02x05 - Heroes of the Republic

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Alright, boys.

Let's eat.

Be there soon.

I've been thinking.

If you don't want to you don't
need to go back to the collegium.

Antony's orders don't stand now,
do they?

The orders haven't been rescinded.

There's nowt there
but thieves and cut-throats.

It s no life for children.

Then where?

Where can they find respect
and dignity now?

Where can they live without contempt?

Take them anyplace but there.

Go far away.

Who's to know?

Lie, you mean? Live dishonestly?

There's lies and there's lies,
inneh?

What's this, then?

By whose authority
do you block the road?

By authority of
Gaius Octavian Ceasar.

Go hold your horse.
We'll get to you.

Sister.

Not yet.

We can't run off without any money.

Octavian's brought his army to Rome?

Put up camp yesterday,
on the Field of Mars.

Fifteen thousand men.

Your boy is a bit aggressive,
isn't he?

My boy gave your man a whipping.

I expect he knows what he's doing.

My dear boy.

You are a hero of the Republic.

Ceasar himself could not have
conjured a finer victory.

I am Ceasar himself.

- Technically speaking.
- Indeed.

On behalf of the Senate...

We are...

deeply thankful.

Not quite thankful enough
to give me the triumph I ask for.

Now there I'm doing you a favour.

Mutina was a lovely victory,
it's true.

But it was a victory
over other romans.

And with all respect.

Hirtius and Panza...

Hirtius and Panza...

are dead.

May the gods feed them honey.

They're dead.

But it is well known...

that actual command of the battle
was in their hands.

The purpose of a battle
is to remain alive.

They did not.

- I did.
- Indeed.

Even so...

The victory is not quite complete.

Mark Antony still lives.
He still has men.

We've had to send Markus Lepidus
and two legions north.

Lepidus.

Sending your very best then.

I have every confidence
that Lepidus will succeed.

Then he may have a triumph too
if he wants one.

The people would not look kindly
on a triumph.

Not with your army
at the walls of the city.

A little unsavoury, perhaps.

Now there, there he has a point.

How good of you to say so.

I bend to your wise counsel then.

No triumph.

I wish we'd still find
some fitting way...

to celebrate your glory.

Perhaps, the temple
to Caesar Victorious.

That sounds rather fine, doesn't it?

If I cannot have a triumph

I was rather thinking of taking
the Consul's chair.

You wish to be Consul.

It's a vanity, I know

But I think I deserve it.

And it would please my men.

You're nineteen.

You're too young to be Senator.

Leave alone Consul, my dear boy.

You've been listening to bad advice.

You have no experience.
You have no connections.

He has an army.

I'll speak with the other Senators.

We'll see if it's possible.

Though if you were to be Consul

you must promise
to be guided by my council.

It is an office of high complexity.

And I am well aware of
my inexperience.

I will not utter a word
without your advice, your...

consent.

Perhaps something can be done.

Bumptious young fool.

The Consul's chair indeed.

Yes, but you will give it to him.

Why not suit his vanity?
He can do no harm.

He will wear the purple
as he wears arms, like a...

child playing at grown-ups.

Come, Tyro.

I'm leaving now.

Are you sure you won't come with me?

I'm busy.

Mother.

He will come to me.

Make the first gesture...

and you will have
the moral high ground.

- I gave birth to the ingrate.
- He will come to me.

You're delusional he's not coming.

Thank you, daughter.

I really appreciate
these little chats we're having

between your drug binges.

I'll be going then.

Should I give him your love?

What shall I tell him?

Tell him that he's still got
all our money and we want it back.

Alright, the blue.

Does it come in linen?

Blow on it. For luck.

These are my daughters
redeemed from sl*very.

The eldest has been prostituted.

The boy is my wife's child
by another man.

You will treat them with respect...
and kindness.

Or I will know the reason why.

It gets a good breeze from the river.

We'll have it swept.

And painted.

You like it?

Ye, Father.

We're all of us,
standing again together.

There'll be...

awkwardness at first, no doubt.

But we're a family and...

we'll be together.

As it should be.

And we will not speak of the past.

Yes, Father.

Still eating like a horse, I see.

I don't know how you stay so skinny.

How dare you?

I'm not skinny!

