Tiberius Junius Virtus

I actually really enjoyed how Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra were handled. Not only did I enjoy the apparent physical opposites of the two characters (one being a lion, the other a mouse), but their portayal in this series provided me with a scene I consider one of the greatest I have ever seen on TV, and I do not say that lightly. It simply resonates with me very deeply. The scene in question occurs when Cleopatra learns Octavius intends to betray her and drag her back to Rome. Full of regret she walks up to the body of Antonius sitting on his throne. Then comes the part I truly love. She sits on his lap and wraps his dead arms around her in an embrace as she begs his forgiveness for betraying him. There are so many reasons I love this scene. One is how weak and tiny Cleopatra looks especially when compared to the dead body of Marcus Antonius. Cleopatra who was far from helpless seems to be so in that moment. More than anything she needs Antonius. She needs him for protection-- To look after her and make things right. It is thanks to her own betrayal that she has neither. I think this is also the scene that most clearly delves into the depth of their relationship and their love for one another. Especially when taken into context with the many scenes with her in which Antonius is so gentle with her it is almost as if he is afraid she will break into pieces like a piece of porcelain. Something that seems so out of character for him it is all the sweeter. He was certainly never that way with Atia. Another reason I love the scene is because of how the gravity of the situation becomes so apparent when she wraps his arms around herself. Marcus Antonius, the embodiment of Hercules and vibrant force of life, is really dead. He will no longer hold her. No longer kiss her. There are other layers to this scene but I think most of all it shows exactly why I love this series. Not to forget the death of Antonius of course. He dies in an embrace with a man who seems to be the very embodiment of Roman ideals in a way returning to his roots. The way Vorenus dressed him in full regalia afetrwards was very moving. Along with Caesar's I think Antonius' was probably the best death scene in the series (which has otherwise had plenty of those).