I, CLAUDIUS 30th Anniversary Talkback (Spoilers)

[A.Magik]

All Rome thought him a fool, but his genius was survival!


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Thirty Years Ago this day, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. On November 6, 1977, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will continue for the next thirteen weeks. Each week will cover an episode on the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Episode 1: A Touch of Murder (Original US Broadcast Date: November 6, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the book by Robert Graves)
Introducing Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Sian Phillips as Livia, Brian Blessed as Augustus, George Baker as Tiberius, Frances White as Julia, Sheila Ruskin as Vispania, Renu Senta as Musa, Freda Dowie as the Sybil.
Guest starring Christopher Guard as Marcellus, John Paul as Marcus Agrippa, Angela Morant as Octavia

Emperor Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus writes his autobiography about himself and his Imperial Family...
24 BC. Six years have passed since Augustus became Emperor of Rome. The Republic has been dissolved, taking with it its power struggles, its civil wars, and presumably the thirst for power. Rome is now under a monarchy by Augustus. His influential wife Livia intends to maintain that power. She plans to make her son Tiberius the successor. But two men stand in her way: Marcus Agrippa, Augustus’ best friend, and Marcellus, Augustus’ nephew and son-in-law to his daughter Julia. Livia takes some drastic measures to have her way. Things don’t happen the way she wants.

And thus the series begins! Historians can criticize the series' accuracy, but never its content as great entertainment. And whatever the series lacks in spectacle, it makes up in acting, story, characterization, and writing. Sian Phillips steals this episode as Livia. Barely absent throughout the flashback sequence, she dominates every scene she's in. Her Livia rules her schemes with patience, calculated planning, and fake reaction. And yet she isn't completely omnipotent; we see Livia's surprise over the green vomit (evidently she didn't know it was a side effect), her fear of the mob (getting pelted is one of the few times she gets some comeuppance), and the backfire of her plan (for probably the only time). Giving great support is Brian Blessed's Augustus, a good-natured family man hiding a terrible temper (which we'll find out next episode) and George Baker's serious Tiberius (this is the last time we'll see him happy...in a morally good way). One continuity error: Derek Jacobi's Claudius begins his memoirs in suspicion that his life is in danger; This situation doesn't synch right with the time period he states to have started writing in Episode 12.

Death(s) of the episode: Marcellus: Food Poisoning (Livia says so!)
Memorable quotes: (Some of these lines are paraphrased, but I think I got the point through)
"I ought to begin by saying that some people are going to be more shocked by this series than most of the dramas we've shown on Masterpiece Theatre. But Robert Graves did not make it more cruel or more gamey than the manuscript of Suetonius from which he worked...Graves left in only what is essential to the historical plot. Violence is not known for titillation. And there's no pretense that a sexual orgy is some sort of launch pad into a liberating Playboy philosophy. Vice is shown for what it is, and even the monster Caligula described his court as a sink of degradation- he did not think of incest or group sex as a new form of freedom. He knew it as a certain sign of the decadence of his times." - Alistair Cooke’s introduction for Episode 1.

"And when he's dumb and no more here, nineteen hundred years or near, Cla-Cla-Claudius shall speak clear." -Sybil

"The Theatre isn't what it was." -Thallus
"No, and I will tell you something else. It never was what it was." -Aristarches

"I took the entrails of you [Tiberius] and they were very favorable." -Livia
"Not that old chicken story again." - Tiberius

"Frankly, I wouldn't have thought you'd care whether Marcellus lives or dies." -Tiberius
"Oh I care very much whether Marcellus lives or dies." -Livia

"Aren't you forgetting something? Julia is still married to Marcellus, and Marcellus isn't dead yet." -Tiberius
"When I start forgetting things, you can light my funeral pyre with me on it, alive or dead." -Livia

"There ought to be an inquest I suppose." - Musa
"There is no need for that. We know what he died from." -Livia
"Do we?" -Musa
"Food poisoning! Why you said it yourself!"- Livia

"I wish, for once, you'd behave like a normal woman!" -Tiberius
"To be a normal woman you'd need normal men around you!" -Livia

Trivia:
-The Battle of Actium (31 BC) was the decisive naval battle between Egypt and Rome. Augustus’ fleet (thru Agrippa’s fine naval skills) defeated the ships of Marc Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, eventually establishing his dominance as ruler of the known world.
-Augustus and Livia’s children came from previous marriages. Augustus' wife Scribonia gave him his only child Julia. Livia's marriage to Tiberius Claudius Nero bore Tiberius and Drusus. Likewise, Augustus' sister Octavia had two children from her first marriage (Marcus Claudius Marcellus), Marcellus and Marcella. Her marriage to Marc Antony bore Antonia the Elder (who is absent from the series) and Antonia the Younger (who appears as a child in this episode, soon to play an important role later). Marcus Agrippa had two marriages before Julia. His first gave him a daughter, Vispania (seen here as Tiberius' wife). His second wife was Marcellus' sister Marcella (no wonder the marriage was a failure!).
-The 'Uncle Julius' Augustus refers to at the games is his grand uncle Gaius Julius Caesar: General, Statesman, and Dictator.
-This series was the first successful filming of Robert Graves’ book. The last attempt was a 1937 Alexander Korda production directed by Josef Von Sternberg and starring Charles Laughton (Claudius), Emlyn Williams (Caligula), Flora Robson (Livia), and Merle Oberon (Messalina). Oberon's injury in a car accident led to the production's demise after only a few scenes of footage was shot (The unfinished footage was seen in a 1965 BBC documentary The Epic That Never Was, which is available in most VHS/DVD collections of the BBC adaptation). This sparked the rumor of a curse following every adaptation. Indeed, some problems plaguing the production of this series were attributed to this curse. Will ‘The Curse of Claudius’ plague the in-the-works film remake starring Leonardo DiCaprio?
-Production was delayed due to copyright negotiations with the owners of the last adaptation.
-Both Charlton Heston and Ronnie Barker were considered for the title role.
-George Baker (Tiberius) and Frances White (Julia) were about the same age or older than the actors playing their parents, Sian Phillips (Livia) and Brian Blessed (Augustus). Incidentally, the ages of Augustus and Livia in this episode were actually near their players' ages, quite unlike Baker and White playing teenagers at their mature ages.
-To play his part, the 46-year-old George Baker had to take a serious diet and massive exercise of jogging, bicycling, and swimming to be in the right build for the younger Tiberius. Seventeen years earlier, Baker had done a screen test for Ben-Hur (1959; featuring George Relph as Tiberius). This test scene exists in that film's DVD Special Edition.
-Peter O’Toole, Sian Phillips' husband at the time, would portray Tiberius in Bob Guccione’s Porno epic Caligula, filmed around the same time.
-The series' subject matter was a major problem for WGBH-TV, the station that aired Masterpiece Theatre. The station had already received controversy for earlier programs like Jude the Obscure (for showing an exposed breast), and Poldark (sex scenes). For I, Claudius, certain edits were made in its original US broadcast. The banquet dance with topless Nubian women, deemed too racy and racially condescending, was the first to be excised.

[Prof. Mecavio]

"I, Claudius" is one of my all-time favorite TV-series. I first watched it when I was kid when it was shown in re-runs in the 90's. At my birthday this year I received the DVD box and I was happy to notice that I enjoyed it just as much as I did back then (or more actually, since there were some things that went over my head the last time).

Anyway, a superb series with excellent casting, all the actors do a great job but I have a slight preference for Philips, whose Livia is one of my favorite villains on television.

[A.Magik]

Family Affairs!


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Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Previously:
Livia, the wife of Caesar Augustus, intends for her son Tiberius to succeed the Emperor. She wants him to marry Augustus' daughter Julia. In order for that to happen, she poisons Julia's present husband Marcellus. Unfortunately, the public outcry of his death leads to panic and riots in the city. Augustus needs the help of Marcus Agrippa to stop the disorder. But Agrippa, hurt by Augustus' favoritism to Marcellus, will return only on one condition: That he be Julia’s next husband. Augustus agrees. Livia is not happy.

Episode 2: Family Affairs (Original US Broadcast: November 13, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the book by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, George Baker, Frances White, Sheila Ruskin, Renu Senta
Introducing Margaret Tyzack as Antonia
Guest starring Ian Ogilvy as Drusus, Tony Haygarth as the Food Taster

Twelve years have passed. It is now 10 BC. Agrippa's death makes Julia a widow again (with lots of grandchildren for Augustus). Livia has Tiberius divorce his own wife Vispania and marry Julia. Tiberius is in a sad state. Bereft of his first wife, bored with Julia, and getting no love from Livia or Augustus, he begins to surrender to the black moods that plague him. His only salvation is his beloved brother Drusus. Unfortunately, Drusus' Republicanism is a problem for his pro-Monarchist mother. When Livia finds out her son's plan to compel Augustus to retire and restore the Republic, she acts. What results is a tragedy that will affect Tiberius and Drusus' children.

The spotlight now turns from Phillips’ Livia to George Baker’s conflicted Tiberius. His character, bullied, prodded, and ignored, is one of sympathy (at the moment). He just wants to be loved, but the one action he hoped to achieve it- divorcing Vispania- was the one thing that doomed him. And the poison begins to take hold at the end of this episode, much to everyone’s displeasure, from Julia (spokeswoman for plump women!) and Augustus.
Now, many historians have criticized Blessed’s portrayal, stating (besides appearance) that the Octavian who became Emperor would not be this pompous family man. Then again I’ve always noticed a change between the ruthless Octavian and the virtuous family man Augustus. Still, don’t let the veneer fool you. Blessed’s Augustus is just as ruthless. His anger to Tiberius, swinging from understanding to demanding (“Don’t sulk!”) makes him one formidable control freak; don’t cross him or else. This pride does blind the man to certain faults of his own. He tells Drusus his regret about forcing his father to divorce Livia to marry him. History sure repeats itself! Meanwhile, Sian Philips gives some touches of sympathy in her character. When Drusus exclaims her supposed non-love of him, and Tiberius brings up the subject, she is somewhat stunned. It’s evident she didn’t want this to happen to her youngest son, but her path was set.
And let’s not forget the other highlight of this episode: Baby Claudius crying on his father’s corpse. If you don't feel any sadness about that scene, then you're cold hearted.