I'm slender, maybe.

You're skinny.

I wonder how you don't blow away.

My armour holds me down.

Mother sends her love.

- Does she?
- She does.

And she would have
come with me, only...

she has the silly idea
that you should come to her.

She'll grow old alone then.

I know how you feel, but,
really and truly

what would it hurt
to let her have her way?

She's your mother.

Octavia you were there.

You know what kind of a mother
she is.

Gods know I have reason to hate her
as much as you do

More, maybe.

But where does that lead you?

Who can you love
if not your own mother?

She put her lover to beating me.

You credit her with too much power.

Antony has a hold on her.

She's scared and lonely without him.

She made a mistake.

I shoud have thought that you,
at least, would be on my side.

Brother.

Please!

Don't be like that.
There are no sides.

I love you.

She loves you!
You can't turn your back on family.

She put her lover to beating me!

Her sweat was on him.

So they had made love, so?

They are lovers!

Don't be so damn pious!

You've just thrown the family
into ruinous debt!

For this!

So you can play soldiers?

I might have beat you myself!

Clearly there's no point
in further discussion then.

Please.

Don't be angry.

Come home.

Come home.

I don't intend to enter the city...

until the Senate has
ratified me as Consul.

I shall then live at Caesar's villa.

If mother wishes to visit me there,
no one will stop her.

Consul?

Why would you invite such trouble?

I don't expect you to concern
yourself with such matters.

But in public you will speak of me
only with the utmost respect.

- Is that clear?
- I would never say

anything against you.

You're my bother.

Thank you for visiting, sister.

We'll see each other again soon.

When I'm less busy.

What a stupid arse you've become!

Now we've been hard pressed
since you left.

Shields up, leathers braced.

Now we've done well
to hold our ground.

I hope I've done right by you.

You've done well. I have no doubt.

Thank you.

We've going as before.

Pullo is second, you're third.

Third?

Whatever you say, chief.

But I was thinking I'd be second.

Not now, woman! Can't you
see we're talking business?

Anything else you'd like?

See if the children want anything.

Will do, boss.

Being captain...

all these long months.

It's only justice, isn't it?

If it's justice you're after,
brother, you're in the wrong place.

Pullo is second, you're third.

When I die, Pullo dies, you move up,
that's so it works.

I bet you fifty golden drachmae
it's not me that goes first.

Lucius Vorenus.

Raise your head, Lyde,
I'm harmless enough.

You're at a temple now?

The altar of Blessed Orbona.

Good.

And you're well?

I am.

Children?

Are they all right?

They're well enough.

Listen.

Don't think you can take them away.

They're staying with me.

Lyde!

My loves, my loves, my loves.

Praise the great goddess
you all returned.

Oh blessed Orbona,
I will fulfill my vow.

Praise her goodness.

Praise her goodness.

Praise her goodness.

Come to bed, love.

What's wrong, princess?

Why you crying?

Tell me.

Something I've done, I expect.

Why do you leave me
with these bad people?

They treated you alright,
didn't they?

Name the one
that didn't treat you right.

- And I'll see to it.
- It's not the point.

Why do you leave me here
for Vorenus?

He needed my help.

I couldn't let it lie.

The children.

Vorenus. Him you love.

Me? No.

No.

You, yes.

He, more.

No.

No question.

If both of you were drowning
in the river

I'd save you first.

No question.

Swear?

I swear.

You're half his weight.

Half?

Half his weight.

Not so heavy, easier to save.

Never mind.

Mother.

It's so good to see you.

I...

My son.

My son.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

I've been wicked and cruel.

But beat me, k*ll me,
do what you want, but just please...

Please forgive me.

Mother, please...

I spit on that pig Antony
for leading me astray.

I've been a terrible mother.

But I can change and I will change
if you just give me a chance.

I need time only, son.

Gods be my witness.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I forgive you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Look who's here, daughter.

Our beloved Octavian has blessed us
with his forgiveness.

Welcome home, brother.

Father Janus, I ask you...

to cleanse these children...

of the dark spirits
that have fouled them.

I thank you for bringing
my family back to me.

I swear to you that...

from this day

I renounce darkness,
and I will walk in the path of light.

Right, left, right!

