Domina (2021) s01e07 Episode Script
Treason
In the autumn, I'm going
to now adopt Marcellus
as my son and heir.
After Gaius,
power must go to someone
who would carry it back
to the Senate.
I'm talking about Drusus.
You're going to restore
the Republic.
And Marcellus won't do that,
so, of course, he has to go.
When he confirms Marcellus,
she'd do it anyway.
We'll never have
a better chance.
[grunting]
-[Woman shouts]
-What?
Domina.
You won't forget me.
Never.
[breathing heavily]
I've just found out what
you've been doing with Iullus.
I'm gonna tell my mom
to hunt your father.
-They're all poisoned!
-What?
Marcellus. [sobbing]
This isn't about
protecting the boys.
This is about power!
-[Glass breaks]
-[Woman screams]
-Hey! Get off my fucking cart!
-Back off me!
There he is!
Come here!
[Rooster crows]
Tycho?
[Slave] There!
Come back, you!
Stupid fucking boy!
You can't get away!
[Tycho] Thank you.
Lovely to meet you all.
Do come again.
Thank you.
[Slave] Come here! Give up!
Let it go.
We're not going in there.
[Tycho] Drusus!
Drusus!
Tycho?
Did you get rid of them?
Yes, Lady.
Uh, Tycho, don't tell anyone
about this.
Especially not my father
or Livia when they get back.
Thank you.
-Where have you been?
-I'm so fucked.
[Piso] Livia.
-Your cousin's here.
-What?
-Which one?
-The charming one.
[gasps] Porcia!
So happy to see you!
What a lovely surprise.
Uh, that will be all.
Thank you, Piso.
Oh
Domina.
When did you get back?
Couple of days ago.
Seasick all the way,
as usual.
[laughs] Worth it
to leave Macedonia.
Ugh.
So, what brings you here?
How are you? How's your husband?
Uh, he's in hiding,
outside of Rome.
He's worried Agrippa
will have him killed.
What?
-Obviously that's why I'm here.
-I'm sorry. What?
Are you telling me
you don't know?
Yes, I think that's
what I'm telling you, yes.
The day we got back,
my husband was charged
with treason against the Senate
and people of Rome.
Treason? Primus?
I assumed you knew.
Who's bringing the charge?
Marcus Licinius Crassus.
Crassus.
What did he do exactly?
Primus did exactly
what he was ordered to do.
Someone told him
to commit treason?
Yes.
Your husband.
Primus is to be tried
any day now.
And if they find him guilty,
he'll be executed.
All of his property
will be confiscated.
You are my only family,
Livia.
I don't know
who else to turn to.
We're going back to Rome.
♪♪
I've been thinking.
You want to get rid of him now,
out here in the woods.
It would solve
a lot of problems.
Primus isn't stupid.
He won't come alone.
You can leave the details to me.
How would it look?
Better than a massive
public trial
with everyone pointing
their fingers at us.
It'll all unravel.
Everything.
Let's just see how this goes.
Primus!
I almost feel offended.
I've asked Marcus Messalla
Corvinus to defend me in court.
We've had our political
differences, Gaius,
but I know we can
put those behind us
and work together on this.
Well, you could start by asking
your old friend Crassus
to drop the prosecution.
Crassus cheated me
out of two million in gold.
We no longer speak.
The facts are not disputed.
My client was appointed
by the Senate
to govern the province
of Macedonia.
Before he left, you, as consul,
specifically requested
that he use the Legion
under his command
to make war on the tribes
which had previously signed
a solemn and binding
peace treaty.
With, of course, the Senate.
Your exact words were,
"Forget the treaty
and fuck the Senate.
I want victories,
gold, and slaves."
Which, in a nutshell,
is our defense.
We'll deny it.
Ah.
However
if your client were to take
sole responsibility
for the illegal war
in Macedonia
He'd be executed.
We can get it down to exile.
The State would still take
everything he has.
Once he's out of Rome,
I'll give him double
what he lost.
My word as a Roman.
What about my word
as a Roman?
My name,
my honor as a Roman?
So to sum up this deal
you're offering:
My client
perjures himself on oath
to plead guilty to the charge
you should be facing,
and afterwards,
you'll quietly pay him off.
Take it or leave it.
No.
See you in court.
They're bluffing.
They'll never
let this go to trial.
This can't go to trial.
Stepmother, we weren't
expecting you back.
The fuck is that?
It's Marcellus.
A gift to Octavia
from the Senate.
She didn't want it
in the house.
At least Libo's
the presiding magistrate.
Maybe he can delay the trial,
buy us more time.
We need to see him
straight away.
Seriously, Gaius? Is this Primus
screw-up really happening?
Well, that's the small talk
out of the way.
Wars abroad keep the peace
at home. You know that.
Is there any proof
you gave those orders?
Nothing in writing,
of course.
Any witnesses
who will lie for us?
I was on a ship to Greece.
Marcellus, he was there.
Well, he's dead, Gaius.
So that's no use.
Why can't Primus
have an accident?
That's what I said!
-He's not to be killed.
-What choice have we got?
It's admitting we did it.
Well, one of them's fucking
guilty, and it can't be him.
Porcia is family.
Not my family.
Right.
Spoken like
a true moneylender.
No one really cares
about Primus.
Or Macedonia.
Least of all Crassus.
This is about you.
So, the question is,
does Crassus want to fuck you
or does he want something
for not fucking you?
It would be good
to find out which.
I'll go to Crassus.
Discreetly.
No.
Tiberius will do it.
But thank you, Iullus.
I gave my word to Porcia
I'd help her husband.
That was unwise.
Well, my word is still
worth something.
You fixed his problem.
What about mine?
We don't know you have one yet.
I don't believe this.
Marcellus.
I know.
Did you hear from Antigone?
No, not for over a week.
She should've been back
by now.