Death(s) of the episode: Drusus: Gangrene
Memorable Quotes:
"Livia…They say a snake bit her, and died." –Tiberius

“It's not worth it [conquering Britain]. There's nothing of value there and the people make terrible slaves.” –Drusus

"We've abolished kings in Rome, mother! Do you now give us living gods?" -Drusus

“Now you [Drusus] look after Antonia. No accidents. Who knows what great Roman she may be carrying?” –Augustus

“Now you mustn’t mind if you dislike me. A mother can’t love all her children.” -Drusus

“It’s not unnatural for a man to see his former wife now and then. They have things to discuss. After all, I saw his [Tiberius] father several times after we were married.” –Livia
“That was different!” -Augustus
"Oh not so very different. And you, I recall, saw Julia's mother from time to time." -Livia
"Yes, but not in secret!" -Augustus
"Well, I don't remember being present."-Livia

"Marc Antony was twice the man you [Tiberius] are, but when he spurned my sister, he learned a lesson he didn't live long enough to profit from. Do you understand me? -Augustus

“Now Tiberius, you play fair with me, eh? Don't sulk!" -Augustus

"Rome has a severe mother, and Gaius and Lucius have a cruel stepmother." -Drusus

"The fact is, when you know someone’s trying to p-poison you, nothing tastes right. Abs-solutely nothing." -Claudius

"Let me go, you fat drunken cow!" -Tiberius
"Fat? Fat! If I'm fat I'm as a woman should be fat, not skinny like a boy!" -Julia

"I'm supposed to rule an Empire and I can't even rule my own family!" -Augustus

“What would we do without these boys, Livia? Without Agrippa’s sons? They’re our one hope. In three or four years time, they’ll be old enough to take some of this burden off our backs.” –Augustus
“Oh they’re promising alright. Aren’t you, my little beauties? Very promising. Still, you have a long way to go, haven’t you? A long long way to go. We must take good care of them, Augustus. And we shall, I promise you. The very best.” –Livia
“That’s how it should be. Stay like that. What a picture you make! It expresses the true spirit of the Roman family.” -Augustus

Trivia:
-Agrippa's marriage to Julia produced five children: Gaius, Lucius, Julia the Younger (absent in the series), Agrippina, and Postumus.
-Vispania was Agrippa's daughter from his first marriage. Hence, Julia was mocking her former stepdaughter. After Tiberius divorced her, she married a Roman named Gallus.
-This is the first episode not to end with a present-day epilogue from Caesar Claudius.
-Besides I, Claudius, Margaret Tyzack also appeared in Masterpiece Theatre's first program The First Churchills (1969), and The Forsyte Saga (1967) whose American success in 1969 paved the road for more British shows to the country (as well as creating Masterpiece Theatre). She was in her mid-forties here (a decade older than Ian Ogilvy), sharing George Baker's seniority over the rest of the cast.
-According to Margaret Tyzack, Herbert Wise had wanted she and Frances White to give more skin in the massage sequence. Since their bodies were somewhat more mature than their youthful characters, they decided to cover up.
-George Baker was quite Tiberius' opposite behind the scenes. He caused Brian Blessed to constantly break into laughter and spoil the takes.

[Link1130]

My Latin II teacher my Jr. year of high school had us watch this. The first episode or two everybody was sleeping or discreetly doing other things (I mean, you have to admit it starts out pretty slow). By the end of it, though, BAM! Everybody was hooked and discussing what had happened in such and such episode. We had trivia contests and pizza parties surrounding it.

It was cool. I now have it on DVD.

[A.Magik]

A Sign from the Gods!

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Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Previously…
Bereft of his ex-wife, bored with his present wife Julia, and getting no love from Livia and Augustus, Tiberius begins to go to the dark side. Worse, his beloved brother Drusus becomes a target by their own mother, his republicanism clashing with Livia's wish to maintain the monarchy. When Drusus becomes injured during a campaign, Livia has his treatment delayed, causing her own son's death. Drusus' youngest son Claudius will never know his father. With no hope, Tiberius embraces the darkness. He lashes out on Julia, causing Augustus to exile him. The Emperor doesn't need him, having grandsons from Agrippa. The lusty Julia is left still married but with no mate. She's not happy.

Episode 3: Waiting in the Wings (Original US Broadcast: November 20, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, George Baker, Frances White, Margaret Tyzack
Introducing Kevin McNally as Castor, Kevin Stoney as Thrasyllus
Guest starring Ashley Knight as Young Claudius, Esmond Knight as Domitius, Simon MacCorkindale as Lucius, Darien Angadi as Plautius, Michael Clements as Herod Agrippa, Alisteir Kiel as Postumus

Tiberius grows more impatient and violent in his exile in Rhodes. With Augustus steadfast on refusing his return, Livia has to find some way to help her son. She discovers that daughter-in-law Julia has found ways to keep her bed warm without Tiberius. Already mourning the loss of grandson Gaius, it appears Augustus is going to lose a daughter as well. Meanwhile, the next generation of the Imperial Family has to deal with the lame, twitching, stammering Claudius, a hopeless burden to everyone.

Now Claudius enters the flashbacks, although as a child unloved by Antonia (a sore point for this viewer). But the main focus is still the adults. Julia makes her departure. Her character gives out mixed feelings; On one hand she suspects Livia's treachery and is one of the few women who is kind to Claudius. Then again, she is spoiled, promiscuous, and doesn't seem very maternal, not mourning Gaius' death and missing Lucius' friend more than him. But Frances White does get one grand scene begging for her father's forgiveness, then telling Livia where to stick it. Too bad she doesn't realize what Livia will do. Meanwhile, Brian Blessed’s Augustus rules this episode with his monstrous interrogation of Julia's lovers. And once again he blinds himself to his own faults. He blames Tiberius for Julia's amoral descent. "He sent her on that road!" Well, Augustus, you kinda made the road by creating the marriage in the first place! Sian Philips, as usual, excels in planning Julia's downfall with help from Plautius ("And tell me, does Lucius know you've been plowing his mother's 'fields' with such ferocious energy and skill?") George Baker also shares a memorably black comic scene with Kevin Stoney's Thrasyllus, foretelling the latter’s death if nothing good comes from the latest news from Rome (with their spontaneous laughter over the news itself). A final highlight is the episode’s end: The camera turns to Young Claudius’ POV of Postumus and Herod. It then becomes old Claudius’ POV, sighing over the fate of his best friend.

Death(s) of this episode: Lucius: drowning
Memorable quotes:
“Still any more news on how he [Gaius] died?” -Tiberius
"None. It’s very mysterious. Unfortunately, the body was burned before an autopsy was ordered. When you die in the East, they don’t keep you hanging about long." -Thrasyllus

"People say Tiberius didn’t mind getting banished to get away from me. That wasn’t all of it. I think he was pleased to get away from his mother. She used to invite him to dinner too often." –Julia
“Julia, don’t joke!” –Antonia
“I’m not! I’ve seen his face often enough when she pours wine for him. I tell you I don’t dine there happily myself.” –Julia
"You've upset me, you really have! It's a terrible thing to accuse anyone of poisoning without proof." -Antonia
"But she accuses me of all sorts of things without proof." -Julia
"Then make sure she doesn't get any then." -Antonia

“It’s a wolf cub!” –Castor
“Mother, it dropped, right from its [an Eagle] claws!” –Germanicus
“Leave him be! It fell to Claudius, leave him be!” –Antonia
“Look at the blood! Ye Gods, what does it mean? Domitius tell us what it means!” –Julia
“Lady, I…” –Domitius
“You know what it is! I can tell it from your face! Tell us, I beg you!” –Antonia
“The wolf cub is Rome, no doubt of it. Romulus was suckled by a wolf as her own cub. And Romulus was Rome! Mars, look at it! All torn about the neck and shivering with fear. A wretched sight! Rome will be wretched one day! But he [Claudius], will protect it. He and no other.” –Domitius
Claudius as protector of Rome? I hope I should be dead by then!"-Livilla
"Go to your room! You shall have nothing to eat for the rest of the day!" -Antonia“What are you doing here, child? Get back to your lessons at once!" –Livia
“Oh, he’s been helping me teach the knights a thing or two. I used him as a model.” -Augustus
"A model of what? Idiocy?"-Livia

“What about Claudius? Who’s going to marry Claudius?” -Augustus
"I’ll find someone. It won’t be easy, but I’ll find someone. Most women marry fools but it takes them a while to find out. Unfortunately, with Claudius its as plain as the nose on his face." -Livia

"I suppose you’ll miss him [Lucius] when he goes to Spain." -Antonia
"Hmhm, but I’ll miss that good-looking friend of his friend even more." -Julia

"Is there anyone in Rome who has not slept with my daughter?!" -Augustus

“Father! Father! Please, please, don’t send me away! I couldn’t bear it!” -Julia

"This is your doing, isn't it? You don’t think I don’t know? You think you’re very clever. You think by discrediting me it’ll bring your son back from Rhodes? You are so transparent. You want that precious son of yours to follow him when he dies so you can come in to your own? But I have two sons and they both come before yours. Make your mind up to it, Livia: when my father dies, you won't be wanted anymore. You take my advice, and climb on the funeral pyre with him!" -Julia

"That family's beginning to look like a Greek Tragedy!" -Tiberius

"You dine with me tonight, and we’ll talk!" -Livia
"Yes, mother." -Tiberius

Trivia:
-The children of the Agrippa-Julia union were Gaius, Lucius, Julilla (absent from the series), Agrippina, and Postumus (His name coming from being born after his father's death). Drusus and Antonia’s children are Germanicus, Livilla, and Claudius. Tiberius' marriage to Vispania bore Tiberius Drusus, or 'Castor' as Graves and Pulman call him.
-Herod Agrippa's grandfather is Herod the Great. Herod was the King of Judea known in the Gospel of Matthew for trying to kill the baby Jesus in his Slaughter of the Innocents. His paranoia also led to the deaths of many of his own family (most of whom bore the family name). One of those victims was H. Agrippa's father Herod Aristobulus. H. Agrippa's sister Herodias will marry two of her half-uncles (H. Philip and H. Antipas) and conspire with her daughter Salome in the beheading of John the Baptist. H. Agrippa will also play a villainous role in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles.
-It is said that Claudia Proclas, the wife of Pontius Pilate, is the illegitimate daughter of Julia from one of her lovers.
-Historically, Gaius actually died between Julia's banishment and Lucius' death.
-Kevin Stoney had played Thrasyllus before; In a 1968 BBC Serial called The Caesars, which featured Roland Culver as Augustus, Sonja Dresdel as Livia, Andre Morell as Tiberius, Freddie Jones as Claudius, Ralph Bates as Caligula, Eric Flynn as Germanicus, with Suzan Farmer, Barrie Ingham, and Nicola Pagett. Incidentally, another player, John Paul, portrayed Agrippa in I,Claudius Episode 1.
-Darien Angadi also starred in several other Roman historical programs, such as The Complete Works of William Shakespeare programs of 'Julius Caesar' (1979) and 'Antony and Cleopatra' (1982; Angadi was also in the 1972 film version).
-I suppose WGBH-TV, in its original US broadcast, edited Julia's orgy, excising one female guest and her exposed breast.
-Simon MacCorkindale played another Roman named Lucius in the 1977 TV Mini-series Jesus of Nazareth. However, this Lucius appears at Jesus' scourging and 'coronation,' a few decades after Agrippa Lucius' death.