Lepidus!

My old friend.

How are you?

I've seen better days.

Off you go, boys.

I don't think General Lepidus
has any ill designs on me.

Do you?

Not under present circumstances.

Come on.

My men deserted to your side
with amazing alacrity.

Not a single blow struck yet,
my camp is empty.

Amazing.

Yes, I...

really must write to Cicero
and the Senate.

It's been remarkably generous of them
to give me so many fresh troops.

I confess I had no idea
how popular you are...

with the rank and file

Soldiers like a little spit
and dirt in their leaders.

You are too noble for them, perhaps.
Too...

aristocratic.

I may be so.

So.

What to do now?

Strictly speaking, of course.

I should k*ll you.

I really don't wish to be punitive.

But on the other hand,
I can't really let you go either.

So...

What to do?

What to do?

Would you be willing to
act as my second in command?

Dear me.

That's very generous of you.

I...

Yes or no?

I...

I can't really say no.

Can I?

No.

You can't.

I swear to you, four n*pples.

How is married life, Pullo?

Well enough.

Women.

It's a strange awkward arrangement...

to be thrust up
and bound against another so.

But it seems to be the natural state
of man and woman.

- Must be right and good.
- No doubt.

Listen to me.

A lamb lecturing a lion.

Any plans to wed, then?

I'm thinking about it.

So Vorenus and his family
are back in Rome.

Yes.

My friend asks you to understand...

that he remains on the loyal oath
to the man up North.

But he will do
what's best for the City.

He acknowledges that you're
legal custodian of the Republic.

And will keep the peace
the same as before.

Tell your friend I'm grateful

But I hear there is
a deal of violence again...

between the collegia.

No trouble.

We may need to buy
a few heads together.

Maybe.

Whatever needs to be done.

A period of calm is essential.

We understand but...

my friend won't answer
for the future.

If him up North were to come back
with full armor on...

We shall hope for the best

Well done, by the way.

All this.

Thank you, Pullo.

What an auspicious day.

Many gave their lives
that we might stand here...

once again united...

in the government
of our lawful Republic.

And how fitting that
we welcome this new beginning...

by swearing in the youngest Consul...

in the history of Rome.

Gaius Octavian...

Caesar.

Esteemed Senators.

I take this first moment before you
not to glorify myself

but to honour my father.

In his honour, I declare
that my term as Consul...

shall usher in a new era.

An era of moral virtue.

Of dignity.

The debauchery and chaos
we have had to endure will now end.

Rome...

shall be again as she once was.

A proud Republic of virtuous women...

and honest men.

I speak to you now.

Not as a soldier...

or citizen.

But as a grieving son.

As my first act
in this reborn Republic

and in honor of my father,
I propose a motion...

to declare Brutus and Cassius...

murderers.

And enemies of the state.

My dear boy, this is not
what we agreed.

It is not. Nevertheless here we are.

Brutus and Cassius
still have many friends.

You will split the Chamber,
the unity of the Republic.

Step away from my chair.

My father died on this floor.

Right there.

Stabbed twenty-seven times.

Butchered.

By men he called his friends.

Who will tell me that is not m*rder?

Who will tell my legions,
who loved Caesar as I do

that that is not m*rder?

Who will speak against the motion?

Some willow tea, perhaps?

Henbane, more like.

I've been outmaneuvered by a child.

To the country, then.

Some fresh air and sleep
will do you good.

Take a letter.

To Markus Junius Brutus
and Gaius Cassius Legianus.

Dominus.

If Octavian hears that you are
in communication with Brutus...

Don't talk.

Write.

"Heroes of the Republic...

greetings."

Children.

Father.

Are you all well?

We are.

Broken, is it?

No problem.

No trouble.

I'll fix it.

There, easy mend.

I've been very busy
since we've been back.

We've not spent enough time together.

I thought maybe sometime soon
we could...

spend a day together.

In the country.

Would you like that?

If you'd like.

Good.

Good.

We'll do that.

We'll do that.

Want anything from the kitchen
before I lock up?

No.

It's good to have you back.

Ever seen a real one?

- What's that?
- An elephant.

Yes. You?

Are they as big as they say?

They're big.

No wheels though.

No.

No wheels.

