Ep 2. How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic

How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic is the second episode of the first season of the historical drama series Rome, which premiered on August 28, 2005, on HBO. The episode was written by Bruno Heller and directed by Alan Poul.

The episode takes place in 52 BC, during the height of Julius Caesar's power in Rome. The Senate is scrambling to regain control over the city, and they see an opportunity to do so when a powerful general, Pompey, returns to Rome. Caesar has been away on campaign in Gaul for over a decade, and Pompey sees his absence as an opportunity to seize power for himself.

Meanwhile, two soldiers in Caesar's army, Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, find themselves on opposite sides of a deadly feud. Pullo has just returned from a brutal battle and is looking for a good time in the city, while Vorenus is struggling to keep his family and business afloat.

When Vorenus is given a mission from Caesar to retrieve stolen gold from a rival gang, he enlists Pullo's help. The two men manage to recover the gold, but a confrontation with the rival gang leader leaves Vorenus gravely injured.

To save his friend's life, Pullo takes matters into his own hands and goes to extreme lengths to ensure that Vorenus is able to heal. Meanwhile, the Senate sees an opportunity to turn Pompey against Caesar by offering him a deal they believe he can't refuse.

As the episode progresses, we see the power struggle between Caesar, Pompey, and the Senate intensify. As tensions rise, Pullo must navigate the dangerous political climate in order to keep himself and his friend alive.

Through all of this, the show delves into the political machinations of ancient Rome, as well as the gritty reality of life for soldiers and citizens alike. It depicts the city as a place of danger and intrigue, where alliances are constantly shifting and no one can be trusted.

Overall, How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic is a riveting episode that showcases the strengths of the series as a whole. By balancing historical accuracy with compelling characters and fast-paced action, it manages to capture the spirit of ancient Rome while also making it feel relevant to modern audiences.