[A.Magik]

A Bride for Claudius!


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Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.



Previously…
Claudius grows up unloved by most of his family. However, an omen foresees a great destiny for him. Meanwhile, Julia makes her adulterous indiscretions all too clear for Livia. When Augustus learns the truth, his punishment is cruel; His daughter is banished. In between this tragedy, her sons Gaius and Lucius die. The exiled Tiberius is finally brought back to Rome, adopted as Caesar’s heir alongside Augustus’ surviving grandson Postumus. Bereft of his mother and brothers, Postumus foresees a tragic future for himself...

Episode 4: What Shall We Do About Claudius? (Original US Broadcast Date: November 27, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, Kevin McNally
Introducing John Castle as Postumus, Patricia Quinn as Livilla, James Faulkner as Herod Agrippa, David Robb as Germanicus, Fiona Walker as Agrippina
Guest starring Norman Shelley as Horace, Dinald Eccles as Pollio, Denis Carey as Livy, Jennifer Croxton as Claudius’ Bride, Guy Slater as the Courier

It is 9 AD. Rome suffers its greatest defeat by the Germans of the Rhine. Claudius continues to be an embarrassment to his family, a problem in public celebrations and a marital future. But he begins to learn a few things. Meanwhile, his best friend Postumus cannot quell his lust for his married cousin (and Claudius' sister) Livilla. Livia takes this to good advantage...

Today's episode is filler, readying things for the next episode. Still, it does introduce Derek Jacobi to the flashbacks, as well as the adult actors of Germanicus, Livilla, Herod, and Agrippina for the rest of the series (James Faulkner was rather cute in his youth!). The episode also gives some character development. Claudius begins to learn some dark truths about his family, and is told to exaggerate his condition to survive. Herod speaks about his fear with Jehovah. Postumus drops some major clues to Augustus about his wife's true character. And some justification is given to Livia's motives for ruining or killing family members. Yes, there is the power-maintenance, but she seems quite genuine about avoiding any more of the civil wars that have plagued Rome. Other major highlights include the courier's report about the German revolt, the Games, and Livia's speech to Livilla and the gladiators.

Death(s) in this episode: No one dies

Memorable Quotes:
“I was wondering how long it would take you [Claudius] to knock that thing over.” -Livia

“G-goodnight, grandmother.” –Claudius
“That’s my foot you’re treading on!” -Livia

"What are we going to do about Claudius?"-Livia
“What about Claudius, what is the matter?” -Augustus
“At the Games we have in honor of his father?...Is he going to sit at your box at the games or is he not?” -Livia
"It would look odd if he didn't." -Augustus
"It would be even odder if he does. Do you want to sit next to a twitching idiot all day?" -Livia

"Now listen! Do you want to live a long, busy life?"-Polio"Yes."-Claudius"Then exaggerate your limp, stammer deliberately, let your wits wander, and keep playing the fool!"-Polio

“Quintillius Varus, where are my Eagles?” -Augustus

“They say you were the most beautiful woman in the world.” –Livilla
"There was another, but she was in Egypt, and besides, she didn’t last as long as I did.” -Livia

"I have some words to say to you before the games begin. Now, these games are being held for my son Drusus Nero, who was worth the whole lot of you put together. It's my intention that these games be remembered long after you're all dead and forgotten by nearest and dearest. You're all scum and you know it, but there is a chance that you, some of you, can prove that you're more than that. And for those of you that death doesn't liberate, there'll be plenty of freedoms handed out for the lot of you afterwards, to say nothing of gold-laden coinage. But I want a good show! I want my money's worth! I don't want any kiss-in-the-ring stuff! And I don't want my family watching two grown men pussy-foot around each other for a half and hour until one of them makes a clean blow, there has been too much of that in the past. And don't think you can fool me either, because I know every trick of the book, including the pig's blood and bladder to make it look that one of you is dead. There's been too much of that too lately. These games are being degraded by the increasing use of professional tricks to stay alive. And I won't have it! Now put on a good show, and there'll be plenty of money for the living and decent burial for the dead. And if not, I'll break this guild up and I'll send you to the mines in Minedea. That's all I've got to say to you.” -Livia

"Herod, what about a little bet? I'll take the fat one for twenty gold pieces." -Augustus
"Caesar, it would be against my religion to bet on the life of a man." -Herod
"Oh, really? I would have thought it against your religion to bet on anything." -Augustus
"Caesar, it's true: Jews love gambling. But we fear our god more." -Herod
"Which one?" -Augustus
"We have only one, Caesar." -Herod
"I've never understood that, it's quite insufficient. Why don't you take some of our gods? You know, plenty of people do." -Augustus
"Believe me, Caesar, the one we have is hard enough to live with." -Herod

"Oh grandfather, open your eyes! Everyone you knew and loved has either died or disappeared. Do you think it was all an accident? My father Agrippa, and before him Marcellus, my brothers Gaius and Lucius, my mother Julia - Now me!." -Postumus

Trivia:
-Horace, the speaker at the banquet, actually died a good decade before the events of this episode.
-Unnamed in the series, 'Claudius’ Bride' was named Urgulanilla.
-Around this time, the unmentioned Agrippa-Julia daughter, Julia the Younger (Julilla) committed some adulteries and was also banished by her grandfather.
-Yes, Rocky Horror fans: That’s Patricia Quinn, Magenta herself, as Livilla.
-John Castle (Postumus) had played the young Augustus in 1972’s Antony and Cleopatra, with Charlton Heston (an original choice for Claudius) and Hildegarde Neil (Mrs. Brian Blessed) in the title roles.
-In her speech to Livilla, the beautiful rival Livia mentioned was Cleopatra.
-Brian Blessed would constantly crack his old-age makeup during the more emotional scenes (and George Baker didn't help matters making him laugh!).

[A.Magik]

Freedom for an Exile!


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Previously...
Claudius, the embarrassment of the family, gets married off to a woman taller than him. He receives a warning for survival: play the fool. Meanwhile, his best friend Postumus lusts after his married cousin Livilla. Learning this, Livia has the girl trick and accuse Postumus of rape. Augustus banishes his surviving grandson to an island like his mother. Tiberius is now sole heir.

Episode 5: Poison is Queen! (Original US Broadcast Date: December 4, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, George Baker, Kevin McNally, John Castle, Patricia Quinn, David Robb
Introducing Patrick Stewart as Sejanus.
Guest Starring Jonathan Burn as Fabius

It is now 14 AD. Claudius informs Germanicus of the depth of their grandmother's treachery. This leads to Augustus' realization of what kind of woman he's been married to for over forty years. The Emperor must set things right by making Postumus his heir. But Livia is a formidable opponent…

And thus a major turning point is made in this episode, and the show doesn’t disappoint. First is Brian Blessed. Any naysayer to his acting abilities is finally dispelled by his great death scene, a close up of his face draining of life. As usual, Sian Philips excels, finally granting some real humanity in Livia. Her drinking during Augustus' suffering, her sad eyes perching upon that fig tree she plans to pollute, and her emotional state as her husband dies. She has finally gotten her wish but at the cost of the man she loved. We also come to the full bitterness of Tiberius, angered at his stepfather's constant ignorance. And yet, Tiberius still is in awe of Augustus. His realization of his stepfather's death is not of joy but shock as if it was a natural disaster. And it is: the peaceful reign of Augustus has ended. The body count will go up. Meanwhile, Derek Jacobi finally comes to his own in the role. Among his performance highlights: Claudius' serious information to Germanicus about Livia (and he gains a victory by avoiding Livia's radar), his irritating conversation with Livia, and that final scene, where Livia laughs at the young Claudius, who then morphs to the older one, damning the woman with all his heart.

Death(s) in this episode: Augustus: poisoned. Fabius: stabbed. Postumus: stabbed.

Memorable quotes:
"Grandmother again? Between reading so many letters and arranging rapes, when does she ever sleep?" -Germanicus
"If you're in the mood to listen, I'll tell you what Postumus thinks about her, and what he thinks will stand up the hairs of your head! He believes that she has systematically destroyed his mother, his brothers, and his father Agrippa! He believes that she poisoned Julia's first husband Marcellus and may have had a hand in our father's death after he saw what she was doing! He believes she poisoned our grandfather. He believes she'll stop at nothing to ensure Tiberius follows Augustus. He believes she's mad!…and I said all that wi-wi-without stuttering. Well, nearly." -Claudius

"He's a bit of a fool." -Augustus
"Aren't we all?" -Postumus

"Is it true that you have written a book about religious changes during the reign of Augustus?"-Livia
"Y-yes, Grandmother."-Claudius "And you intend to give a public reading of it?" -Livia
"Y-yes, Grandmother" -Claudius
"You will do no such thing." -Livia
"No-no, Grandmother. W-wasn't my idea. G-germanicus suggested it before he left." -Claudius
"I won't have you making a laughing stock of my family." -Livia
"I'm B-B-Better when I'm rehearsed."-Claudius
"So is a trained monkey, but he still looks and sounds every inch a monkey." -Livia
"Y-yes, Grandmother." -Claudius
"If that head of yours doesn't stop twitching, I'll have it off and stuck on a pole. That'll fix it!"-Livia
"Th-thanks, Grandmother." -Claudius

"I must have been nodding when I gave birth to you."-Livia
"I sometimes wonder, mother, if you did anything as natural as giving birth." -Tiberius

"He's dead. Augustus is dead."-Livia
"The earth will shake." –Tiberius
"I must go and see the Senators and the Consuls from Rome. Stay with him until I return... By the way: don't touch the figs." -Livia

"You wicked woman! Wicked! What's this? Augustus' will! You stole it! His la-last will! Poison is Queen! Poison is Queen! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"-Claudius

Trivia
-Claudius' son by Urgulanilla was named Drusillus.
-The episode’s title comes from the novel. Claudius tells of how he came upon an ancient chest from Northern Syria. Inside the chest was a portrait with the title Poison is Queen. The portrait, created centuries before Rome, bears the uncanny resemblance of Livia. Also in the novel, Claudius cries out that title when informed of Augustus’ death.
-During the filming of Augustus’ death scene, the lights suddenly went out, frightening Brain Blessed (thinking it was the curse said to plague any adaptation of the novel) and causing a retake.
-According to the novel, Augustus managed to secretly spirit Postumus out of the island, where he traveled incognito. However, a chance meeting with Claudius inadvertently leads to Tiberius and Livia learning about it. Postumus is captured and executed.