She'll never stop.
Hey, something
must have gone wrong.
Has Gaius asked where she is?
I told him she's
on our estate at Nepi.
She'll be fine.
She needed this
after losing the baby.
-Get it turned round.
-What?
Before Octavia gets back.
Oh, there's other stuff
you need to know about.
What's the matter?
Where were you last night?
What are you, my husband?
No. I'm not good enough
for that.
Get over it, Iullus.
Please.
Not good enough to carry
a fucking message either.
What?
First it was Marcellus
in front of me.
Now it's fucking Tiberius.
What are you talking about?
You'll see. Everyone'll see.
I love you, Iullus.
I always will.
[Footsteps approaching]
[Door opens]
Tycho.
It's not what it looks like.
Right.
She'll see you both.
Now.
It's not what it looks like.
Thank you, Tycho.
Children.
-How long have you known?
-What does that matter?
-Does my father know?
-Of course not.
Iullus would never see you
or Rome again.
What if you got pregnant?
Your father would kill you.
This is a crucial time.
Your father stands to lose
everything.
And if he loses everything,
we lose everything.
And so, for now,
everyone must play their part.
Your part, Julia,
is the dutiful Roman matron.
A roll you, of course,
pioneered.
You are the daughter of Augustus
and the widow of Marcellus!
Two years I was married
to that pig!
-You try playing that part!
-He's been dead for a year!
Yes, and every day I thank
that poisonous little slave,
and I hope
they never find him!
Julia.
Well, the party's over, Julia.
So is this.
For now
and forever.
There are rules, children.
Even for people like us.
What rules are there for you?
What do we do?
You know what we do.
Refused, refused, refused.
Ah, hmm granted.
Arrange this.
Crassus is here.
[Gaius] Crassus.
Thank you for coming
on such short notice.
[Crassus] Not at all.
I'm assuming
this is about Primus.
I'm sorry, Gaius.
I'd really like to help,
but I can't back out now.
Not honorably.
You know I was governor
of Macedonia before Primus.
You also know it was me
who brokered the peace
with the tribes
and signed the treaty
for the Senate.
And now the tribes
have asked me to seek redress.
I'm bound by custom
and honor to do it.
Sure you are.
You know Primus is going to say
that I ordered him
to break the treaty.
I had no idea.
Naturally, I assumed
he was acting alone.
Of course he was.
Well, in that case you've got
nothing to worry about.
That's what my wife was saying.
Look
We both know
that shit Corvinus
only got involved
to piss me off.
We can't let him make this trial
about you. Or me.
It's about Primus.
He defied the Senate,
and, you know, I'm sorry,
but he'll have to answer for it.
Fair enough.
Anytime.
We'll have you over
for dinner soon.
So, now we know.
He just wants to fuck you.
That's a game for two players.
God, it's hot.
Where's a storm
when you need one?
They'll be here any moment.
Livia's back.
I forgot to tell you.
Doesn't matter.
-Nothing she can do now.
-Don't bet on it.
She killed Marcellus.
-What?
-Poisoned him. I'm sure of it.
How could she have known?
I found out one of my slaves
had told her,
so I sold her to a field gang.
She'll never be found.
[insect buzzing]
Not that anyone's looking.
[retches]
Are you all right, Lady?
I don't know.
[knocking]
[Slave] Dominus.
He's obviously panicking about
what Primus is going to say.
And he can deny it all he likes.
The important thing is
to spread the story
all over Rome before the trial
so the damage is exacerbated
when it comes out.
We've got him.
We just have to keep
that idiot Primus alive
long enough to testify.
He's in a hut in the hills.
No one'll find him
before the trial.
I have some thrilling gossip
about Livia Drusilla.
[indistinct chattering]
You're not going back there,
are you?
You must really think
I'm stupid.
No, of course not.
Reckless,
-impetuous, impulsive
-All right.
and willful.
But not stupid.
Take me with you, Drusus.
You don't know
where I'm going.
Nor do I care.
Come on, then.
Oh! Maybe you are stupid.
-Gaius and I have spoken.
-Hmm.
He has decided we need
to find Primus so that, um
arrangements can be made.
-But you gave your word.
-Yes, I did.
And killing him now is worse
than letting him speak.
Nevertheless
I have sent for his wife.
She'll be here
at the third hour.
There will be
an argument between us,
and then she will leave.
I'll make the arrangements.
Drusus.
Wake up. Get out of here.
This time I really fucked up.
Excuse me. I'm sorry.
-Tycho? Give it a try.
-That's fine.
-What's that?
-[indistinct]
-The friends are ready.
-All of them?
Enough.
-Porcia's here. I have to go.
-I'll let them know.
Oh.
Dear Livia.
There will be a trial.
We cannot avoid it,
so we have to manage it.
Porcia, your husband
cannot tell the Senate
who ordered him
to go to war.
Why not?
Your husband is safe.
He can't be prosecuted
for anything. Legally.
You're well informed.
He could just admit
to what he did.
Then Primus would go free
and that would be the end of it.
The Senate did vote to give
Gaius legal immunity, yes.
But if they think
he's abused his privilege,
they can just as easily
vote to take it away.
And then he could be charged
with treason.
So don't even think
for a second
Gaius can afford
to offend the Senate.
You don't know Primus.
His honor is everything to him.
He will never admit
to being at fault.
He'd rather kill himself.
Will he do it
before the trial?
He could keep his honor
and his property,
and I will find you
a new husband.
Any man you want in Rome.
His honor or his life.
What choice is that?
You said you'd help me.
You gave me your word!
-Let me talk to him.
-No! No, never.
He has the right
to decide for himself.
Well I believed you.
And I knew you were lying.
Let's see if she leads us
to Primus.
Runaway slaves.
The plantation is nearby, Lady.
Keep working!
Go!
Don't you look at me!
