, shouting]
[Groans]
[Groans]
Hello, Salassus.
Marcus Tullius Cicero.
[Groaning]
It's nothing personal.
[Octavia] Is this
really necessary, Gaius?
Depends what you mean
by "necessary."
Come back safe.
[Livius] "My Little Bear,
"thank you for your letter.
"I wish you a safe
and beautiful birth.
"The army of the Dictators
has found us in Greece.
"I saw Gaius Julius,
just briefly, on the other side.
"That young scamp
at your wedding.
"It's only a year
since that day in Rome,
"but it seems like a lifetime.
"Tomorrow we fight again.
"The day will be decisive,
one way or the other,
"for the Republic.
"If I should fall,
"come and find me across
the river in the Underworld,
"when your time comes.
"I'll be waiting for you
with your mother.
"And, unfortunately, hers.
"Your proud father
"Marcus Livius.
"Dated Philippi, eleven days
before the kalends of November."
[Baby crying]
[Nero] The armies
met in Greece.
Brutus and Cassius are dead.
Their armies are scattered.
My father,
what happened to him?
-Where is he?
-How should I know?
We have to go!
There's a new list,
and I'm on it.
Go where?
This war, it will bring
everyone to their knees!
At the end there'll be
big opportunities
for anyone left alive.
Is that
why you wouldn't fight?
Livia, the Republic's dead.
It's time to take
a different side.
[Baby crying]
You don't have to go with him.
Other wives have stayed behind.
Honorably.
That would be un-Roman.
Shh!
[Baby crying]
Come on!
Quickly!
Get a bloody move on!
Here.
Hurry!
They're burning it.
Which side do we take now?
Sicily.
-We're going to Sicily.
-Sicily?
Sextus Pompeius
is holed up there.
His fleet controls the seas,
and they can't get to him.
We will be safe there.
-You said that about Perugia.
-What?
We're tired of running, Nero.
We can go to Gaius Julius.
He's less than a mile away.
I will never crawl
in front of that fucking kid!
He'll pardon us.
I don't want his fucking pardon!
Then let me go.
I'll speak to him.
I would rather kill you first
and the boy!
Sextus will welcome my support.
He hates Gaius as much as I do.
Lord.
Maecenas is here
with Sextus Pompeius.
Hmm.
I told you Maecenas
could get Sextus to come.
[Sharpening knives]
No.
No, we are not
going to kill him.
You might never get
another chance.
His fucking fleet's
starving Rome to death.
We need a deal.
Ugh!
-Maecenas.
-Gaius.
Where's Sextus?
There's just
the slightest hitch.
He thinks you're going
to kill him.
What?
Sextus!
Gaius.
You're a long way from Sicily!
So are you!
[Laughing]
So are you.
Ah.
[Scribonia] Uh! Octavia!
The Gods!
Give me one of those.
Take Marcellus.
He's such a lump.
I can manage Marcella.
Wow.
How much did this cost?
My brother came into some money,
as you know.
Excuse the mess.
Gaius has only just
got back to Rome.
He's too busy to bully the
builders, so I offered to help.
It helps take my mind
off everything.
Do you like it?
I I do. [Chuckles]
That's good because
you'll be living here soon.
My brother's proposing
a marriage to you
as part of the treaty
with Sextus.
-Oh.
-[Baby crying]
I told you
you'd find my family useful.
Of course, negotiations
are bound to drag on for months.
That's what Gaius says anyway.
What?
-Aren't you happy for me?
-Yes.
Yes.
But I am to marry
Marcus Antonius
to seal the truce
between him and my brother.
The latest one, anyway.
You're not even half-way
through your mourning period.
I could hardly say no to Gaius.
-[Baby cries]
-[Indistinct comforting]
I must say,
after two children
in two years
and losing a husband,
I'd hoped to be left alone.
For a while at least.
And you always worry
each birth will be your last.
[Octavia] That's all in
the past now, isn't it, Gaius?
Either of you two ever hear
what became of Tiberius Nero?
-Nero?
-Why do you care about him?
We never found his body
in Perugia.
Why?
A lot of stragglers
have been washing up in Sicily.
Sextus is taking them in.
He must be dead by now.
Surely.
-His wife was gorgeous, though.
-Livia?
I've forgotten all about her.
The Golden Girl of the Claudii.
Oh, dear.
The arrogance at her wedding.
Do you remember?
What a brilliant match
that turned out to be.
[Maecenas] It's true,
her husband displayed
a rare genius
for picking the wrong side.
[Agrippa] Well
his Republican principles
didn't last long either.
Yes, what would
her father have said?
Livius was a man of honor.
He fought to the end
at Philippi.
You still took
everything he had.
Yes, we did.
Anyway
poor Livia.
[Livia] Archias!
You can see the smoke.
We've seen nobody
in over a week.
They're ready.
They're ready!
His fever's no worse.
It would be kinder
to let him die.
We both know it.
Be clear what you ask
the Gods for.
Come and eat.
[Indistinct chattering
in distance]
[Dacius] Smells good.
[Nero] I'm afraid
there isn't much of it.
But, of course, you're welcome.
You're a long way
off the main roads up here.
You're lucky it was us
that found you.
Loyal veterans.
Have we met?
Your face seems familiar.
What's your name?
Gaius Vipsanius Varus.
A relation to the great Marcus
Vipsanius Agrippa, I assume?
Very distant.
A hard man.
We fought against him
at Philippi.
We were part of the 27th,
under Brutus.
Were you at Philippi, Lord?
Is that where I know you from?
Marcus Livius Claudianus.
He was at Philippi.
-With the army of Brutus.
-Yes.
Yes, he was.
We never heard
what became of him.
You knew him, Lady?
My husband
was his wine merchant.
You're a wine merchant.
He owes us money.
[Chuckling]
Marcus Livius.
After the battle
he drove a sword
through his guts.
Bled to death.
Slowly.
I saw his body.
We won't get our money, then.
But
he was lucky.
When you think of what happened
to all the rest of them.
All those aristocrats in Rome.
Butchered in their own homes.
Running for their lives
in the sewers, they say.
And nothing left in the world
but the clothes they escaped in.
Fugitives.
A hundred thousand sesterces
on every head.
Run!
Argh!
[Grunting]
[Grunting continues]
No!
No!
Make it easy,
and I won't kill you after.
-[Whimpers]
-Open your legs.
Nice and wide.
And afterwards,
we'll find your friends.
[Livia grunts]
[Grunting]
Tiberius.
Oh! Hey
Hey. Hey.
[Sobs gently]
[Sobbing]
Don't worry.
They're dead.
And so is Archias!
But at least
you're all right!
What are you doing?
The ground's too hard
to bury him.
Did they touch you?
[shouting]
Did they touch you?
Oh, forget it.
Forget it!
I told you they could see
that fire for miles!
Well, come on!
There might be more of them.
-Wait!
-Come on!
Stop! Nero, wait!
Nero!
Nero!
Antigone!
Wait!
Nero!
Nero!
Antigone!
Antigone!
♪♪