[A.Magik]

The Crowd Calls for Death!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Previously...
Through Germanicus, Claudius is able to inform Augustus about Livia's treachery and Postumus' innocence. The Emperor tries to make amends by secretly making his grandson the heir. But Livia has had more experience in this game. She steals the new will, and has every participant of the plan killed. Sadly for her, this includes poisoning Augustus. Her ambition has now been realized: Tiberius becomes Emperor.

Episode 6: Some Justice (Original US Broadcast date: December 11, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, Kevin McNally, Patrick Stewart, James Faulkner, David Robb, Fiona Walker
Guest starring Stratford Johns as Piso, Irene Hamilton as Plancina, Robert Morgan as Young Caligula, Patsy Byrne as Martina

Five years have passed since the death of Augustus. It is now 19 AD. Caesar Tiberius rules, with Livia and Prefect Sejanus the real authorities. Trouble comes from the popularity of Germanicus, Claudius' brother. When the man dies under shady circumstances, murder is considered. His rival Piso and his wife Plancina are major suspects, but Germanicus’ widow Agrippina suspects the Emperor himself. Thus sets a series of backstabbing and trump cards that threaten Livia’s control over her son. Meanwhile, isn't Germanicus’ little son Caligula cute? Nice kid, if one ignores his pyromania, getting fleshy with his sister, and something he did concerning his late father…

One can say this episode’s main plotline has much to do about nothing. Despite the words and reputation, David Robb’s Germanicus really didn’t have much to do in this series. Still, everything else is topnotch, highlights being Livia and Martina exchanging notes, and the explosive falling out between Livia and Tiberius.

Death(s) in this episode: Germanicus: poisoned. Piso: assisted suicide.

Memorable quotes:
“They have no proof.” –Sejanus
“Well I dare say they can tell a pretty tale.” –Livia
“A pretty tale isn’t proof.” –Sejanus
“That’s a different story than the one you’ve been telling for the last five years. You’ve buried more people with your pretty tales than anyone I know.” -Livia

"What’s the matter?”-Livia
“I don’t know. The pain.” -Martina
"Oh come! It’s wind, that’s all! I have it all the time. Do you seriously think if I wanted to dispose of you I’d do it myself?"-Livia
"What's going to happen to me?" -Martina
"I don't know. I'll do my best for you. You’re lucky my agents found you before my son's did. If they hadn’t, you wouldn't be sitting here complaing about wind I promise you." -Livia

"Well don't look at me as if I told you I was pregnant!" -Livia

"I think I shall go mad! You will drive me insane! Will you stay out of my affairs?" -Tiberius
"Your affairs!? You wouldn't be Emperor if it weren’t for me!" –Livia

“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. It’s your letter. You stick to it, and if it gets read in the house, I’ll deny all knowledge of it, and excuse you on the grounds of mental incompetence, brought on by extreme old age!”-Tiberius
“What a spineless, miserable, mean-spirited creature you are! -Livia

"So Piso is dead, but Plancina goes free. Tell me Claudius, is that justice?" -Agrippina
"Well, it's some justice." -Claudius
"Some justice." -Agrippina

Trivia:
-Germanicus and Agrippina had ten children. Only six survived infancy. Only five of these children are portrayed in this series: Nero, Drusus, Drusilla Gaius Caligula, and Agrippina. The youngest, Livilla (called Lesbia by Graves), does not appear.
-Caligula's real name is Gaius. His popular title is a nickname meaning ‘little boot.’ He earned it from his father's soldiers, dressing up in Caliga- special army boots- for them.
-At about this time, Julia, Augustus' daughter, Agrippina's mother, and Caligula's grandmother, died of starvation in her exile.
-David Robb would don a toga again in the 1984 TV miniseries The Last Days of Pompeii which also featured Brian Blessed.

[A.Magik]

A Murderess aspires to God!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.



Previously...
Germanicus dies mysteriously. Due to the protests of his widow Agrippina, all blame goes to Piso, his wife Plancina, and Tiberius. As the crowd call for his death, Piso attempts to manipulate his way toward acquittal. This leads to his own downfall as well as estranging Tiberius and Livia. Along the way, Livia finds out a nasty detail concerning Germanicus’ youngest son Caligula...

Episode 7: Queen of Heaven (Original US Broadcast Date: December 18, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, Kevin McNally, Patrick Stewart, Patricia Quinn, James Faulkner, Fiona Walker, Kevin Stoney
Introducing John Hurt as Caligula Karin Foley as Helen
Guest starring Isabel Dean as Lollia

29 AD. Cementing his own power, Prefect Sejanus lauds Tiberius’ paranoia over conspiracies by his own family. As a result, the widow Agrippina finds all her friends victimized. Tiberius' son Castor is no exception, his wife Livilla secretly involved with Sejanus. Meanwhile, Claudius is invited to Livia’s birthday and learns much from it…

Another turning point for the series. For seven episodes Sian Phillips ruled the series, and that reign now comes to an end. We see Livia as a shadow of herself: vulnerable, somewhat remorseful of her actions (her confession about poisoning Augustus being her hardest action is a far cry from Graves' Livia, who bore no compassion about it) and fearful of the consequences. She also forgives Claudius, which is more than some relatives have done. The torch is passed to John Hurt, here starting his memorable run as Caligula. Meanwhile, Patrick Stewart and Patricia Quinn give fine support as the devious Sejanus (Picard was nothing like this!) and the sex-crazed Livilla, making love near her drugged husband and plotting his death (not to mention groping each other at his death bed). Also worth mentioning is Lollia's party speech and its sudden change in tone. The merits of the episode outweighs some faults: the sketchiness of Castor's characterization; we keep hearing of him carousing in brothels and beating his wife. But any visible appearance show him to be a noble, altogether good guy. True, Tiberius' satyr habits are also off-screen, but at least we get a hint by watching him admiring gay porn with Caligula. Another bad scene is Antonia and Agrippina browbeating Claudius for agreeing to Sejanus' plans. Ironically, I can tolerate watching wicked women like Livia and Livilla more than these noble self-righteous ladies (Put a sock in it 'Pina; your big mouth isn't making your situation any easier!). Not even Herod's defense lessens the pain of how much a shrew Antonia is to her son.

Death(s) of this episode: Lollia: suicide. Castor: poisoned. Livia: pneumonia.

Memorable quotes:
"Happy Anniversary!" -Caligula
"What of?" -Tiberius
"Well, what difference does it make? Can't you think of something? -Caligula

"Would a large dose really kill Castor?" -Livilla
"What're you saying?" -Sejanus
"I can't live without you. I can't. I think I'll die if you don't come to my bed every night. Such a little step to take from making him sleep every night to making him sleep forever!" -Livilla "
Then you'll need something stronger? Something that can be taken in small doses and never be detected?" -Sejanus
"Get it for me!" -Livilla
"You sure?" -Sejanus
"Yes!...And Afterwards?" -Livilla
"I'll divorce my wife and we'll get married. Then I'll have you all to myself." -Sejanus

"You'll have to behave from now on. And if you don't, I'll lock you in a room without any clothes, and visit you every day." -Sejanus
"You'd get tired." -Livilla
"Then I'd send my guards to stand in for me." -Sejanus
"How many?" -Livilla
"Three or four." -Sejanus
"I might not like them." -Livilla
"You'd be forced." -Sejanus
"I'd struggle and scream." -Livilla
"To no use." -Sejanus
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" -Livilla

"I would think it means that she [Livia] wishes you [Claudius] to dine with her. I'd take my own wine if I were you." -Herod

"We haven't even spoken for seven years. Did you know the last time she spoke to me was when Caligula burned the house down? Even then all she said was, 'If you haven't got a bucket, piss on it.'" -Claudius
"Your family are lunatics, you know that?" -Herod
"In that case, Herod, why don't you go back to your own family in Judea?" -Claudius
"Because I prefer the lunatics I know than the ones I don't." -Herod

"It's a present from Tiberius, isn't that nice of him? Of course, what he really wanted to know is how much longer I'm going to live." -Livia

"Remember this, monster [Caligula]: Your Uncle Claudius is a phenomenon: He's so old fashioned that because he swore an oath to protect his brother's children, he will never harm you." -Livia

"Why do you allow Caligula to act like that?" -Claudius
"Because it amuses me. And because he will be the next emperor of Rome. You don't believe me?" -Livia
"If you say so, grandmother. You know I don't concern myself with higher politics. Still, what about Castor? And Caligula has two older brothers." -Claudius
"Castor is ill and Thrasyllus says he won't recover. He also says Tiberius will choose Caligula to succeed him." -Livia
"Why?" -Claudius
"Vanity. Tiberius wants to be loved, at least after his death if not before. And the best way to insure that..." -Livia
"Is to have someone worse to follow him. He's certainly no fool." -Claudius
"He's the biggest fool in my family. I had always thought that that was you... but I think now I was wrong." -Livia

"Grandmother, after all these years, you didn't invite me to dinner just to tell me this." -Claudius
"The wine has made you bolder." -Livia
"You said you kept in with Caligula because he is to be the next emperor." -Claudius
"Lost your stutter as well." -Livia

"You wanted to know the truth and you called it a 'small' condition." -Livia

"What about my father, who was your son? And Germanicus, who was my brother? Did you poison them?" -Claudius
"No. Your father died of his wounds, and Placina poisoned Germanicus with out instructions from me. But I had marked them both down for death. They were both infected with that infantile disorder known as "Republicanism." -Livia

"You blockhead." -Antonia
"No. He's not a blockhead. It's we who are the blockheads. If Sejanus had come to us with a proposal like that we would have given him his marching orders. But Claudius knows better. Claudius sways and bends with each little wind that blows." -Herod
"By which you mean he's weak and cowardly." -Agrippina
"Perhaps. But at least he's still here." -Herod
"Yes. 'Well at least he's still here.' Still here and they all gone. It feels like a dream, dreamt by Livia sleeping fitfully in Hell." -Claudius (narrator)