Dogs!
Fucking work!
[Woman shrieks, sobs]
Are you still crying?
-After what I said?
-Hey!
Fortunata, is that you?
I heard there were German slaves
on this estate.
I need to speak to Drusus.
Alone.
You're going to tell him
that was a big mistake.
Drusus will tell you that he's
in quite enough trouble already.
Relived he'll be keeping
his mouth shut
you go out shopping.
-Right, then.
-[Gaius] Libo, there you are.
[Libo] Sorry I'm late,
everybody.
[Gaius] Sit down, please.
What have you got for us?
The five judges
have been selected.
-How many are friends?
-Flaccus is sound,
and Vulso I think,
but the other three,
they're uncontrollable.
Primus could easily get off
if they believe his story.
And I have to tell you,
Corvinus has started
leaking it already.
I bumped into three people
this morning
who know Primus
is going to blame you.
There's always the chance he'll
kill himself before the trial.
Does he know that yet?
Lord, Gaius Junius Silanus
is in the atrium.
-He says it's important.
-Who?
Senator from the North -
old name, new money.
Votes for us.
[scoffs]
Shit!
Now you have a problem.
Gaius Junius Silanus
tells me that two nights ago
you broke into his house
to debauch a slave girl.
Then his slaves chased you
all the way back here!
-Is it true?
-No.
Where's your judgment?
Your self-control?
You are the son of my wife!
I should have you whipped
like a slave.
It was his daughter
I was debauching.
You are betrothed to my niece!
You don't go around humping
the daughters of Senators!
You did! You had everyone
in Rome when you were my age!
Agrippa told me.
Some of them were married, too.
Like Cicero's wife
and my mother.
Shut up, Drusus.
And you whored yourself
to Sextus in Sicily!
Everyone says so!
Drusus!
I am Nero Claudius Drusus.
And you are not my father.
That's something, of course.
But in this house, I am a god,
and you'll learn that.
Tycho,
ten lashes in the atrium.
-Gaius
-Gaius, no!
Let me deal with this.
Don't bother.
I don't care.
Come on.
That was very diplomatic.
Well, he's certainly got
your family's pride.
-If nothing else.
-He's still young.
You're always
making excuses for him.
He will apologize.
Drusus can never do anything
wrong. Drusus is never to blame.
He will not be beaten
like a slave.
He will if I say he will.
He will learn obedience,
and he will learn respect.
I betrayed my cousin for you.
Don't ask me to betray my son.
Don't make
your father's mistake -
choosing the wrong side.
Drusus, go with Tycho
to the stables.
Fetch three horses.
-Where are we going?
-Wherever she says.
Somewhere Gaius
won't find you, idiot!
He's jealous.
Stepfather.
He knows that you love Drusus
more than anyone
because Drusus reminds you
of your father.
I remind everyone
of my father.
That's why nobody likes me.
Except Drusus.
-[shouting]
-[clattering]
[Worker] Oh, fuck!
Oops.
Clear it up!
Oh, Marcellus.
What?
Tycho?
There will be
a small change of plan.
Sorry, Iullus.
You just can't trust anyone
these days.
Hope you've reserved
a seat for the trial.
It's gonna be packed
in here tomorrow.
It's been good for us
to get to know each other
since the death of Marcellus.
They haven't got a plan.
Their only hope is
that Primus will kill himself
before the trial.
They don't know
where he is though.
No.
Augustus has never
appreciated you.
I won't make that mistake.
[Thunder rumbles]
Going to be a storm.
[Slavedriver] Make way!
Coming through!
[Horse neighing]
Hey!
Antigone!
Stop them!
I thought you forgot me.
All this time.
Never once. Never once.
Time for a bath.
[Horse neighing]
The friends found Primus.
He's in a hunter's shelter
in the woods
just at the south of the city.
Bodyguards?
Two, and an older slave.
Last chance.
You sure?
Good luck.
Don't need it.
-[Horse neighing]
-Whoa! Let's go!
Mother.
I'm sorry
for what I said to you.
About Sextus.
When all of this is over,
you will get down on your knees
and ask your stepfather
for ten lashes.
I'm not scared of him.
Then you're a bigger fool
than I thought.
What you said before
outside the house
It doesn't matter
if people like you or not.
They respect you.
And soon,
they will fear you.
I don't care about
any of those things.
Then you're a fool, too.
Is it true?
About you and Sextus.
-I was in love with him.
-[Footsteps approaching]
-[knocking]
-[Door opening]
[Thunder rumbling]
[Agrippa]
Four men round the back.
Hello, Primus.
Shit!
You won't need that.
The blood in your wife
is my father's and mine.
I gave her my word I would help,
and I will.
You're being used by Crassus.
Maybe even by Corvinus as well.
They don't care about you.
They just want to destroy Gaius.
If you're here to make sure I
don't testify in court tomorrow,
you're wasting your breath.
Mm-mm.
I'm here to make sure you do.
-We were too late.
-[Horse neighing]
They'd already moved him.
We rode around
like cunts all night,
but he must've slipped past
our people at the gate.
I'm sorry.
Come on.
We're needed in court.
You can borrow my barber.
But we haven't been called
as witnesses.
That's what they think.
[indistinct conversations]
-It's just like the theater.
-More like the gladiators.
Silence!
Following an application
for the Commission of Treason
against Marcus Primus,
former governor in Macedonia,
the court will now
hear the arguments.
Prosecution.
The court will hear
that Marcus Primus,
as governor of Macedonia,
did order military action
against the tribes of the Danube
without the permission
of the Senate of Rome.
It will hear from the Legate
in command of the Fifth Legion,
who led the campaign.
It will hear from a king
of the local tribes
which, as a result,
suffered grievous loss
of property and life.
And it will hear from the Roman
who signed the peace treaty
for the Senate
who will be myself!
