Imagine an alternate universe where all the political intrigue, backstabbing violence, and sex — group sex, orgy sex, just all different kinds of sex —associated with ancient Rome no longer had an association with ancient Rome. Boring, yes?
Years before the younger and better-treated “Game of Thrones” entered the family, HBO’s “Rome” was the network’s financially-spoiled firstborn. As far as the sibling resemblance goes, both “Rome” and “Game of Thrones” are understood as period pieces, but their respective periods sit several realities apart. Instead of following a world filled with zombies, dragons, and face-shifting child assassins, “Rome” is a historic-ish retelling set in our universe during the very last days of the Roman Republic, right before it became an empire.Â
Its story is told through the lives of those under the regime, a setting built for character comparisons. There’s the cunning and merciless Gaius Octavian, played by Max Pirkis, who gives off Joffrey Baratheon vibes. You have Polly Walker as Atia of the Julii, who seems like the model for Cersei Lannister. And of course, you have a few shared “Game of Thrones” stars in Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand) as Niobe, along with Tobias Menzies (Edmure Tully) as Marcus Junius Brutus.
Despite winning seven Emmys in 2006 and receiving critical praise, “Rome” was canceled before the second season even aired for financial reasons. According to Entertainment Weekly, it would be a decision that HBO would reportedly live to regret.
