Rome, Season 2

Rome is, without a doubt, one of the best TV series of the decade. Everything - the staggeringly authentic sets and costumes, the note-perfect script, the powerhouse performances - combines to paint a gritty, bloody, utterly convincing depiction of Roman life. The only improvement I could suggest would be a third season.

I have thoroughly enjoyed both series 1 and 2 and I am devastated to discover that a number 3 has not been made. this is one of the best programmes I have watched and I can't believe that it hasn't taken off. Can only assume it was not advertised enough. such a shame.

Whilst I'll admit this is not quite as good as the original series, it still is 10 times better than anything else there on TV (much in the same vain that the last few series of the West Wing were). The characters are amazing, the plotlines are gritty and realistic, and the production values are insanely high. Nothing else on TV looks this good. Also, you will completely fall in love with Titus Pullo, the giant brute with a romantic heart of gold. One of the best series I've ever watched. Got my flatmates hooked on it!.

Revel in the marvel of epic storytelling. The glorious production design leaves us in no doubt we are in an Ancient Rome, the likes of which we have never seen before and nor (for various reasons) are we likely to again. Kevin Mckidd (Lucius Vorenus) and Ray Stevenson (Titus Pollo) in their central roles are not always right on the money, but their deep friendship is wholly convincing and inspires us to warmly invest in them. James Purefoy (Mark Anthony) is another matter, while he certainly looks the part, frequent actorly over-emphasis and mis-placed theatrics remind the viewer that they are watching an 'actor' as opposed to Mark Anthony. No-one seems more aware of this fact than James Purefoy himself. Having said this, it is not to an extent that he ruins the series by any means and in fairness he proves to be enjoyable viewing on occasion. His later scenes with Cleopatra are very engaging. While I may have pedantic reservations on a tiny number of the cast, I'd like to champion Polly Walker (Atia), Ciarán Hinds (Julius Caeser), Kerry Condon (Octavia), Lindsay Duncan (Servila), and Tobias Menzies (Brutus) all of whom excell at the highest level amongst a giant cast that is largely outstanding. Much has been written of the language, nudity and violence featured in the show. All I'll say is that the truth is likely far more shocking than imagined here and by creating a world that is both exotic and identifiable, the show's creators have given us a version of Ancient Rome that feels infinitely more real than any that has preceded it. The BBC and HBO should be applauded because 'Rome' is truly an ambitious work of art that should be cherished for all time.

Not as good as the first season, this one jumps around time zones abit too much and is less focused than the original but still a stellar show with amazing production values and acting talent, great show by the BBC and HBO