Raising Standards

Ian McNeice interview May 08, 2020

Ian McNeice played the Newsreader in Rome, a character who bought both a flourish and much needed exposition to the Roman forum!

Lee Boardman interview Jul 21, 2020

Lee Boardman played the Timon across two seasons of Rome, a character who grew in more prominence and bought some much needed diversity to the ethnic melting pot of the Roman Empire.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

James Purefoy and Kevin McKidd interview May 25, 2024

In the final episode of Raising Standards we speak to James Purefoy (Mark Antony) and Kevin McKidd (Lucius Vorenus).

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Bruno Heller interview Jan 11, 2024

In this interview we speak to Bruno Heller, the creator, main writer and show runner of HBO's Rome.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Alice Henley interview Sep 09, 2023

In this interview we speak to Alice Henley who portrayed Livia, about stepping in to a well established cast in what was one her first roles on television.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.10: De Patre Vostro (About Your Father) Mar 15, 2024

Antony and Cleopatra are the ultimate livers, Octavian Caesar has his triumph in Rome, and Vorenus and Pullo reunite for the final time.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.09: Deus Impeditio Esuritori Nullus Jul 12, 2023

Octavian and Antony get in a tussle over the grain supply, Atia and Octavia get the cold shoulder in a hot climate, and Vorenus plays ball, Pullo deals with the people, Posca is the MVP, and there are at least five slaps in the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.08: A Necessary Fiction (with Carl Franklin and Todd Ellis Kessler) May 09, 2023

Octavian pushes back against promiscuity and the tenuous alliance with Mark Antony finally unravels, over both women and money. Both Vorenus and Pullo lose everything they hold dear, and the stage is finally set for a showdown in Alexandria.

With special guests Carl Franklin (Director) and Todd Ellis Kessler (Writer).

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.07: Death Mask Mar 10, 2023

Servilia takes out a final curse on Atia, Timon struggles between faith and family, and Pullo’s love life becomes significantly more complicated.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.06: Philippi Jan 23, 2023

The triumvirate is formed, Vorenus and Pullo get their hands very dirty, Cicero pays the ultimate price for his rhetoric, and Brutus and Cassius make the final stand of the Roman republic with an actual battle scene.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.05: Heroes of the Republic Oct 28, 2022

Octavian becomes both consul and a problem for the senate, Vorenus settles down to a life of familial bliss, and Antony grows one heck of a beard.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.04: Testudo et Lepus (with Todd Ellis Kessler) Aug 09, 2022

Vorenus goes in search of his enslaved children, Timon has a change of heart and character, Octavian levels up, and Atia and Servilia escalate their feud.

We are also joined by special guest Todd Ellis Kessler, writer of the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.03: These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero (with Alan Poul) Jun 21, 2022

Vorenus begins gang warfare in the Aventine, Servilia steps up her feud with Atia, Cicero makes a stand the only way he knows how, and Antony violates a household plant.

We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.01: Passover Feb 12, 2022

Caesar is dead and gets cremated, Niobe is dead and gets cremated, and the political machinations of Rome continue...

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

2.02: Son of Hades May 13, 2022

Antony becomes disgruntled with the tedious administrative duties of running an Empire. Cleopatra makes an unexpected appearance, pushing for the legitimacy of her son by Caesar, and Vorenus embarks upon his latest career path as a crime boss of the Aventine.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Coral Amiga interview Dec 13, 2022

In this interview we speak to Coral Amiga, who portrayed Vorena the Elder, daughter of Vorenus. Across two seasons she gave viewers an excellent insight into the at times brutal life of a plebeian child in Rome.

As you'd expect - spoiler warnings for the rest of season two. Enjoy!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Season One Wrap-Up Dec 02, 2021

Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith take a fond look at the first season HBO's Rome.

Lorcan Cranitch interview Mar 16, 2022

In this interview we speak to Lorcan Cranitch, who portrayed crime boss of the Aventine Erastes Fulmen.

