Ep 1. Born in the Purple

Roman Empire: Reign of Blood is a captivating historical drama series that takes a closer look at the reign of the infamous Roman emperor, Commodus. The first episode of the show is aptly titled 'Born in the Purple,' which delves into Commodus's early life and his rise to power.

The episode begins by exploring the upbringing of Commodus, who was born into royalty as the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The show portrays Commodus as a spoiled and entitled child, who is accustomed to getting whatever he desires. We see the young Comodus demanding a new sword from his father, who tries to instill in him the virtues of discipline and fortitude.

As Commodus grows older, we see him becoming increasingly distant from his father, who is more interested in his military campaigns than his son's well-being. The episode portrays Marcus Aurelius as a stern and unemotional father, who is more concerned with his legacy than his family.

The show then takes us through the events that led to Marcus Aurelius's death, which occurred while he was on a military campaign against the Germanic tribes. Commodus is devastated by his father's death and is prompted to return to Rome to take up the mantle of emperor.

However, Commodus's ascension to the throne is far from smooth. The episode portrays him as a weak and indecisive ruler, who is easily manipulated by the people around him. We see him being swayed by his advisors and courtiers, who are more interested in their own personal gain than the welfare of the empire.

Despite his shortcomings, Commodus manages to hold onto power and suppresses any opposition to his rule. However, his actions eventually lead to his downfall, as he becomes increasingly paranoid and mired in corruption.

Overall, the first episode of Roman Empire: Reign of Blood is an engaging and insightful look into the life and reign of Commodus. The show does an excellent job of capturing the political machinations and intrigue of the Roman court, as well as portraying the human emotions and flaws of its characters. Whether you're a history buff or just a fan of well-crafted drama, this show is definitely worth your time.