"I hear you're dying, great grandmother." -Caligula
"You won't forget your promise, will you?" -Livia
"To make you a goddess? And what makes you think that a filthy, smelly old woman like you could become a goddess? I don't need you anymore, you see, great grandmother. My secret will die with you. You are going to stew in hell for ever and ever. Let me tell you something: Thrasyllus has made another prophecy. Told Tiberius. He said, 'One who is going to die soon will become the greatest god the world has ever known. No temples will be dedicated to anyone but him in the whole Roman world, not even to Augustus.' Do you know who that one is? Me. Me. I shall become the greatest god of all. And I shall look down on you suffering all the torments of hell, and I shall say, 'Leave her there. Leave her there forever and ever and ever.' Goodbye, great grandmother." -Caligula
"I want to be a goddess Claudius. I deserve it!" -Livia

Trivia:
-The children of Castor and Livilla were Julia (called Helen in this series) and Gemellus (the survivor of twins).
-One wonders where Claudius' son Drusillus went. Historically, he died around this time period, choking on a pear. Graves has Livia murder her great-grandson because Sejanus was planning to marry his daughter to the boy behind the matriarch's back.
-Livia gives Claudius the Sibylline verses. Here it is by Robert Graves:

A hundred years of the Punic Curse/ And Rome will be slave to a hairy man,/ A hairy man that is scant of hair,/ Every man's woman and each woman's man./ The steed that he rides shall have toes for hooves./ he shall die at the hand of his son, no son,/ and not on the field of war.
The hairy one next to enslave the State/ Shall be son, no son, of this hairy last./ He shall have hair in a generous mop./ He shall give Rome marble in place of clay And fetter her fast with unseen chains,/ And shall die at the hand of his wife, no wife,/ To the gain of his son, no son.
The hairy third to enslave the State/ Shall be son, no son, of his hairy last./ He shall be mud well mixed with blood,/ A hairy man that is scant of hair./ He shall give Rome victories and defeat/ And die to the gain of his son, no son-/ A pillow shall be his sword.
The hairy fourth to enslave the State/ Shall be son, no son, of his hairy last./ A hairy man that is scant of hair,/ He shall give Rome poisons and blasphemies/ And shall die from a kick of his aged horse/ That carried him as a child
The hairy fifth to enslave the State/ To enslave the State, though against his will,/ Shall be that idiot whom all despised./ He shall have hair in a generous mop./ He shall give Rome water and winter bread/ And die at the hand of his wife, no wife/ To the gain of his son, no son.
The hairy sixth to enslave the State/ Shall be son, no son, of this hairy last./ he shall give Rome fiddlers and fear and fire./ His hand shall be red with a parent's blood./ No hairy seventh to him succeeds/ And blood shall gush from his tomb.

-Urgulanilla's (Claudius' first wife) illegitimate daughter (sired by a freedman) was named Claudia.
-Some info about Thrasyllus' prophecy of this dead god: Graves puts Livia's death in 29 AD. At the time when I, Claudius was written, some historians set that year as the date of the crucifixion.
-This is the first episode not to begin or end with Caesar Claudius.
-Neil *****on, here portraying a Praetorian Guard, will reprise his role (well, the role is a Praetorian Guard under Tiberius) in the 1985 TV mini-series A.D.: Anno Domini, starring James Mason (Tiberius), Richard Kiley (Claudius), Paul McEnery (Caligula), Ian McShane (Sejanus), Colleen Dewhurst (Antonia), Susan Sarandon (Livilla) and Damien Thomas (Herod Agrippa). Another player, Angela Morant, also portrayed Octavia in I, Claudius Episode 1.
-Caligula getting on his grandmother's death bed was a last-minute addition by John Hurt.

[A.Magik]

A City Purged!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Previously...
Sejanus cements his control of Rome. He turns Tiberius against Agrippina and her friends. He sleeps with Tiberius daughter-in-law and poisons her husband. He convinces Claudius to divorce his wife and marry his sister. Meanwhile, the dying Livia invites Claudius to her birthday, admitting her murderous actions and her need to become a Goddess to escape damnation.

Episode 8: Reign of Terror (Original US Broadcast Date: December 25, 1977)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, Patrick Stewart, Patricia Quinn, Fiona Walker, Kevin Stoney
Introducing John Rhys Davies as Macro
Guest starring Charles Kay as Gallus, Karin Foley as Helen, Liane Aukin as Aelia, Kate Lansbury as Apicata

31 AD. While Tiberius attains the peak of true monstrosity, Sejanus' power reaches its height. Agrippina and her eldest sons Nero and Drusus are arrested for conspiracy. Caligula avoids their fate, being the Emperor's favorite. Nothing can stop Sejanus from attaining full power, except for Livilla...

The pedestal of Rome certainly fall in this one, along with bodies! From Livia's treachery in the beginning, it was about time the corrupt underbelly surfaced, and all of it from her son. Tiberius, for all his darkness, had previously a spark of humanity left. In the last episode, he prayed to Augustus asking for peace of soul. Now he's completely degenerate, hitting on his own stepdaughter, and ordering a full purge on Rome to an excess even Livia and Sejanus would never do. Sejanus may be villainous, but his comeuppance doesn't give a happy ending: it makes things even worse! All Tartarus breaks loose when he's arrested thanks to Livilla's obsession (Like a Black Widow, Livilla helped bring the ruin and death of Postumus and Castor- both co-assisted by Sejanus- and finally Sejanus himself). Rome is never the same, as poor Antonia sees all of its virtues thrown out the window. Her daughter has murdered her husband, her view of Livia is now proven false (assuming Claudius told her the whole truth), and she deliberately kills her own child. She has been as big a fool as her son. Perhaps she was a fool from the beginning, being the father of Marc Antony. To paraphrase Aristarches from Episode 1, Rome 'never was, what it was.'

Death(s) in this episode: Sejanus: executed, Livilla: starved to death; Sejanus' children: executed.

Memorable quotes:
"My dear, you look like a Greek Tragedy." -Tiberius
"And you look like a Roman Farce." -Agrippina

"Blood-soaked mud are you!" -Agrippina
"Hand me my whips! This queen needs a flogging!" -Tiberius

"Caligula, if you get the chance, you must speak up for them." -Claudius
"Of course I shall. For mother, anyway. To tell you the truth, I couldn't give a damn about Drusus and Nero." -Caligula
"But they're your brothers." -Claudius
"Yes, I know. But then, you don't like Aunt Livilla, and she's your sister. Now, I love my sisters, uncle." -Caligula

"Do you know him [Macro] personally?" -Tiberius
"No, but I slept with his wife several times." -Caligula

"I will make you my successor, Gaius Caligula. Rome deserves you." -Tiberius
"Is that a joke, uncle?" -Caligula
"Not yet, but it will be." -Tiberius

"Mother! Let me out! Let me out!" -Livilla
"What are you doing? For heaven's sake, How long are you going to leave her in there?" -Claudius
"Until she dies." -Antonia
"Dies? Dies? Have you gone mad? She is your daughter. How can you leave her to die?" -Claudius
"That's her punishment." -Antonia
"How can you b-bear to sit out here and listen to her?" -Claudius
"And that's mine. Leave me Claudius. I shan't move from here until they open that door and find her dead. Leave me." -Antonia

"I can't do it. I can't just kill them, they're underage." -Guard
"They're on the list. Now get on with it." -Macro
"The girl is a virgin. It's unprecedented to kill a virgin. It will bring bad luck to the city." -Guard
"Then make sure she's not a virgin when you kill her. Now get on with it!" -Macro

"Rome, you are finished! Finished! You are despicable..." -Claudius

Trivia
-Gallus was the man Vispania (Tiberius' first wife) married. He died in his prison cell of consumption.
-Antonia's punishment for Livilla was foreshadowed in episode 3, when she scolded the girl to 'go to your room, you shall have nothing to eat for the rest of the day!'
-Apicata committed suicide after learning about the deaths of her children. Aelia managed to escape her family's fate by being pregnant with Claudius' child. The daughter she produced, Antonia, is not mentioned in the series.
-What happens to Agrippina and her eldest children? Agrippina, partially blinded by Tiberius' beating, was exiled and managed to starve herself to death. Nero was pressured into suicide. Drusus starved in his prison cell, eating the stuffing of his mattress to no avail. On a lighter note, Plancina, Germanicus' murderess, was arrested on trumped-up charges (Tiberius wanted her money), executed, and her body thrown around like Sejanus'.
-In its original US broadcast, the scene of Macro ordering the rape of Sejanus' daughter was excised by WGBH, the American station that aired Masterpiece Theatre. I suppose the scene of blood-soaked bodies lying around the streets was also removed.

[A.Magik]

A Madman Reigns!


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.



Previously...
Sejanus' power reaches its height. He convinces Tiberius to arrest Agrippina and her sons Nero and Drusus for conspiracy. But he hits a roadblock when the Emperor refuses his desire to marry the widow Livilla. The obsessed woman tries to convince Sejanus to solve this problem by murdering Tiberius. When Antonia learns of this, she informs Tiberius. The Emperor makes Caligula his heir, and orders a purge that destroys Sejanus, his family, and all who served him.

Episode 9: Zeus By Jove! (Original US Broadcast Date: January 1, 1978)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, John Rhys Davies, James Faulkner
Introducing Anna Drysen as Brisies
Guest starring Beth Morris as Drusilla, Douglas Melbourne as Gemellus, John Lauriemore as Lentelus, Anna Drysen as Brisies

37 AD Caligula has now become Emperor. But an illness removes his remaining sanity, rendering him delusion of Godhood. All Rome swallows this nonsense, a tolerance that will bring dark consequences to the remaining members of the family...

Talk about a quick departure! George Baker's Tiberius' position was a major plotline for much of the series (not to mention Baker being second to Derek Jacobi in having the most episode-time). Here, he goes out not in a bang, but in a whimper. Augustus and Livia had their death scenes. Tiberius gets smothered and...on with the show. Oh well. This does mean the rest of the episode is dominated by John Hurt's Caligula. He brings the show to its dramatic peak, from his descent into insanity (portrayed by horse foot stamping), taking advantage of a nobleman's promises of loyalty (with deadly effect), and taking literally certain myths, resulting in one of the most powerfully gruesome scenes ever portrayed on television (and my prime example of 'less is more'). Meanwhile, it's sad to see Antonia die without any forgiveness for Claudius (Hey, Livia gave him her blessing!). Still, Brisies' line that her last words 'Forgive me, Drusus,' does speak volumes. In episode 2, Antonia seemed very distraught (besides the obvious fact) that her husband died before seeing Claudius. In episode 3, she ponders what Drusus would do with Claudius. These bits imply that Drusus was very fond of his youngest son, and Antonia's inability to do the same was a large chip for her.