[shouting]
Marcus Primus
is guilty of treason.
And I conclude by saying
how fitting it is
he should be defended
by Marcus Messalla Corvinus,
a rat of a man without morals
or honor.
Fine words!
From a common swindler
and notorious rake
in whose vile company
no Roman matron is safe.
Defense.
This court will hear that it is
not my client Marcus Primus
who should today be facing
a charge of treason -
but Caesar Augustus,
son of the Divine Julius
and First Citizen of Rome.
Caesar Augustus!
Here I am!
Nobody called you as a witness.
Seriously, you're telling
everyone I did it!
This is a blatant attempt
to undermine the trial
and intimidate my client!
I am presiding magistrate,
not you,
-and I'll decide what this is.
-I protest!
He has not been called
as a witness!
Anyone accused in public
has a legal right to reply.
What's he doing there?
He's not a witness either!
I'm allowing it.
Silence!
Did you then, Augustus,
as it is said,
order the governor of Macedonia
to undertake military action
in defiance of the Senate
of Rome?
I did not!
Well, he would say that,
wouldn't he?
But we are about to hear
something very different
from the defendant.
We are about
to hear the truth.
Marcus Primus.
Three years ago,
before you left for Macedonia,
you were summoned
to the house of that man -
Caesar Augustus.
I was!
In order to discuss
your new posting in the East.
Yes.
And indeed to receive
private orders.
As it turned out, yes.
Orders to break
the Senate treaty
and make war
on the Danube tribes!
Yes.
Directly from that man -
Caesar Augustus.
-No.
-[Crowd gasping]
Not from Caesar Augustus.
No. They came directly
from his nephew,
Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
Of course. Genius.
Marcellus spoke to me privately
after our meeting.
He gave me to understand these
orders came from his uncle.
Naturally, given their close
relationship, I believed him.
And although I acted
in good faith
and always
for the good of Rome
-What just happened?
-A big "fuck you" from my wife.
Would be my guess.
misled by
Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
"The yield of wheat
in the estate
"is therefore much stronger
than we expected,
up to his"
Sweet of you to leave us
fucking sweating all night.
You're welcome.
What did it cost?
I gave my word to Primus
you would honor your deal.
Exile and the money
you promised.
And that we would try
to pardon him quietly
when the dust settles.
I'm sorry for what I said
about your father.
You've changed
since you got sick.
Even when I awoke,
I thought I was dead.
Then I thought,
"One day I will be."
Drusus is ready for punishment.
But first he asks to apologize.
Huh!
I have to admit
I was impressed.
The kid has
the heart of a wolf.
And the brains of an ass.
He'll make a great soldier.
But nothing else.
I have a favor to ask.
Not Drusus.
Beat him to death
for all I care.
We need to bring forward
some arrangements.
So using the law didn't work.
The traditional solution, then.
He always goes to the baths
with Agrippa in the ninth hour.
We'll do it there, inside.
The ninth hour.
The Praetorians are gonna need
to hear about this from you,
afterwards.
Leave them to me.
You take care of the Senate.
[Antigone]
Good evening, Lady.
We still need to watch them.
Even though they don't have
much support,
we can't underestimate Crassus.
Oh, Scribonia,
there you are at last.
What's up?
I've been meaning to deal
with this for a while now.
Julia, you're out of mourning
for Marcellus.
So obviously it's time
for your next marriage.
We didn't want you
getting bored
with nothing to do
in the evenings.
And I can think of nobody better
than my brother, Marcus Agrippa.
-Neither can I!
-[Marcella] What?
My husband?
Why is she getting my husband?
What about me?
Thank you, Father.
Does my mother know about this?
Well, she'll have something
to say once she gets back.
Marcella,
you'll marry Iullus.
Me?
[Gaius] Iullus, I'm giving you
my eldest niece
as a token of my respect
and affection.
Your father and I
were enemies in the end,
but Marcella will bind
our two families together
and heal the wounds.
[Iullus] Of course.
I'm very grateful.
Thank you.
[Gaius] Good.
-[Agrippa] And so am I!
-Antigone's back.
-Family!
-Family!
-Family.
-Family.
Excuse me, everyone.
Gaius, may I see you
in private?
Of course.
So, Gaius
You're going to die
at the baths tomorrow.
In the ninth hour.
We were so worried.
Where's the German?
On our estate at Nepi.
She'll be safe there.
Doesn't she want to go home?
Her village was burned.
Her parents were killed.
That's where we come from,
Livia.
I I'd like to find her
a good husband,
and give her a dowry.
Make it so.
Oh, and we'll pay Scribonia back
in good time.
There will be
no independent reprisals.
Hmm?
I'm pregnant again.
-What?
-Pregnant.
You are?
Are you all right?
Scared. A bit.
Obviously.
Yeah, well,
we won't lose this one.
I know.
Porcia.
You're late.
What happened?
Livia got to him,
somehow.
It was a mistake
to involve her.
I could hardly say no.
Primus begged me.
In any case,
it would've been expected.
That was the part,
and I had to play it.
Well, you fooled Livia,
so you must be
a brilliant actress.
And, of course, no one would
blame you for divorcing him.
[moans]
I can't wait to see their faces
when this gets out.
Don't gloat.
It's the best I could do.
I shall gloat as much as I like,
thank you very much.
Marcellus.
Marcellus.
They're rowing into Rome now.
They'll tell us when it's done.
What's going on?
Nothing.
[shouting]
Get the fuck up!
[indistinct shouting]
Get the fuck up!
Porcia?
Please, let me do it.
[laughing]
What?
I'm tired. Good night.
That was
the stupidest joke ever.
[Gaius] Sleep well.
When you go back East,
take Drusus with you.
On the front line.
A request like that,
brother,
is something you say out loud
to my face.
The boy just wants
a shot at glory in battle.
Just make sure he gets it.
