Ep 1. The Stolen Eagle

In the opening episode of the HBO historical drama series "Rome," titled "The Stolen Eagle," viewers are transported back to 52 B.C. when the Roman Republic was on the verge of collapse. The show follows the intricacies of the political and social climate in ancient Rome, as well as the personal struggles of two Roman soldiers, Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) and Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd).

As the episode opens, Julius Caesar (Ciarán Hinds) leads his legions across the Rubicon River to invade Rome, in defiance of the Roman Senate's orders. The ambitious general is determined to seize power and ultimately become dictator, a move that will change the course of Roman history forever.

Meanwhile, Pullo and Vorenus, two soldiers in Caesar's 13th legion, find themselves embroiled in a power struggle of their own. During a routine scouting mission, their eagle, a symbol of Roman pride and military power, is stolen by a group of Gauls. The loss of the eagle is a crushing blow to the regiment's morale, and Pullo and Vorenus are tasked with retrieving it.

The two soldiers are vastly different in personality. Pullo, a brutish and impulsive fighter, constantly finds himself in trouble, while Vorenus, who prides himself on being a disciplined and loyal soldier, is often frustrated with Pullo's antics. Their journey together to retrieve the stolen eagle leads them into the dark and dangerous underbelly of Rome, where they encounter a seedy underworld of gangsters, prostitutes and corrupt officials.

As Caesar consolidates his power in Rome, he finds himself facing opposition from the senators who seek to maintain the status quo. His former ally Pompey (Kenneth Cranham) leads the charge against him, and tensions boil over into an explosive confrontation between the two factions. Caesar must navigate treacherous political waters to achieve his goals, while Pullo and Vorenus fight to complete their mission and regain the stolen eagle, despite facing a multitude of obstacles along the way.

The first episode of "Rome" immerses viewers in the complex society of ancient Rome, where power struggles and political gamesmanship were rampant. The show offers a realistic portrayal of the sights, sounds and daily life of Roman citizens, including the harsh realities of slavery and violence. The characters are richly drawn and flawed, with each one struggling to survive and thrive in a world that is constantly changing.

Overall, "The Stolen Eagle" sets the stage for the epic drama that will unfold throughout the series. It introduces the main players and their motivations, and offers a glimpse into the intrigue and danger that characterized life in ancient Rome. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances and well-crafted storyline, "Rome" is a must-see for anyone interested in history or compelling drama.