I, Claudius

No - I haven't succumbed to godly pretensions (yet).

I don't have a TV but I listen to quite a bit of radio. On the BBC, Melvyn Bragg's "In Our Time" featured the work of the Roman historian Tacitus. Among other things it talked about the BBC TV series "I, Claudius" from the 1970's which covers much the same ground. I remember this, and how at the time laurels were heaped upon it. I remember vaguely enjoying it mostly for the amount of poisoning and bonking that went on.

I decided to go back and revisit it, now available on DVD. The production is profoundly stage-like, with the emphasis on script and acting. So far I've only watched episodes 1 and 2 but I'm already snared.

The main point I've taken from this rediscovery is the difference that hearing the broadcast has made to my understanding. People who know Grave's books and the history will be aware that the main thrust of the stories is the struggle for Rome to survive as a monarchy as opposed to a Republic. This simple fact informs much of the action of the series, and the scales fell from my eyes. Although perhaps 35 years on the bonking and poisoning don't get in the way so much.

In my opinion, although some people will find the production dated, a worthwhile diversion from the world of reality TV and cable news.

I haven't given any links - there are many, just google I, Claudius