That's all.
[sobbing]
♪♪
to now adopt Marcellus
as my son and heir.
After Gaius,
power must go to someone
who would carry it back
to the Senate.
I'm talking about Drusus.
You're going to restore
the Republic.
And Marcellus won't do that,
so, of course, he has to go.
When he confirms Marcellus,
she'd do it anyway.
We'll never have
a better chance.
[grunting]
-[Woman shouts]
-What?
Domina.
You won't forget me.
Never.
[breathing heavily]
I've just found out what
you've been doing with Iullus.
I'm gonna tell my mom
to hunt your father.
-They're all poisoned!
-What?
Marcellus. [sobbing]
This isn't about
protecting the boys.
This is about power!
-[Glass breaks]
-[Woman screams]
-Hey! Get off my fucking cart!
-Back off me!
There he is!
Come here!
[Rooster crows]
Tycho?
[Slave] There!
Come back, you!
Stupid fucking boy!
You can't get away!
[Tycho] Thank you.
Lovely to meet you all.
Do come again.
Thank you.
[Slave] Come here! Give up!
Let it go.
We're not going in there.
[Tycho] Drusus!
Drusus!
Tycho?
Did you get rid of them?
Yes, Lady.
Uh, Tycho, don't tell anyone
about this.
Especially not my father
or Livia when they get back.
Thank you.
-Where have you been?
-I'm so fucked.
[Piso] Livia.
-Your cousin's here.
-What?
-Which one?
-The charming one.
[gasps] Porcia!
So happy to see you!
What a lovely surprise.
Uh, that will be all.
Thank you, Piso.
Oh
Domina.
When did you get back?
Couple of days ago.
Seasick all the way,
as usual.
[laughs] Worth it
to leave Macedonia.
Ugh.
So, what brings you here?
How are you? How's your husband?
Uh, he's in hiding,
outside of Rome.
He's worried Agrippa
will have him killed.
What?
-Obviously that's why I'm here.
-I'm sorry. What?
Are you telling me
you don't know?
Yes, I think that's
what I'm telling you, yes.
The day we got back,
my husband was charged
with treason against the Senate
and people of Rome.
Treason? Primus?
I assumed you knew.
Who's bringing the charge?
Marcus Licinius Crassus.
Crassus.
What did he do exactly?
Primus did exactly
what he was ordered to do.
Someone told him
to commit treason?
Yes.
Your husband.
Primus is to be tried
any day now.
And if they find him guilty,
he'll be executed.
All of his property
will be confiscated.
You are my only family,
Livia.
I don't know
who else to turn to.
We're going back to Rome.
♪♪
I've been thinking.
You want to get rid of him now,
out here in the woods.
It would solve
a lot of problems.
Primus isn't stupid.
He won't come alone.
You can leave the details to me.
How would it look?
Better than a massive
public trial
with everyone pointing
their fingers at us.
It'll all unravel.
Everything.
Let's just see how this goes.
Primus!
I almost feel offended.
I've asked Marcus Messalla
Corvinus to defend me in court.
We've had our political
differences, Gaius,
but I know we can
put those behind us
and work together on this.
Well, you could start by asking
your old friend Crassus
to drop the prosecution.
Crassus cheated me
out of two million in gold.
We no longer speak.
The facts are not disputed.
My client was appointed
by the Senate
to govern the province
of Macedonia.
Before he left, you, as consul,
specifically requested
that he use the Legion
under his command
to make war on the tribes
which had previously signed
a solemn and binding
peace treaty.
With, of course, the Senate.
Your exact words were,
"Forget the treaty
and fuck the Senate.
I want victories,
gold, and slaves."
Which, in a nutshell,
is our defense.
We'll deny it.
Ah.
However
if your client were to take
sole responsibility
for the illegal war
in Macedonia
He'd be executed.
We can get it down to exile.
The State would still take
everything he has.
Once he's out of Rome,
I'll give him double
what he lost.
My word as a Roman.
What about my word
as a Roman?
My name,
my honor as a Roman?
So to sum up this deal
you're offering:
My client
perjures himself on oath
to plead guilty to the charge
you should be facing,
and afterwards,
you'll quietly pay him off.
Take it or leave it.
No.
See you in court.
They're bluffing.
They'll never
let this go to trial.
This can't go to trial.
Stepmother, we weren't
expecting you back.
The fuck is that?
It's Marcellus.
A gift to Octavia
from the Senate.
She didn't want it
in the house.
At least Libo's
the presiding magistrate.
Maybe he can delay the trial,
buy us more time.
We need to see him
straight away.
Seriously, Gaius? Is this Primus
screw-up really happening?
Well, that's the small talk
out of the way.
Wars abroad keep the peace
at home. You know that.
Is there any proof
you gave those orders?
Nothing in writing,
of course.
Any witnesses
who will lie for us?
I was on a ship to Greece.
Marcellus, he was there.
Well, he's dead, Gaius.
So that's no use.
Why can't Primus
have an accident?
That's what I said!
-He's not to be killed.
-What choice have we got?
It's admitting we did it.
Well, one of them's fucking
guilty, and it can't be him.
Porcia is family.
Not my family.
Right.
Spoken like
a true moneylender.
No one really cares
about Primus.
Or Macedonia.
Least of all Crassus.
This is about you.
So, the question is,
does Crassus want to fuck you
or does he want something
for not fucking you?
It would be good
to find out which.
I'll go to Crassus.
Discreetly.
No.
Tiberius will do it.
But thank you, Iullus.
I gave my word to Porcia
I'd help her husband.
That was unwise.
Well, my word is still
worth something.
You fixed his problem.
What about mine?
We don't know you have one yet.
I don't believe this.
Marcellus.
I know.
Did you hear from Antigone?
No, not for over a week.
She should've been back
by now.
She'll never stop.
