Ancient Rome has always fascinated audiences with its grandeur, power struggles, and gladiatorial spectacles. Those About to Die, Peacock’s latest historical drama, aims to capture this allure with a star-studded cast of Those About to Die.
Released on July 18, 2024, the show promises blood-soaked battles, political intrigue, and the raw human emotions behind Rome’s most brutal entertainment. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we look into the strengths and weaknesses of the series and guide you on where to watch Those About to Die in Canada.
Where to Watch Those About to Die?
For viewers eager to tune into Those About to Die, finding the right platform is key. Here’s a guide on where to watch Those About to Die and specifically how to access it in Canada.
Where to Watch Those About to Die in Canada?
Unfortunately, Those About to Die is exclusively available on Peacock TV within the United States, making it inaccessible directly from Canada. However, with the help of a reliable VPN, Canadian viewers can still enjoy the series. Here’s how:
Steps to Watch Those About to Die in Canada
- Subscribe to a VPN: Visit the ExpressVPN website and sign up for a subscription that suits your needs.
- Install the VPN App: Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
- Connect to a US Server: Open the VPN app and connect to a server located in the United States. This will give you a US IP address, allowing you to access Peacock TV as if you were in the US.
- Sign in to Peacock TV: Go to the Peacock TV website or open the app on your device. Sign in with your Peacock account credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can start a free trial.
- Start Streaming: Once connected to the US server and signed in, you can now stream “Those About to Die” from Canada without any regional restrictions.
Engaging yet Overwhelming Storylines
Those About to Die is inspired by Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 non-fiction novel, focusing on the corrupt politics and deadly gladiatorial games of ancient Rome. The series excels in its depiction of the Colosseum’s brutal entertainment, blending action, drama, and moments of dark humor. The release date for Those About to Die marked the beginning of a series filled with intense battles and intricate power plays.
Despite its strengths, the show struggles with having too many characters, which dilutes the focus and makes it difficult to develop each storyline effectively. The political intrigue between Vespasian’s sons, Tenax’s ambitions, and Cala’s efforts to save her family are compelling, but the sheer number of subplots can be overwhelming. This results in a seemingly scattered narrative, preventing the series from fully capitalizing on its potential.
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Visual Spectacle and Production Quality
Directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, Those About to Die boasts impressive set designs and costumes that bring ancient Rome to life. The grand Colosseum, lavish arenas, and detailed period costumes create an immersive viewing experience. However, the series is not without its flaws. The CGI, especially in gladiatorial combat and chariot races, can be inconsistent, sometimes detracting from the overall seriousness of the show.
The action sequences are a highlight, offering thrilling spectacles that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The chariot races and gladiator battles are particularly well-executed, showcasing the raw brutality and excitement of ancient Roman entertainment. Despite the occasional technical shortcomings, the visual presentation remains a strong point of the series.
Themes and Writing
Those About to Die explores themes of violence, power, corruption, and the human cost of entertainment. The show digs into the socio-political world of ancient Rome, highlighting the struggles between the elite and the oppressed. However, the writing sometimes falls short in balancing these heavy themes with character development. Many characters feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals, which can hinder emotional investment.
The dialogue is often laden with Latin terms, adding a layer of authenticity and making it harder for some viewers to follow. While the attempt to integrate historical elements is commendable, the series occasionally prioritizes exposition over meaningful character interactions, resulting in a story that feels more like a history lesson than a gripping drama.
A Star-Studded Cast
One of the standout features of Those About to Die is its impressive cast of Those About to Die. Anthony Hopkins leads as Emperor Vespasian, representing a ruler on the brink of death while grappling with his sons’ ambitions, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari).
Iwan Rheon shines as Tenax, a cunning games master working his way through Rome’s underbelly, while Sara Martins delivers a powerful performance as Cala, a Numidian mother fighting to rescue her enslaved children.
Supporting roles by Gabriella Pession, Dmitri Leonidas, Moe Hashim, and Rupert Penry-Jones add depth to the narrative, each bringing their unique style to the complex world of ancient Rome. However, the show’s ambition to introduce numerous characters sometimes leads to underdeveloped storylines, making it challenging to fully invest in each character’s journey.
Those About to Die Season 2: What to Expect
Fans of the first season are already looking forward to Those About to Die season 2. If the show can streamline its character arcs and focus more on developing its main storylines, the next season has the potential to address its current shortcomings. Improved writing and deeper character exploration could improve the series, making it a must-watch historical epic.
Those About to Die Review: A Messy But Entertaining Spectacle
Those About to Die is a bold attempt to bring the grandeur and brutality of ancient Rome to modern television. With a compelling cast of Those About to Die, intense action sequences, and a richly detailed setting, the series has much to offer. However, its ambitious scope sometimes leads to an overcrowded narrative and underdeveloped characters, making it a mixed bag for viewers.
If you’re a fan of historical dramas and enjoy high-stakes political intrigue mixed with bloody combat, Those About to Die is worth watching. While the first season has its flaws, there’s enough entertainment value to keep viewers engaged, and with any luck, a second season will address some of the show’s weaknesses.
For viewers in Canada, accessing the show is easy with a VPN, so you can enjoy all the gladiator action and Roman drama no matter where you are.
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