Lorcan has had a long acting career both on and off the screen, he had a long run on The Bill and more recently the BBC series Bloodlands,

There’s a slight spoiler warning for season 2 episode 2 of Rome, but otherwise enjoy.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.12: Kalends of February Oct 13, 2021

Lucius Vorenus and Niobe finally get some semblance of happiness before it is cruelly snatched away from them, Julius Caesar finally gets some semblance of happiness before it is cruelly snatched away from him, and Titus Pullo finally gets some semblance of happiness.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Ray Stevenson interview Sep 14, 2021

In this interview we speak to Legionary Pullo himself, Ray Stevenson. Ray’s performance as Pullo was the heart of Rome, and he bought a loveable roguish every-man quality to the role while at the same time isn’t someone that I’d want to mess with.

In the years since Rome he’s become famous as friend of Thor Volstag in the Marvel films and appeared in major roles in the television shows Vikings and Black Sails. He spoke to us recently from Bulgaria where he’s shooting a new film.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

Also while we have your attention, the When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for the sixth series. Please give your support.

1.11: The Spoils Sep 05, 2021

Lucius Vorenus begins his new job as a politician but is caught up in a disagreement between Caesar and his veterans. Titus Pullo continues his downward spiral, and Brutus begins to question his allegiance to Caesar.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.10: Triumph (with Adrian Hodges) Aug 22, 2021

Caesar is proclaimed dictator by the senate and rewarded with a triumph for his successful conquest of Gaul. Brutus receives an insult from Caesar that drives him to side with Cassius. Pullo decides to retire to the countryside, Vorenus prepares for his new position in politics, and Servilia plots her revenge

There is also a special interview with episode writer Adrian Hodges.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.09: Utica Aug 05, 2021

Caesar returns to Rome and plans his triumph. Servilia pushes forward her plans with Octavia, forcing Atia to retaliate. Cato and Scipio commit suicide bringing an end to the civil war, and Vorenus and Pullo attempt to settle back into society in the fat old bitch herself. And by that, we mean Rome.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

William J MacDonald interview Jul 29, 2021

William J MacDonald is one of the creators and executive producers of Rome, and in this wide ranging chat he talks about how the show came about, how the plot could have been very different, and what would have happened if the show hadn’t been cancelled.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.08: Caesarion Jul 15, 2021

Caesar pursues Pompey to Egypt only to find Alexandria embroiled in a dynastic dispute between the boy prince Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra. He installs Cleopatra on the throne, resulting in a prolonged siege.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.07: Pharsalus (with Ken Cranham) Jul 08, 2021

Vorenus and Pullo are shipwrecked on an island, Caesar and Pompey fight it off offscreen, and the beginning of a relationship between Servilia and Octavia.

There is also a special interview with Ken Cranham, who played Pompey.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.06: Egeria (with Alan Poul) Nov 04, 2020

Mark Antony considers throwing in with Pompey before he packs his bags, follows Caesar and leaves Rome. Vorenus rekindles his romance with Niobe before he packs up his bag, raises his standard and leaves Rome. Octavian becomes a real man before he puts on his toga, packs up his bag and leaves Rome.

We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.05: The Ram Has Touched the Wall (with Parvez Qadir) Sep 16, 2020

Lucius Vorenus has a setback in his new career when all his slaves die of the flux. After a brief crisis of identity he re-enlists in the 13th legion. Octavian helps Titus Pullo investigate his suspicions. Attia engages in some light public vandalism. Servilia engages in some light public cursing. Caesar chases Pompey out of Italy.

We are also joined by special guest Parvez Qadir, who plays the role of Tanjit.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.04: Stealing From Saturn (with Julian Farino) Aug 12, 2020

Caesar receives a dictator's welcome as he enters Roman society and seeks approval of the auspices. Vorenus has a party and an offering as he enters civilian life. Pullo throws his newfound wealth around.

We are also joined by special guest Julian Farino, director of this episode of Rome.

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.03: An Owl in a Thornbush Jul 03, 2020

Vorenus and Pullo deliver Caesar's demands to the senate, Attia makes the most of Caesar's impending arrival, and Pompey makes a strategic departure from Rome!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.02: How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic May 23, 2020

Caesar crosses the Rubicon, Mark Antony becomes the Tribune of the Plebs, and Pullo, somehow, gets the blame for bringing down the Roman republic!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

1.01: The Stolen Eagle May 08, 2020

Will Vorenus and Pullo recover Caesar's stolen standard? Will anyone explain why Octavian needs to go to Gaul? Find out in the inaugural episode of Raising Standards, a true rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome for true Romans!

Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.

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