Hey, something
must have gone wrong.
Has Gaius asked where she is?
I told him she's
on our estate at Nepi.
She'll be fine.
She needed this
after losing the baby.
-Get it turned round.
-What?
Before Octavia gets back.
Oh, there's other stuff
you need to know about.
What's the matter?
Where were you last night?
What are you, my husband?
No. I'm not good enough
for that.
Get over it, Iullus.
Please.
Not good enough to carry
a fucking message either.
What?
First it was Marcellus
in front of me.
Now it's fucking Tiberius.
What are you talking about?
You'll see. Everyone'll see.
I love you, Iullus.
I always will.
[Footsteps approaching]
[Door opens]
Tycho.
It's not what it looks like.
Right.
She'll see you both.
Now.
It's not what it looks like.
Thank you, Tycho.
Children.
-How long have you known?
-What does that matter?
-Does my father know?
-Of course not.
Iullus would never see you
or Rome again.
What if you got pregnant?
Your father would kill you.
This is a crucial time.
Your father stands to lose
everything.
And if he loses everything,
we lose everything.
And so, for now,
everyone must play their part.
Your part, Julia,
is the dutiful Roman matron.
A roll you, of course,
pioneered.
You are the daughter of Augustus
and the widow of Marcellus!
Two years I was married
to that pig!
-You try playing that part!
-He's been dead for a year!
Yes, and every day I thank
that poisonous little slave,
and I hope
they never find him!
Julia.
Well, the party's over, Julia.
So is this.
For now
and forever.
There are rules, children.
Even for people like us.
What rules are there for you?
What do we do?
You know what we do.
Refused, refused, refused.
Ah, hmm granted.
Arrange this.
Crassus is here.
[Gaius] Crassus.
Thank you for coming
on such short notice.
[Crassus] Not at all.
I'm assuming
this is about Primus.
I'm sorry, Gaius.
I'd really like to help,
but I can't back out now.
Not honorably.
You know I was governor
of Macedonia before Primus.
You also know it was me
who brokered the peace
with the tribes
and signed the treaty
for the Senate.
And now the tribes
have asked me to seek redress.
I'm bound by custom
and honor to do it.
Sure you are.
You know Primus is going to say
that I ordered him
to break the treaty.
I had no idea.
Naturally, I assumed
he was acting alone.
Of course he was.
Well, in that case you've got
nothing to worry about.
That's what my wife was saying.
Look
We both know
that shit Corvinus
only got involved
to piss me off.
We can't let him make this trial
about you. Or me.
It's about Primus.
He defied the Senate,
and, you know, I'm sorry,
but he'll have to answer for it.
Fair enough.
Anytime.
We'll have you over
for dinner soon.
So, now we know.
He just wants to fuck you.
That's a game for two players.
God, it's hot.
Where's a storm
when you need one?
They'll be here any moment.
Livia's back.
I forgot to tell you.
Doesn't matter.
-Nothing she can do now.
-Don't bet on it.
She killed Marcellus.
-What?
-Poisoned him. I'm sure of it.
How could she have known?
I found out one of my slaves
had told her,
so I sold her to a field gang.
She'll never be found.
[insect buzzing]
Not that anyone's looking.
[retches]
Are you all right, Lady?
I don't know.
[knocking]
[Slave] Dominus.
He's obviously panicking about
what Primus is going to say.
And he can deny it all he likes.
The important thing is
to spread the story
all over Rome before the trial
so the damage is exacerbated
when it comes out.
We've got him.
We just have to keep
that idiot Primus alive
long enough to testify.
He's in a hut in the hills.
No one'll find him
before the trial.
I have some thrilling gossip
about Livia Drusilla.
[indistinct chattering]
You're not going back there,
are you?
You must really think
I'm stupid.
No, of course not.
Reckless,
-impetuous, impulsive
-All right.
and willful.
But not stupid.
Take me with you, Drusus.
You don't know
where I'm going.
Nor do I care.
Come on, then.
Oh! Maybe you are stupid.
-Gaius and I have spoken.
-Hmm.
He has decided we need
to find Primus so that, um
arrangements can be made.
-But you gave your word.
-Yes, I did.
And killing him now is worse
than letting him speak.
Nevertheless
I have sent for his wife.
She'll be here
at the third hour.
There will be
an argument between us,
and then she will leave.
I'll make the arrangements.
Drusus.
Wake up. Get out of here.
This time I really fucked up.
Excuse me. I'm sorry.
-Tycho? Give it a try.
-That's fine.
-What's that?
-[indistinct]
-The friends are ready.
-All of them?
Enough.
-Porcia's here. I have to go.
-I'll let them know.
Oh.
Dear Livia.
There will be a trial.
We cannot avoid it,
so we have to manage it.
Porcia, your husband
cannot tell the Senate
who ordered him
to go to war.
Why not?
Your husband is safe.
He can't be prosecuted
for anything. Legally.
You're well informed.
He could just admit
to what he did.
Then Primus would go free
and that would be the end of it.
The Senate did vote to give
Gaius legal immunity, yes.
But if they think
he's abused his privilege,
they can just as easily
vote to take it away.
And then he could be charged
with treason.
So don't even think
for a second
Gaius can afford
to offend the Senate.
You don't know Primus.
His honor is everything to him.
He will never admit
to being at fault.
He'd rather kill himself.
Will he do it
before the trial?
He could keep his honor
and his property,
and I will find you
a new husband.
Any man you want in Rome.
His honor or his life.
What choice is that?
You said you'd help me.
You gave me your word!
-Let me talk to him.
-No! No, never.
He has the right
to decide for himself.
Well I believed you.
And I knew you were lying.
Let's see if she leads us
to Primus.
Runaway slaves.
The plantation is nearby, Lady.
Keep working!
Go!
Don't you look at me!
Dogs!
Fucking work!
