Masterpiece Season 7 Episode 15 I, Claudius (5): Poison is Queen

I, Claudius (5): Poison is Queen is the fifteenth episode of the seventh season of Masterpiece. The episode is a part of the television series I, Claudius and continues the story of Claudius, who has become the Emperor of Rome. The story revolves around the murder of the Empress Messalina, who is Claudius's wife and the mother of his children.

In the previous episodes, Messalina had been involved in various scandals and had become increasingly reckless. In this episode, she is shown as more desperate than ever and is willing to go to any lengths to maintain her power. She sets her sights on the handsome young senator Silius and plans to marry him in secret.

Meanwhile, Claudius is busy with the business of ruling the empire and is unaware of the dangerous game his wife is playing. However, he is convinced by his advisors to sign a death warrant for a rival senator, who is suspected of plotting against him. This act sets off a chain of events that leads Messalina to make a fateful decision.

As the tension builds, the episode takes a dark turn, as the Empress realizes that she has been betrayed by her lover and that her plans for power have failed. She turns to one of her closest confidants, Halotus, and asks him to help her end her life. The fallout from this decision will have far-reaching consequences for everyone involved.

I, Claudius (5): Poison is Queen is a gripping episode that delves into the complex politics and power struggles of ancient Rome. Full of political intrigue, betrayal, and murder, the episode builds to a shocking climax that will leave viewers on the edge of their seat. With superb acting, direction, and writing, this episode is a masterclass in historical drama and is not to be missed.