You can have me if you'd like.

Or I can go.

Stay.

You can go now.

Go?

There's some coin on the table.

Take half.

f*ck you.

You haven't seen
how much is there yet.

I'm not a wh*re.

No? Then why are you here?

I though you liked me.

You like me too, I suppose.

Something like that.

What a happy couple we'd make.

Take the money.

f*ck you.

I told you.

I'm not a wh*re.

Hey!

Take the money.

Maecenus, I'm going.

What?

I'm going!

Already?

I'm tired.

No, no no, stay!

It gets so much better.

We are seconds to the Consul now

We should not be in such places.

Don't be so f*cking pious.

What's the point of being seconds
to the Consul...

if we can't have some fun?

What?

Never mind. Go if you like.

I can't hear you.

Go if you like.

I'm going!

I say...

are the walls melting?

I don't think so.

They are, you know?

They are melting.

We should all die.

Octavia?

Have her washed and put to bed
as quietly as possible.

Wait!

Good evening, madam.

You'll excuse me if I hurry away.

Exactly what are you doing
with my daughter...

in the middle of the night?

He abducted me.

I was at...

a perfectly nice party with Jocasta.

And this impudent... brute...

abducted me.

And brought you home to mother?

That's a strange abduction.

Where was she?

Octavia, you had best
tell her the truth.

Where were you?

I was at an orgy, Mother.

- It was an orgy.
- Early stages.

Early stages of an orgy.

The Bacchic rituals
had not yet begun.

You stupid drunken sl*t!

- Really, there's no need for...
- It's...

that b*tch Jocasta's fault!
She's the one that's led you astray!

So, I was at an orgy, who cares?

What do you think
your brother will do if he finds out?

I pull a hair
for what my brother will do.

Really?

Whilst he's at the forum preaching
piety and virtue to the plebs

you're sucking sl*ve c*ck at an orgy!

How do you think that looks?

He'll banish you at the very least.

No, he won't.

And I suck no sl*ve c*ck.

It hadn't got to that part.

Banished!
Gone!

And me with you,
to some filthy Greek island.

Don't you dare say a word
to anyone about this.

Never.
Of course.

What do you mean "of course"?

Why wouldn't you run and tell
your lord and master?

Because I wouldn't.

Why not?

Tell me.

Because...

Because I love her.

You only say that,
because you don't know me.

No.

No, I know you very well.

You are kind.

And full-hearted, and...

And beautiful.

And...

And I would tear down the sky
for you, if you asked me to.

If you ever speak again to her
like that in my presence

I shall...

I shall be very angry.

Brother, what's afoot?

Letter from Cicero.

The boy Octavian has
forced the Senate to declare us...

murderers and enemies
of the Republic.

It's an outrage, that's a crime!

No, it's a terrible blunder.

Look, Octavian was set fair...

to unite both Senate
and people behind him.

Now, now...

the Senate fears they have created
another tyrant.

Cicero begs us to return
as soon as we can, begs us!

To save the Republic.

Scribe!

So Octavian has only
the four legions, no?

Antony, seven.

That's the beauty of it.

Antony and Octavian hate each other
far more than they hate us.

Soon enough they must
fight each other for supremacy.

We need only wait,
mop up the survivors.

Scribe!

Now this, this...

is what we've been waiting for,
there you are.

Take a letter.

To Cicero.

Bacchus.

Bacchus!

So...

you're back.

Found your children?

- I did.
- They were sl*ves, I hear.

They were.

I'm happy for you.

Nothing more important than family.

That's true, that's why
I've come to see you.

I don't want my children
to live in fear.

I want us to make peace.

- Peace?
- The new Consul demands it.

Spoke to him, did you?

He and Pullo are old friends.

What do you mean, "hah"?

It's alright, brother.

Cotta here means no offense.
Do you, Cotta?

All this bloodshed, it's bad for
business. Bad for the city.

Bloodshed started by you.

I won't deny it, I was...

angry, but now I'm calm.

I can see clear, I can see that
we all have suffered enough.

You, Memmio, how many men you lost?

A few.

You Cotta, how many?

Not as many as you.

All good men, wives and children.
Gone. And for what?

All we've given is
strength to our enemies.

