Critique: Domina (Series Two)

It’s been so long since the first series was out that I wasn’t expected a follow-up. So when the tv advertised that all episodes of Series Two were available on demand, it was a bit of a shock.

            It captured the essence of the first series whilst having its own identity. Much of the plot centres on Livia’s promise to restore the Republic. I.e. going directly against the empire her husband Ceasar established.

            There wasn’t as much scheming in this series compared to the previous one. Or rather the schemes unfolded at a slower pace so that they were easier to follow. This allowed more space for the main story line. In fact, it took so long for any scheming to happen that I was worried none would happen! (To be fair, the scheming was introduced at the right time in the plot so the wait was a good decision.)

 

 

*****SPOILERS*****

 

 

Emotional

 

There were many moments that were heavy hitters on the emotions front.

As Tyko leaves, he tells his daughter, “Don’t forget me.” That was heartbreaking.

Agrippa said the happiest he’d ever been was as a child and now, surrounded by his three kids with a fourth on its way. That was really sweet. So him dying when he was at his happiest was extremely touching.

Piso says, “You left me to die,” and Livia, seemingly without a care in the world, says, “So?” Her apparent heartlessness or even lack of care is always funny but, in this situation, when we know how false it was, made it even funnier.

As Drusus lay dying, he said he did everything he wanted. “I drank, gambled, fornicated.” All to be expected from him. But then he followed this with, “I loved. Gave my wife children.” From any character, these words would have been meaningful but from fun-loving Drusus they seemed far deeper.

 

 

Problems

 

There were a few problematic things, things that were wrong or otherwise just not right. None ruin the story but I do wonder how they managed to creep past the editorial team.

Julia is pregnant in episode three. Episode four starts with ‘One year later’ where she is still pregnant and soon gives birth. Unless she lost her baby from episode three then got pregnant pretty quickly after that, this timing doesn’t work.

When Piso learns that Dimitius is becoming the Governor of Africa, Piso completely loses his shit. This was out of character. Yes he was panicking but he’s never shown a hint of losing control like this.

I don’t know how Ceasar convinced Visidius to kill himself. I don’t recall Ceasar having any dirt on him so what mechanism did the ruler have to achieve this?

 

 

Humour

 

Obviously this is a political, scheming show, but the humour is solid.

Talking about inherited positions, Livia proclaims, “It has to be talent, not the first thing that falls out your daughter’s vagina.” This had me laughing. But also her whole personality is based on her father and being one of the founding families of Rome.

Vipsania shouts into the forest, “Gods, goddesses, give me health and sandals,” sandals being a hilarious request of a deity, “and in return I’ll never tell anyone you don’t exist.” This whole sentence and its concepts are gold.

 

 

Positive Choices

 

These things were done well, or explained things in a particularly good way.

Julia gives birth on the road. Her guards looked so awkward and uncomfortable. These actors did a really good job portraying this.

When Julia gets married, there are loads of social fires to put out. Without Livia there, the wives of the boys are in a panic but they manage to handle the situation. This character growth was good to see.

We saw what Tiberius’ father shouted at him as a child. It’s no wonder he turned into such a disturbed individual.

Vipsania, Tiberius’ wife, is portrayed as not-sane (different from insane). This helped her get away with being a woman who was also very philosophical and also socially liberal.

 

 

Shock

 

Some events surprised me to the core. Not because they were unbelievable but because I never would have thought they’d happen.

A German priest cut off a guy’s penis to ensure the German princess had a son. That was an uncomfortable scene!

Livia starts using Antigone’s daughter to work in her underhanded schemes. She’s a child, leave her be! Using a child like this is disturbing but it fits in with Livia’s character.

Ceasar said he wasn’t mad that Livia killed Marcellus but because she got caught. That’s your nephew! The son of your sister who you should feel at least some sympathy towards.

 

 

Concluding Remarks

 

In the years between Series One and Two, the character Antigone died. Antigone was my favourite character so this was a bit of a blow.

But why did the creators make this decision? Was it a story decision, so that Livia lost her biggest supporter and confidant? Maybe the director didn’t like the actress? Perhaps she wasn’t available or just wasn’t interested in the role anymore?

Clearly they can’t explain real-world decisions within the show. Maybe this was discussed in an interview (things to which I never pay attention). But still, to expect your favourite character and then not get your favourite character is a bit disheartening.

 

Overall, the creators did a good job.

The younger actors have grown in regards to their skills. There were very few problems and all could be expunged with simple answers.

Caesar almost catches them out at the end and Livia saves them by the skin of her teeth. Maybe. We’ll see what the next series brings!