Rome, again, mini rant

In which we finally get to what bothers me about Rome (aside from the weird timeline games they play with my head)...as I was discussing Vorenus' recent behavior with Kittie, it occurred to me how very badly they've explained the role of an ancient Roman Republican(patrician) male to the audience. I mean, I think they wanted it to be like Deadwood--making a past era seem understandable to modern folks with grammar/actions etc. But the fact is it was a different time and place and, kind of like men in the 50's, men were supposed to be in control of themselves and others *at all times*. This of course isn't possible, and tends to lead to some serious fucking problems when emotions get involved, but it was nonetheless the ideal. (I think Octavian comes the closest, and he was practically a sociopath). Vorenus is just coming off more and more like a psycho--which he would be, given what has happened to him and the fact that he wouldn't be allowed *at all* to deal with it in any way we would accept now--but the show hasn't really shown him feeling anything. Not even in quick moments, in simple glances, nothing, instead focusing on Antony (who is awesome, admittedly) and as-yet-annoying subplots. We're just supposed to *know* (I guess)how much he loves his children, Pullo etc...

I suppose I just would have preferred this series to be *about something*. You know, something behind it other than showing ignorant Americans that Romans sexed it up and killed each other a lot. Don't get me wrong, I still love the show, but maybe if the theme had been about how the Roman Republican ideals ultimately killed the Republic, expressed through nobles and simple soldiers alike, that would have been awesome. Cuz Antony is violent, excessive, and not truly in control at all. Along with Vorenus, who feels too much to pretend he doesn't. Brutus, trying so very hard to be and waaaay too emotional. Those who actually managed to be that cold are the two dictators/tyrants who destroy the Republic. Which is awesome in a geeky way, and I want to see it. If that makes sense.

Ah well. Whatev.