[Woman shrieks, sobs]
Are you still crying?
-After what I said?
-Hey!
Fortunata, is that you?
I heard there were German slaves
on this estate.
I need to speak to Drusus.
Alone.
You're going to tell him
that was a big mistake.
Drusus will tell you that he's
in quite enough trouble already.
Relived he'll be keeping
his mouth shut
you go out shopping.
-Right, then.
-[Gaius] Libo, there you are.
[Libo] Sorry I'm late,
everybody.
[Gaius] Sit down, please.
What have you got for us?
The five judges
have been selected.
-How many are friends?
-Flaccus is sound,
and Vulso I think,
but the other three,
they're uncontrollable.
Primus could easily get off
if they believe his story.
And I have to tell you,
Corvinus has started
leaking it already.
I bumped into three people
this morning
who know Primus
is going to blame you.
There's always the chance he'll
kill himself before the trial.
Does he know that yet?
Lord, Gaius Junius Silanus
is in the atrium.
-He says it's important.
-Who?
Senator from the North -
old name, new money.
Votes for us.
[scoffs]
Shit!
Now you have a problem.
Gaius Junius Silanus
tells me that two nights ago
you broke into his house
to debauch a slave girl.
Then his slaves chased you
all the way back here!
-Is it true?
-No.
Where's your judgment?
Your self-control?
You are the son of my wife!
I should have you whipped
like a slave.
It was his daughter
I was debauching.
You are betrothed to my niece!
You don't go around humping
the daughters of Senators!
You did! You had everyone
in Rome when you were my age!
Agrippa told me.
Some of them were married, too.
Like Cicero's wife
and my mother.
Shut up, Drusus.
And you whored yourself
to Sextus in Sicily!
Everyone says so!
Drusus!
I am Nero Claudius Drusus.
And you are not my father.
That's something, of course.
But in this house, I am a god,
and you'll learn that.
Tycho,
ten lashes in the atrium.
-Gaius
-Gaius, no!
Let me deal with this.
Don't bother.
I don't care.
Come on.
That was very diplomatic.
Well, he's certainly got
your family's pride.
-If nothing else.
-He's still young.
You're always
making excuses for him.
He will apologize.
Drusus can never do anything
wrong. Drusus is never to blame.
He will not be beaten
like a slave.
He will if I say he will.
He will learn obedience,
and he will learn respect.
I betrayed my cousin for you.
Don't ask me to betray my son.
Don't make
your father's mistake -
choosing the wrong side.
Drusus, go with Tycho
to the stables.
Fetch three horses.
-Where are we going?
-Wherever she says.
Somewhere Gaius
won't find you, idiot!
He's jealous.
Stepfather.
He knows that you love Drusus
more than anyone
because Drusus reminds you
of your father.
I remind everyone
of my father.
That's why nobody likes me.
Except Drusus.
-[shouting]
-[clattering]
[Worker] Oh, fuck!
Oops.
Clear it up!
Oh, Marcellus.
What?
Tycho?
There will be
a small change of plan.
Sorry, Iullus.
You just can't trust anyone
these days.
Hope you've reserved
a seat for the trial.
It's gonna be packed
in here tomorrow.
It's been good for us
to get to know each other
since the death of Marcellus.
They haven't got a plan.
Their only hope is
that Primus will kill himself
before the trial.
They don't know
where he is though.
No.
Augustus has never
appreciated you.
I won't make that mistake.
[Thunder rumbles]
Going to be a storm.
[Slavedriver] Make way!
Coming through!
[Horse neighing]
Hey!
Antigone!
Stop them!
I thought you forgot me.
All this time.
Never once. Never once.
Time for a bath.
[Horse neighing]
The friends found Primus.
He's in a hunter's shelter
in the woods
just at the south of the city.
Bodyguards?
Two, and an older slave.
Last chance.
You sure?
Good luck.
Don't need it.
-[Horse neighing]
-Whoa! Let's go!
Mother.
I'm sorry
for what I said to you.
About Sextus.
When all of this is over,
you will get down on your knees
and ask your stepfather
for ten lashes.
I'm not scared of him.
Then you're a bigger fool
than I thought.
What you said before
outside the house
It doesn't matter
if people like you or not.
They respect you.
And soon,
they will fear you.
I don't care about
any of those things.
Then you're a fool, too.
Is it true?
About you and Sextus.
-I was in love with him.
-[Footsteps approaching]
-[knocking]
-[Door opening]
[Thunder rumbling]
[Agrippa]
Four men round the back.
Hello, Primus.
Shit!
You won't need that.
The blood in your wife
is my father's and mine.
I gave her my word I would help,
and I will.
You're being used by Crassus.
Maybe even by Corvinus as well.
They don't care about you.
They just want to destroy Gaius.
If you're here to make sure I
don't testify in court tomorrow,
you're wasting your breath.
Mm-mm.
I'm here to make sure you do.
-We were too late.
-[Horse neighing]
They'd already moved him.
We rode around
like cunts all night,
but he must've slipped past
our people at the gate.
I'm sorry.
Come on.
We're needed in court.
You can borrow my barber.
But we haven't been called
as witnesses.
That's what they think.
[indistinct conversations]
-It's just like the theater.
-More like the gladiators.
Silence!
Following an application
for the Commission of Treason
against Marcus Primus,
former governor in Macedonia,
the court will now
hear the arguments.
Prosecution.
The court will hear
that Marcus Primus,
as governor of Macedonia,
did order military action
against the tribes of the Danube
without the permission
of the Senate of Rome.
It will hear from the Legate
in command of the Fifth Legion,
who led the campaign.
It will hear from a king
of the local tribes
which, as a result,
suffered grievous loss
of property and life.
And it will hear from the Roman
who signed the peace treaty
for the Senate
who will be myself!
[shouting]
Marcus Primus
is guilty of treason.