Death(s) in this episode: Tiberius: smothered; Lentelus: suicide; Gemellus: beheaded; Antonia: suicide; Drusilla: disembowled

Memorable quotes:
"I was never really ill. I was undergoing a metamorphosis." -Caligula
"Oh... was it painful?" -Claudius
"It was like a birth... in which the mother delivers herself." -Caligula
"Oh. It must have been painful. May I enquire on the character of this…glorious change which has come over you?" -Claudius
“Isn’t it obvious?” –Caligula
“Y-you have become a god! Oh my god! Let me worship you! How can I be so blind?” –Claudius
“Well, I am still in mortal disguise. That wouldn’t help you.” –Caligula

“I always knew this would happen. I always knew I was divine. Think of it: when I was two I put down a mutiny in my father’s army and so saved Rome. Now that was prodigious.” –Caligula
“It’s like the stories they tell of Hercules as a child. Hercules, who strangled snakes in his cradle.” -Claudius
“Exactly, but where Mercury stole a few oxen, whereas at age ten I already killed my father. Oh, you didn’t know that, did you?” -Caligula
“N-no, Divinity.” -Claudius
“Even Jove didn’t do that. He merely banished the old man.” -Caligula
“Why, if you don’t mind my asking, did you do that?” -Claudius “Well he stood in my way. Me a young God! He tried to discipline me. So I frightened him to death in Antioch.” -Caligula
“So it was you who did all that! That’s incredible!” -Claudius
“Oh no. Not for a god. Very simple. And not only did I kill my natural father, I also killed my adopted father Tiberius. And Jove didn’t do that!” -Caligula
“No. I’ve never read he was able to do that.” -Claudius
“You see, you’re a very well-read man. And where Jove only slept with only one of his sisters, I’ve slept with all three of them. All three have admitted a god into their beds.” -Caligula

"He [Caligula] wants to see you [Drusilla]. He's become a god. Oh, you're a god, too. We're not [Herod and himself]." -Claudius

"The Emperor is coming. Now there is something you ought to know before he arrives, so that you won't be taken totally by surprise... We are privileged to be living at the time of a most astonishing event. The Emperor has undergone a transformation, a meta-mor-phosis. He has become a god. Now that is unusual to say the least. But that's the nature of miracles, to be unusual. And if it's the nature of some people not to believe in them, well the more fool them... However, the Emperor doesn't want to make too much of it. He doesn't want any fuss, or public announcements. He wants us all to behave normally. Although he is now a god, he is still the same loveable young man we have always known, I can attest to that. And to enable his relationships with all of us to continue exactly as they were, he has decided, for convenience, to retain his mortal form... Oh, and by the way, his sister Drusilla's become a goddess. Any questions?" -Macro

“Your recovery is a miracle.” –Lentelus
“But you prayed for it, Lentelus.” -Caligula
“Night and day, but our prayers are not always heard.” –Lentelus
“Yes, but yours is very special as I understand. You offered your life to the gods in place of mine. It was extremely noble.” -Caligula
“It’s true. I did.” -Lentelus
"And what are you going to do about it?” –Caligula
“Do about it? What do you mean?” -Lentelus
"Well, I'm still here and so are you. But we ought not both be here. Should we not give the gods we promised them or be in danger of the crime of pergury, Lentelus? Think about it. But not too long. The gods won’t wait, I can ensure you. I know them too well.” –Caligula

"Well, you know what they say about the tree of the Claudians. It bears two kinds of fruit. Sweet and bad." -Herod
"Well, we’ve had a terrifying crop this season." –Claudius

“What is it?” -Caligula
“Whose [head] is it?” –Claudius
“Gemellus. I’ve cured his cough.” -Caligula

“You going away somewhere?” –Claudius
“Yes. At long last I’m going to join your father.” –Antonia
“What do you mean?” –Claudius
“I’m going to kill myself. Now don’t start any nonsense.” –Antonia
“But you can’t.” –Claudius
“Oh yes I can. My life’s my own. It’ll be a welcome release. I have no wish to go living in this place.” –Antonia

“But he can’t last forever.” –Claudius
“No, and I dare say you’ll survive him. You survive the great flood, I know that now. But I have no wish to. I;ve stayed too long, and I always thought it the height of good manners to know when to leave.” -Antonia

"There will be no pain I promise you!" –Caligula
“Pain? Why? What do you want to do, my Angel? You know I can resist you nothing! What’re you doing? What do you want to do? Please tell the Queen of Heaven what my lord and master wants?” -Drusilla
“I must draw the child from the Queen of Heaven’s womb and swallow it whole. So that a new child can grow from the head of Zeus.” -Caligula
“Yes…draw it out...Let Zeus take the child out…and let’s go to bed…the Queen’s very sleepy… What’s that? [knife]. What’re you gonna do?” –Drusilla
“There’ll be no pain I know it!” –Caligula
“Pain? Now why should it…Caligula?” -Drusilla
"We are immortal gods!" -Caligula

Trivia
-The Mutiny Caligula ‘stopped’ happened in Lower Germany in 14 AD. Evidently, the soldiers became remorseful over seizing the child that they put down their arms.
-Caligula mentions three sisters. Drusilla, Agrippinilla (Agrippina the Younger) and Livilla (Lesbia). The last one is absent from this series.
-Graves never mentions the cause of Drusilla's death, though he implies it to be by Caligula's hand. Jack Pulman's original script had the episode end with a shot of Drusilla's butchered corpse. The finished product, despite being less extreme, was severely edited by WGBH during the show's original US broadcast on Masterpiece Theatre.

[A.Magik]

Hail Claudius!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.


Previously...
Tiberius dies twice (by stroke, and a smothering pillow), making Caligula Emperor. Unfortunately, a mental illness removes what's left of the young Caesar's sanity. Believing himself a god, Caligula is the final realization of the Royal Family's descent to corruption, victimizing Gemellus and Drusilla. It's the last straw for Claudius' mother Antonia, who commits suicide.

Episode 10: Hail Who? (Original US Broadcast Date: January 8, 1978)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel by Robert Graves) Starring Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Anna Dysen, Lockwood West
Introducing Sheila White as Messalina, Jo Rowbottom as Calpurnia, Sam Dastor as Cassius Chearea, Norman Eshley as Marcus, James Fagan as Asprenas, Bernard Hill as Gratus
Guest starring Bruce Purchase as Sabinus, Norman Rossington as the Sergeant

41 AD Caesar Caligula continues his madness, by installing a brothel in the palace, considering seashells to be divine booty, and making a horse a consul of Rome! He also marries Claudius to a woman thirty years his junior. Finally, his new prefect has had enough. Caligula's divinity is about to be violently questioned...

If Episode 9 was dark and intense, then Episode 10 is a relief, bordering on laughter with Caligula’s constant antics (that is, until he gets killed). Again, John Hurt clearly excels! This is really the peak of the series, with such highlights: the orgy, with Caligula likening it to Ulysses' suitor-filled palace (and considering to reenact that scene's bloody resolution), Caligula's cross-dressing dance, his return to Rome with Neptune's booty, and Claudius' sudden rise to emperor.

Death(s) in this episode: Caligula: repeated stab wounds; Caesonia: stabbed.

Memorable quotes:
"Claudius, we must help him, the Emperor." –Caesonia
"He's your husband, you help him." –Claudius
"Claudius, he's sick. He needs good people around him." –Caesonia
"He's killed them all." -Claudius

"I am Ulysses, returning home to witness the shame and degradation of his household." –Caligula
"Shall I arrest them, Caesar?" –Cassius
"No, let them indulge themselves a while longer. Soon, I promise you, I will flush this sewage into the Tiber forever." -Caligula

"We wanted to get here sooner, so we came across the water." –Claudius
"Well, then back by water you go! Throw them in the river!" -Caligula

"Please, in the name of my wife, your sister." –Marcus
"Dare you mention that whore to me!" –Caligula

"Do you think I'm mad?" –Caligula
"Mad?" –Claudius
"Yes, sometimes I think that I'm going mad. Do you - be honest with me - has that thought ever crossed your mind?" –Caligula
"Never. Never. The idea is preposterous. You set the standard of sanity for the whole world." -Claudius

"Your Emperor is amongst you, yet again. All his wars successfully concluded, and his victorious armies brought back to Rome. He had thought in his divine innocence that the roads might be lined with cheering crowds. He had thought the streets would be lined with flowers. He had thought there would be messages greeting him with triumphs to be rewarded. What did he find, this conqueror of the Germans, this victor over Neptune? The streets empty of crowds and no flowers, no triumphs rewarded. No games, no celebrations. But three miserable old ex-consuls waiting for him at the gates to greet him and a roomful of cowardly stay-at-home senators, who spent all their time in the theatre and the baths while he has lived six months living no better than a private soldier! Yes, your Emperor has returned, but with this [sword] in his hand!" –Caligula
"But Jove, you ordered no triumphs." –Senator
"Well, of course I ordered no triumphs! Do you think I'd ordered triumphs for myself?" –Caligula
"But you ordered us not to order any." –Senator
"Yes, but you took me at my word, didn't you? Typical. It didn't occur to you that I'd be leaving it to you, for your love to show itself freely? Didn't occur to you that it was my natural humility speaking? 'I ordered no triumphs'..." -Caligula

"If you are no longer his friend, what can you be but his enemy?" -Cassius
"Go your own way, Cassius." –Marcus
"If we all go our own way, we shall all end by going the same way." -Cassius

“The noble senator [horse] Incitatus.” –Servant
“You know everyone don’t you? Find yourself a place. He’s never been to a wedding before. His life has really opened up since I made him a senator.” –Caligula

“If you [crowd] had one neck, I’d hack it through!” -Caligula

“The watchword, butcher, is liberty!” –Cassius

“Drusilla…I’m dying!…Drusilla!” –Caligula

"This is for our wives, Jove!" -Sabinus

“Stop them!" -German Guard
Wait a minute! Wait a minute, Gentlemen! That's our new Emperor...Kaiser...Em-per-ror!” –Gratus
“Ya?” -German Guard