With peace amongst us three

Acerbo and the lower collegia
will have to kiss our feet

as they once did.

What terms do you suggest?

Your two collegia
will have the argosy docks.

You can divide them between you
as you wish.

We keep the Ostians.

The Ostians want to come with us.

Nevertheless, they stay
with the Aventine.

But you can have a taste.
Let's say...

Five percent.

Each.

If that'll make you happy.

Peace then.

They'll think we've gone soft.

Let them, we need time
to regain our strength.

While they're fighting over
the spoils of the argosy

we will be recruiting men.

And restoring order.

He's gone soft.

Maybe, maybe not, we'll see.

About the Argosy then.

We'll split half and half?

Bullocks we will.

Careful! Come on, you can do it.

Aiuto!

The children!

- Children, what are you doing here?
- We've run away!

Run away?

Why?

We can't stay with that evil man.

- Children, come along.
- He is your father.

He k*lled mama!

He cast us to sl*very and disgrace!

I understand it's a hard thing
to bear, but it is.

- As it must be.
- I hate him!

And for hatred

you lead your brother and sister
unprotected into the street.

I will take care of them,
we've got enough money.

The first thief
that crosses your path...

will have that, and then what?

You're alone in the world,
how will you live?

By stealing?

By whoring?

If I have to.

And your sister?

When she turns woman,
shall she be a wh*re also?

Your brother a catamite?

Where will you run?

That Vorenus will not find you?

You're all he has left.

He'll not rest until he has you back.

You must stay with your father.

And while you live under his roof

you may carry your hatred
like a stone inside you.

But you mustn't ever let him see it.

Ever.

You must be an obedient daughter.

Kneel to him.

- Tell him you love him.
- Never!

Your mother wants you to live!

Believe me!

This your only chance.

Their only chance.

It's what your mother
would have wanted.

- He will know I'm lying.
- No.

Your love...

and forgiveness
is all he wants.

He will thank the Gods
for redeeming him.

Would you care for a glass of wine?

Thank you, no.
This is not a social call.

I will not prevaricate.

As leader of the Senate,
I must ask...

Rather, I must formally demand...

that you surrender command
of your legions.

You are speaking to a Consul of Rome.

Give up my army?

And why would I do that?

The Senate feels that...

you have used your legions
in a coercive manner against them.

They're inclined to resent it.

I'm sorry they feel so.

But with all respect,
their resentment has no teeth.

What will happen
if I do not do as they say?

Perhaps they will
throw their sandals at you.

Word comes from the East.

Brutus and Cassius
are returning to us.

They bring with them...

twenty legions.

How many legions do you have?

Four, is it?

I have no notions
of their intentions, of course

but I suspect they're displeased...

to be named murderers
and enemies of the State.

They were named so
because they are so.

Be that as it may.

If you were to disarm yourself

I might persuade Brutus
to treat you leniently.

On account of your youth...

and inexperience.

Let us not contemplate
the alternative.

A w*r between you and Brutus
would be short.

And bloody.

And not to your advantage.

Twenty legions?

He exaggerates the number, I expect.

Half of that number would be enough
to crush the men we have.

It will be some months
before they arrive.

We could raise more legions
in the meantime.

Fresh men.

Untrained, they'd only be
so more mouths to feed.

Sir?

- What's to be done then?
- I don't know.

I don't know.

Hello, boys.

Why so glum? Has someone died?

"Brutus, my dear son.

I hear today
that you are returning to us.

I give thanks to the Gods
and pray for your success.

I enclose your father's ring...

that his father gave him.

He always used to say
it was made of gold...

from the crown of the last king.

Your father liked the good story,
so I don't know if that's true

{\an5}but it is nice to think so.

{\an5}I hand it on to you...

with all love and respect."

We'll wait until the roads are dry

and then march south through Arretium
and on to Rome.

That is clearly
the best plan of action.

You object, Lepidus?

Not at all.

Sounds eminently feasible.

A touch aggressive, perhaps.

General Antony, Sir.

I'm not sure about the beard.

How on earth
did you manage to get here

all alone?

I'm not alone.

A cow can't have three bulls.

I hear. It's not funny.

Smells delicious.

Thank you father, I hope you like it.

Family.

- Family!
- Family!