Antony and Cleopatra are the ultimate livers, Octavian Caesar has his triumph in Rome, and Vorenus and Pullo reunite for the final time.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

In this interview we speak to Bruno Heller, the creator, main writer and show runner of HBO's Rome.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

In this interview we speak to Alice Henley who portrayed Livia, about stepping in to a well established cast in what was one her first roles on television.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Octavian and Antony get in a tussle over the grain supply, Atia and Octavia get the cold shoulder in a hot climate, and Vorenus plays ball, Pullo deals with the people, Posca is the MVP, and there are at least five slaps in the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Octavian pushes back against promiscuity and the tenuous alliance with Mark Antony finally unravels, over both women and money. Both Vorenus and Pullo lose everything they hold dear, and the stage is finally set for a showdown in Alexandria.

With special guests Carl Franklin (Director) and Todd Ellis Kessler (Writer).

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Servilia takes out a final curse on Atia, Timon struggles between faith and family, and Pullo’s love life becomes significantly more complicated.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

The triumvirate is formed, Vorenus and Pullo get their hands very dirty, Cicero pays the ultimate price for his rhetoric, and Brutus and Cassius make the final stand of the Roman republic with an actual battle scene.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

In this interview we speak to Coral Amiga, who portrayed Vorena the Elder, daughter of Vorenus. Across two seasons she gave viewers an excellent insight into the at times brutal life of a plebeian child in Rome.

As you'd expect - spoiler warnings for the rest of season two. Enjoy!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Octavian becomes both consul and a problem for the senate, Vorenus settles down to a life of familial bliss, and Antony grows one heck of a beard.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Vorenus goes in search of his enslaved children, Timon has a change of heart and character, Octavian levels up, and Atia and Servilia escalate their feud.

We are also joined by special guest Todd Ellis Kessler, writer of the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Vorenus begins gang warfare in the Aventine, Servilia steps up her feud with Atia, Cicero makes a stand the only way he knows how, and Antony violates a household plant.

We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.