Trivia
-Marcus Vinicius was Caligula's brother-in-law by his sister Livilla (Lesbia), who doesn't appear at all in this series!
-Caesonia was Caligula's fourth wife. She was already married and pregnant when Caligula ordered her divorced and married. Her child, named Drusilla, was adopted and doted on by the Emperor (who probably knew about her true mortal father, which explains why he didn't gulp her like he did the last child!)
-In Homer's The Odyssey, Ulysses came to his house to find it inhabited by suitors for his wife. Ulysses kills them all.
-Caligula had Macro arrested and executed, for having his wife seduce him. His replacement, Cassius Chearea, was mentioned before in episode 4, as leading the surviving remnants of Varus’ legions out of the Rhine. He was also in Germanicus’ army, at one point riding Caligula upon his horse, thus fulfilling the Sybil’s prophecy of Caligula’s death: “He shall die from a kick by his aged horse/ That carried him as a child.”
-Through her mother Domitia Lepida, Messalina was granddaughter of Antonia the Elder, sister to this series' Antonia (the Younger).
-Caligula mentions the celebration of the Battle of Actium, where one great-grandfather Augustus and Grandfather Agrippa (from his mother Agrippina) defeated another Great-Grandfather Marc Antony (from his father Germanicus). Incidentally, the flashbacks of this series began on the seventh-anniversary.
-Robert Graves' novel I, Claudius ends with Caligula's assassination and Claudius' ascension.
-John Hurt and Derek Jacobi kept bursting into laughter while acting the scene where Caligula asks Claudius about his sanity (or lack thereof).
-Freda Dowie also portrayed the Sybil.
-WGBH, the station sponsoring Masterpiece Theatre, excised the murder of Caesonia and her child from the original US Broadcast. Evidently, parts of the Palace Orgy were also cut.
-Bernard Hill (Captain Smith in Titanic, Theoden in Lord of the Rings) plays Gratus, the soldier who inspires Claudius' coronation. Several other I, Claudius actors have played in adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkein's saga. Christopher Guard (Marcellus/Frodo in Ralph Bakshi's 1978 version), John Rhys-Davies (Macro/Grimli in Peter Jackson's 2001-2003 trilogy), and John Hurt (Caligula/Aragon 1978).

[A.Magik]

An Assassination Attempt!


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.



Previously…
Caligula’s mad reign continues from making a horse a Senator to marrying Claudius off to his cousin Messalina, a teenager thirty years his junior. However, Praetorian Prefect Cassius Chearea has had enough of this nonsense. He stages an attack that violently and fatally disproves Caligula’s divinity. Claudius finds himself in a fantastic situation when the Praetorian Guard proclaim him successor to the Crown of Rome…

Episode 11: Fool’s Luck (Original US Broadcast Date: January 15, 1978)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel Claudius the God by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sheila White, James Faulkner, Sam Dastor, Norman Eshley, James Fagan, Bernard Hill
Introducing Bernard Hepton as Pallas, John Cater as Narcissus, Moria Redmond as Domitia
Guest starring Lyndon Brook as Silanus, John Bennet as Xenophon

41 AD To protect the lives of his family and himself, Claudius accepts the Throne of Rome. Despite his inexperience, he manages to administrate competently. However, corruption still lingers, by his power-hungry ministers, and Messalina, who has interests of an extramarital matter…

Jacobi gives his best performance, developing from confused heir apparent to reluctant lord and confident and wise (to an extant) ruler. Still, one feels that the show has passed its peak. Its still top-notch entertainment, but just as the first book had the juiciest parts, the adaptation of Part 1 had the best ensemble performers in Blessed, Baker, Philips, Stewart, and Hurt. This I, Claudius: the Next Generation is not the equal. Sheila White is fine as Messalina, switching from innocence to ‘don’t-f----with-me' obsession, but she really can’t match Philips’ Livia.

Death[s] in this episode: Cassius: suicide; Silanus: execution.

Memorable Quotes:
“It is against the constitution for anyone but the Senate to appoint an Emperor.” -Marcus
“It’s also against the constitution to murder one, but if you hadn’t done that we wouldn’t be in this absurd position!” -Claudius

"You are not fit to be Emperor." -Asprenas
"I agree. But nor was my nephew." -Claudius
"Then what difference is there between you?" -Asprenas
"He would not have agreed. And by now your head would be on that floor for saying so." -Claudius

"There are those who say you cannot hear properly, you cannot speak properly, and that you've got no experience of government." -Senator
"And that I am besides half-witted. Senators, it is true that I am hard of hearing, but you will find it is not for want of listening. As for speaking, again, it's true I have an impediment. But isn't what a man says more important than how long he takes to say it? It's true again I have little experience of government. But then, have you more? I at least have lived with the imperial family who has ruled this empire ever since you so spinelessly handed it over to us. I've observed it working more closely than any of you. Is your experience better than that? As for being half-witted, well, what can I say - except that I have survived to middle age with half my wits, while thousands have died with all of theirs intact. Evidently, quality of wits is more important than quantity. Senators, I shall do nothing unconstitutional; I shall appear at the next session of the senate where you may confirm me in my position or not as you wish. But if it pleases you not to, explain your reasons to them[the Praetorian Guard]. Not to me." -Claudius

“I want to be Livia to your Augustus.” –Messalina

“I’m thinking about writing a book about my family.” -Claudius
“What sort of book?” -Herod
“The truth.” -Claudius
“Will you tell everything?” -Herod
“Yes, as a historian should. Not of great tales and heroic exploits like Giaus Livy wrote, but the plain facts. The kitchen details, even the gossip!” -Claudius
“Why? Why should you like to write such a book? Why not make it all up?” -Herod
“Because I owe it to the others to tell the truth. Postumus and Germanicus.” -Claudius
“Why?” -Herod
“Because they’re dead, and a man should keep faith with his friends though they are dead. You see, I have been so fortunate in my life, while others more deserving have not. Well, I have had only three real friends in my life. Postumus and Germanicus are two. The third one is you.” -Claudius
“Listen Claudius. Let me give you a piece of advice...one last piece and then I’m done. Trust no one my friend. No one. Not even your precious freedman, not your most intimate friend, not even your dearest child. The wife of your bosom. Trust no one.” -Herod
“No one? Not even you?” -Claudius

“I won’t deny that I am of an amorous disposition. I have been all my life. But I wouldn’t touch you, lady, for all your beauty, with a ten foot pole!” –Silanus
“You forget who I am! Not the girl you once teased and doted with, but the Emperor’s wife! I only have to raise my voice and tear my clothes to have you executed on the spot! I’ll give you one week to come to me of your own accord and on your knees!” -Messalina

“I have lived too long to become the bedtime toy of a seventeen- year-old-girl.” -Silanus

Trivia:
-This episode and the remaining two are based on Robert Graves’ novel Claudius the God.
-Claudius’ marriage to Messalina bore Britannicus and Octavia.
-This is the only episode to directly follow the events of its predecessor, not separated by a passage of years.
-Moira Redmond was married to Herbert Wise.

[A.Magik]

A Deadly Conspiracy!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.



Previously…
To protect his family and himself, the newly crowned Claudius accepts his new status as Emperor of the Roman world. Unfortunately, his efforts to rule wisely are undone by corrupt freedmen like Pallas and Narcissus. His wife Messalina, meanwhile, decides to abuse her new power by attempting to make a lover out of her new stepfather, the pro-republican Silanus. When Silanus refuses, tragedy results...

Episode 12: A God in Colchester (Original US Broadcast Date: January 22, 1978)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel Claudius the God by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Sheila White, Bernard Hill, Bernard Hepton, John Cater, Moria Redmond, the voice of James Faulkner, Jo Rowbottom
Guest starring: Nicolas Amer as Mnester, Charlotte Howard as Scylla, George Innes as Quintus Justus, Manning Wilson as Marsus Vibius, and Stuart Wilson as Silius

44 AD As Caesar Claudius stretches Roman control in Great Britain, he is set by betrayal by his unfaithful wife, and his remaining friend.

Back to the sex! Messalina lays on the romps, from competing with a prostitute to planning a coup d’etat with her lover (a young Stuart Wilson) Poor Claudius. From Livia to Antonia to all his wives, he has never been given any respect by a woman, except for Calpurnia. And his last dear string to the past is severed by the betrayal and subsequent death of Herod Agrippa (Funny, he mentions Castor among his friends, after excluding him from the list last episode). Anyway, Sheila White gives the major highlights right to the end, doing the best screaming job since Frances White's Julia screamed for Augustus' forgiveness (a lot of character parallels there, though neither actress are related).

Death [s] in this episode: Herod: multiple afflictions; Messalina: beheaded

Memorable quotes:
"Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Mnester, I'm an actor. Most people have heard of me." –Mnester
"My name is Scylla, and I'm a whore. Everybody's heard of me." -Scylla

"The difference between you and me, actor, is you're a snob and I'm not. And the difference between this great lady and myself is that my work is her hobby. My hobby happens to be gardening, for which I don't expect to be paid." -Scylla

“Let us begin. Which side of the bed do you prefer? Left or right?” –Messalina
“Lady, give me a support for my back, and let the games begin as they say!” -Scylla

"What am I to do?" -Quintus Justus
"What can a dead man do? Go and get buried." –Pallas

“Victory has conceded thee. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen!” –Mnester
“Come back whore! We aren’t finished!” –Messalina
“She’s inhuman. Her insides must be made out of old army boots…Amateur!” -Scylla

“A Roman triumph is seldom granted, but they granted one to me. Me, Claudius the Idiot, the Stammerer, the Fool. But what life gives with one hand, it takes back with the other. I would have gladly forgotten my triumphs but for the tragedies about to unfold.” -Claudius

“Before he[Silius] knew it, he was comforting her[Messalina]. Before he realized it, he was making love to her. He was as much her abject slave as I was.” -Claudius

“Marmoset, I am dying. My body is full of maggots. Forgive me, forgive your old friend who loved you dearly, but tried to take the East away from you. I have failed. I have played too dangerous a game. Little Marmoset, you are a fool but I envy you your folly. Do not weep for me. My punishment is just. I have offended the only living god. Farewell my friend, whom I loved more truly than you supposed. Farewell Marmoset my school fellow, and trust no one. No one. Your dying friend. Herod Agrippa.” -Herod's last letter
“I was alone. For the first time in my life, I was alone. They were all gone now, those friends off my youth: Germanicus, Postumus, Castor, Herod. There was no one now I can turn to except Messalina.” -Claudius

