Masterpiece Season 7 Episode 22 I, Claudius (12): a God in Colchester
- January 22, 1978
I, Claudius (12): A God in Colchester, the 22nd and final episode of Masterpiece's seventh season, follows the political intrigue and machinations in ancient Rome as Emperor Claudius navigates his way through a dangerous web of conspiracies and power struggles. The episode sees Claudius dealing with a potential uprising in Colchester, a Roman colony in Britain, while also trying to hold together his fractious court and placate the increasingly unpredictable Empress Messalina.
As Claudius and his advisors debate what to do about the possible rebellion in Colchester, they are faced with a difficult decision: should they send in troops to crush the rebels, or try to negotiate a peaceful settlement? Meanwhile, Messalina's increasingly erratic behavior has the court on edge, and Claudius is forced to make some tough choices about how to handle his unstable wife.
Amid all of this political turmoil, there are also personal dramas playing out within Claudius's family. His son Britannicus is growing up fast and becoming more independent, much to the chagrin of his mother Agrippina, who is jealous of the young prince's closeness to his father. And as the tension between Messalina and Claudius reaches boiling point, the Emperor is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about his own marriage and his loyalty to his wife.
With its complex characters, intricate plot, and lush production design, I, Claudius (12): A God in Colchester is a fitting finale to Masterpiece's seventh season. Fans of historical drama, political intrigue, and family sagas will all find something to love in this gripping and satisfying episode.