And I conclude by saying
how fitting it is
he should be defended
by Marcus Messalla Corvinus,
a rat of a man without morals
or honor.
Fine words!
From a common swindler
and notorious rake
in whose vile company
no Roman matron is safe.
Defense.
This court will hear that it is
not my client Marcus Primus
who should today be facing
a charge of treason -
but Caesar Augustus,
son of the Divine Julius
and First Citizen of Rome.
Caesar Augustus!
Here I am!
Nobody called you as a witness.
Seriously, you're telling
everyone I did it!
This is a blatant attempt
to undermine the trial
and intimidate my client!
I am presiding magistrate,
not you,
-and I'll decide what this is.
-I protest!
He has not been called
as a witness!
Anyone accused in public
has a legal right to reply.
What's he doing there?
He's not a witness either!
I'm allowing it.
Silence!
Did you then, Augustus,
as it is said,
order the governor of Macedonia
to undertake military action
in defiance of the Senate
of Rome?
I did not!
Well, he would say that,
wouldn't he?
But we are about to hear
something very different
from the defendant.
We are about
to hear the truth.
Marcus Primus.
Three years ago,
before you left for Macedonia,
you were summoned
to the house of that man -
Caesar Augustus.
I was!
In order to discuss
your new posting in the East.
Yes.
And indeed to receive
private orders.
As it turned out, yes.
Orders to break
the Senate treaty
and make war
on the Danube tribes!
Yes.
Directly from that man -
Caesar Augustus.
-No.
-[Crowd gasping]
Not from Caesar Augustus.
No. They came directly
from his nephew,
Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
Of course. Genius.
Marcellus spoke to me privately
after our meeting.
He gave me to understand these
orders came from his uncle.
Naturally, given their close
relationship, I believed him.
And although I acted
in good faith
and always
for the good of Rome
-What just happened?
-A big "fuck you" from my wife.
Would be my guess.
misled by
Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
"The yield of wheat
in the estate
"is therefore much stronger
than we expected,
up to his"
Sweet of you to leave us
fucking sweating all night.
You're welcome.
What did it cost?
I gave my word to Primus
you would honor your deal.
Exile and the money
you promised.
And that we would try
to pardon him quietly
when the dust settles.
I'm sorry for what I said
about your father.
You've changed
since you got sick.
Even when I awoke,
I thought I was dead.
Then I thought,
"One day I will be."
Drusus is ready for punishment.
But first he asks to apologize.
Huh!
I have to admit
I was impressed.
The kid has
the heart of a wolf.
And the brains of an ass.
He'll make a great soldier.
But nothing else.
I have a favor to ask.
Not Drusus.
Beat him to death
for all I care.
We need to bring forward
some arrangements.
So using the law didn't work.
The traditional solution, then.
He always goes to the baths
with Agrippa in the ninth hour.
We'll do it there, inside.
The ninth hour.
The Praetorians are gonna need
to hear about this from you,
afterwards.
Leave them to me.
You take care of the Senate.
[Antigone]
Good evening, Lady.
We still need to watch them.
Even though they don't have
much support,
we can't underestimate Crassus.
Oh, Scribonia,
there you are at last.
What's up?
I've been meaning to deal
with this for a while now.
Julia, you're out of mourning
for Marcellus.
So obviously it's time
for your next marriage.
We didn't want you
getting bored
with nothing to do
in the evenings.
And I can think of nobody better
than my brother, Marcus Agrippa.
-Neither can I!
-[Marcella] What?
My husband?
Why is she getting my husband?
What about me?
Thank you, Father.
Does my mother know about this?
Well, she'll have something
to say once she gets back.
Marcella,
you'll marry Iullus.
Me?
[Gaius] Iullus, I'm giving you
my eldest niece
as a token of my respect
and affection.
Your father and I
were enemies in the end,
but Marcella will bind
our two families together
and heal the wounds.
[Iullus] Of course.
I'm very grateful.
Thank you.
[Gaius] Good.
-[Agrippa] And so am I!
-Antigone's back.
-Family!
-Family!
-Family.
-Family.
Excuse me, everyone.
Gaius, may I see you
in private?
Of course.
So, Gaius
You're going to die
at the baths tomorrow.
In the ninth hour.
We were so worried.
Where's the German?
On our estate at Nepi.
She'll be safe there.
Doesn't she want to go home?
Her village was burned.
Her parents were killed.
That's where we come from,
Livia.
I I'd like to find her
a good husband,
and give her a dowry.
Make it so.
Oh, and we'll pay Scribonia back
in good time.
There will be
no independent reprisals.
Hmm?
I'm pregnant again.
-What?
-Pregnant.
You are?
Are you all right?
Scared. A bit.
Obviously.
Yeah, well,
we won't lose this one.
I know.
Porcia.
You're late.
What happened?
Livia got to him,
somehow.
It was a mistake
to involve her.
I could hardly say no.
Primus begged me.
In any case,
it would've been expected.
That was the part,
and I had to play it.
Well, you fooled Livia,
so you must be
a brilliant actress.
And, of course, no one would
blame you for divorcing him.
[moans]
I can't wait to see their faces
when this gets out.
Don't gloat.
It's the best I could do.
I shall gloat as much as I like,
thank you very much.
Marcellus.
Marcellus.
They're rowing into Rome now.
They'll tell us when it's done.
What's going on?
Nothing.
[shouting]
Get the fuck up!
[indistinct shouting]
Get the fuck up!
Porcia?
Please, let me do it.
[laughing]
What?
I'm tired. Good night.
That was
the stupidest joke ever.
[Gaius] Sleep well.
When you go back East,
take Drusus with you.
On the front line.
A request like that,
brother,
is something you say out loud
to my face.
The boy just wants
a shot at glory in battle.
Just make sure he gets it.
That's all.
[sobbing]
♪♪