"Where is he? Where is my husband?" –Messalina
"He doesn't wish to see you." –Narcissus
"Out of my way, Greek! You dare stand between me and my husband?" -Messalina
"Which husband, you whore! Which one?" -Narcissus

“What do you want?” –Messalina
“Your life, lady. Your husband’s orders.” –Guard
“No. He wouldn’t do that. My husband wouldn’t do that.” -Messalina
“Read it. It has his signature. I am to offer you the dagger first if you have it. Then to cut off your pretty head and put it on a spear.” –Guard
“No! No! Not my head! Not my head!” –Messalina
“Child! My child. Your life is done. Take the dagger and use it!” –Domitia
“No. Don’t let them take my head… No. No. He wouldn’t do that. Not Claudius.” -Messalina
“Use it. Use it quickly!” –Domitia
“I can’t. I can’t. No! Not my head! Not my..." -Messalina

Trivia:
-Around this time, Messalina influenced Claudius to execute his sister's daughter Helen and his brother's daughter Livilla/Lesbia for treason.
-Claudius’ account that he started the histories around this time conflict with the time-setting of Episode 1. There he was paranoid about assassination attempts, hardly the calm atmosphere he felt in this episode. Perhaps he was writing about Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, and Cleopatra?
-This episode has the longest time span: four years.
-The importance of Bethlehem being the birthplace of the Messiah is based on the words of the Prophet Micah: “But thou O Bethlehem, though you are lowest of all places, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of all Israel.”
-Joshua Ben Joseph is actually the Hebrew name of Jesus. The account of being the son of a soldier is based on anti-Christian Roman propaganda.
-Herod Agrippa’s persecution of the Apostles and horrible death are known to Christians in The Acts of the Apostles part of the New Testament.
-Marsus Vibius’ line about Jesus’ parentage, ‘a greek soldier was supposed to have seduced his mother’, was deemed too blasphemous for American Television and excised by WGBH-TV. The station also cut an overhead shot of Messalina and Silius making love, as well as bits exposing the former’s breasts.

[A.Magik]

The Sybil Speaks!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E6B4JJMKL._AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00004U12X/sr=1-1/qid=1194345406/ref=dp_image_0/102-4849243-2328949?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd&qid=1194345406&sr=1-1)

Thirty Years Ago, America first viewed one of Television's greatest sagas. From November 6, 1977 to January 29, 1978, Public Television's Masterpiece Theatre gave the 1976 BBC Serial I, Claudius its American Broadcast Premiere. In honor of this anniversary, this talkback thread will cover each episode according to the day of its first US broadcast. Feel free to give your comments and questions about this television epic.

Previously...
Caesar Claudius is beset by betrayals all around. His old friend Herod plans to make himself the Jewish-prophesied Messiah and start a rebellion in the East. But he becomes beset by illness and dies painfully. Meanwhile, Messalina continues her adulteries, going so far as to marrying one lover to depose her cuckolded husband. Pallas and Narcissus, protecting their own necks, finally warn their Emperor about his wife. Through him, the freedmen have Messalina arrested. Without him, they have her executed. Claudius, victor of Britain, a God in the city of Colchester, is now a broken man...

Episode 13: Old King Log (Original US Broadcast Date: January 29, 1978)
Studio BBC/London Film Productions Ltd.
Producer Martin Lisemore
Director Herbert Wise
Writer Jack Pulman (Based on the novel Claudius the God by Robert Graves)
Starring Derek Jacobi, Bernard Hepton, and John Cater
Guest Starring Barbara Young as Agrippinilla, Christopher Biggins as Nero, Graham Seed as Britannicus, Cheryl Johnson as Octavia, Peter Bowles as Caractacus, Freda Dowie as the Sybil
Special Appearances Brian Blessed as Augustus, Sian Philips as Livia, George Baker as Tiberius, Margaret Tyzack as Antonia, and John Hurt as Caligula

54 AD Caesar Claudius accepts his fate by marrying his niece Agrippinilla. He knows the Sybil’s prophesy that he will die by her hand for the benefit of her son Nero. But Claudius has an ulterior motive: protect his own son Britannicus and have him restore the republic after the fall of Nero’s reign. As usual, things do not go as planned…

And thus the great series ends, not in a whimper, but not exactly in a bang either. As a way of remembering its roots, the finale has the major cast make ghostly reappearances. Even if one wonders why Claudius doesn't see Postumus, Germanicus, and Herod with this company, who would want to miss one more appearance by Blessed, Philips, Baker, and Hurt? The final episode has Claudius fully in charge here. He still plays the fool, but takes delight in pestering Agrippinilla, deducing and predicting all her machinations without making her work for it (thus defusing her talents). One sees more parallels with him and Augustus. Both are victims of their wives’ treachery for the sake of a stepson. Both try to save their desired child (Britannicus/Postumus). Unlike Augustus, Claudius is ready for anything his wife can do; he could have been able to protect his child, if only Britannicus hadn’t sniffed at his republicanism plans. Finally, Claudius accepts his fate, allowing Agrippinilla to poison him, taking the intelligence out of her treachery, rendering her action a hollow victory. As the Sybil would say: Farewell.

Death (s) of this episode: Claudius: poisoned

Memorable quotes:
“I feel sorry for him[Claudius]. Don’t you?” –Nero
“No.” –Agrippinilla
“No? Neither do I. Let’s announce his death!” –Nero

“Write no more, Claudius. Write no more.” -Claudius

"The frog pool wanted a king. Jove sent them Old King Log. I have been as deaf and blind and wooden as a log. My chief fault? I aheve been too benevolent. I have repaired the ruin my predecessors had spread. I reconciled Rome to the monarchy again. By dulling the blade of tyranny I fell into great error. By sharpening that blade I might redeem that error. Violent disorders call for violent remedies. Yet, I am, I must remember, Old King Log. I shall float inertly on the stagnant pool. Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out. Yes…Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out." -Claudius

"Beautiful woman. Whoever married her is a fortunate man." –Pallas
"She's married already…the drummer. They have three children." –Narcissus “Then I envy him.” –Pallas
"He tells me she’s a shrew." –Narcissus
"Then I envy him his nights, if not his days." -Pallas

"It'll[Claudius marrying Agrippinilla] be the Lady Messalina all over again. Worse, it'll be the Lady Messalina with brains!" -Narcissus

“I killed his mother. I’ve been less than a father to him ever since.” -Claudius

“Well done Claudius. Emperor after all! Who would have thought it, eh?” –Augustus’ ghost
“You're a fool, boy. You always were. People might say it’s not your fault. But if it’s not your fault, who’s fault is it?” –Livia’s ghost
“Your nose is running, Claudius. It’s still running.” –Antonia’s ghost
“Wasn’t worth it, was it? I could have told you that.” –Tiberius’ ghost
“Uncle Claudius, I wasn't sane after all, would you believe that? Could have knocked me over with a feather when they told me that.” –Caligula’s ghost

“What a pretty thing a fire is.” –Nero

"I can take care of myself. Poor father. He never could." -Britannicus

"Why are you laughing?" –Sybil
"I've cheated them again. They think I'm dead." –Claudius
"But you are dead, you fool. You're as dead as anyone can be." –Sybil
“Well you can’t survive them all.” –Claudius
“No. Not even you.” –Sybil

“Britannicus. What will happen to him?” –Claudius
“Nero will kill him.” –Sybil
“And Narcissus?” –Claudius
“Agrippinilla will kill him. Then Nero will kill her.” –Sybil
“Sounds depressingly familiar.” –Claudius
“Yes, isn’t it?” –Sybil
“And the Empire?” –Claudius
“Oh that will go on. Just as Livia said it would. But there will be no more Claudians after Nero. He will be the last. But the Emperors won’t be a bad lot after him. Well, give or take a few. Quite a story, wasn’t it? They burned your book, you know? All of it. Lucky for you, you made another copy and buried it!" -Sybil

"Farewell, Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus, God of the Britons, onetime emperor of the Roman world. Farewell." -Sybil

Trivia:
-Nero’s original name was Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbaus. His father Gneaus was son of Antonia the Elder (mother to Domitia).
-The Sybil’s last prophecy, according to Graves: "The hairy sixth to enslave the State/ Shall be son, no son, of this hairy last./ he shall give Rome fiddlers and fear and fire./ His hand shall be red with a parent's blood./ No hairy seventh to him succeeds/ And blood shall gush from his tomb."
-In reality, Agrippinilla (historically named Agrippina the Younger) could not have used a fork to put the poisonous mushroom into Claudius’ mouth. Forks were not invented yet.
-In terms of episodes, Derek Jacobi gets the most number of episodes with George Baker coming in 2nd (10 episodes), Sian Philips and Margaret Tyzack at 3rd (8 episodes), and Brian Blessed 4th (6 episodes). Just like the actual reigns, Augustus had the longest episode reign (5 episodes), Tiberius had 3, Caligula 2 and Claudius 3.
-Shortly after the series ended, Producer Martin Lisemore died. Perhaps a sign of the Claudius curse?
-Christopher Biggins was a little apprehensive about performing before the returning cast members (for the ghost sequence).
-There was an extended scene of Agrippinilla kissing her son Nero and seducing him into sex. Most US prints (American VHS and DVD) have edited this scene, cutting to when mother and son are about to kiss.
-The taglines I’ve used for each episode thread come from the original US advertisement promos from The New York Times.
-So what happened to the remaining characters? Messalina’s mother Domitia was murdered by Agrippinilla for being a rival influence over her son. Calpurnia, Claudius’ most trusted and loved female friend, was killed in a fire possibly contrived. Shortly after Claudius' death, Agrippinilla had Narcissus executed. But as Pallas feared, Caesar Nero proved too uncontrollable even for Agrippinilla’s incestuous influence. Fearing his rival, Nero poisoned Britannicus by cooling his drink with poisoned water. He lost interest in Octavia, divorced her, and then had her executed. When Agrippinilla proved too dominating, Nero had her travel in a ship designed to sink mid-ocean. But the woman swam to safety. Her safety was short-lived. Soldiers found and killed her (it is said she wished to be stabbed in the stomach that carried so monstrous a son). Pallas also fell to Nero’s tyranny as well. Eventually, uprisings in several provinces grew to a full-scale rebellion against the Emperor. Abandoned by all, Nero had a slave stab him to death. Since all the Claudian family members were dead, the throne fell to several noblemen and Generals until Vespasian attained power for a more established and longer reign. The Republic was never restored.

Any final comments?