Those About to Die: Season 1

"A lurid sports soap for men who can’t stop thinking about the Roman Empire."

"Dumb, pulpy fun."

"Achieves striking emotional depth in its study of violence, subjugation, and ambition."

"It’s all been done better elsewhere -- and with better use of Anthony Hopkins, to boot."

"Attempts to weave a complex political tale... and immediately trips over all of the threads."

"Its heavy reliance on violence and nudity plays as trashy and exploitative."

"Subtle? Never. Absurd? Always. Fun? Not quite enough."

"Too muddled, with too many characters, to even enjoy for the sex and violence, of which there’s quite a bit."

"(It) may have cost a pretty penny to make, but all we’re left with is cheap thrills."

"No, we are not entertained."

"(It's) more about titillating than convincing."

"There’s plenty of hedonism and flamboyance in the characters’ choices, but not enough in the creative team’s execution."

"The interwoven plotting is brisk and confident as factions rise and fall. But there are obvious limitations."

"Packed with gore, gladiators and gratuitous brothel tours."

"None of this... feels remotely new. Aesthetically speaking, though, it is flawlessly done."

"Melodrama pure and simple."

"Checks a lot of boxes, and does so with more artistic gravity than similarly shallow projects."

"Treat this series as a commercial flick, and you will be amply rewarded."

"There are too many parallel plot lines slicing each other’s throats for your attention."