Seriously, don't you all think ABC's Empire is by far the most accurate portrayal of ancient Rome? I mean, certainly Caesar hung on for a half hour or so after being stabbed dozens of times (and the senator-assassins left him on the floor, alone and still breathing) so he could, with his dying breath, tell a gladiator that he had to protect "Octavius."

But, amazingly, those films had adult storylines and themes without endless graphic sex and endless vulgarity. Yes, they had these elements, but HBO seems to be obsessed with them.

Oddly enough, I do agree with your thoughts about 70's films v. PG13 ratings. If the people producing shows like Deadwood and Rome had been influenced by those films, maybe "adult" content would mean well written storys that pull no punches instead of the "huh huh, huh huh, he said cocksucker" mentality that passes for "adult" entertainment.

But I guess since I don't agree with the junior high mentality that pervades popular culture these days, I'll just go watch Dora the Explorer.

Wally's post was an obvious joke. He basically cut and pasted the post above his. I'm surprised that there were any serious responses.

Based on Jason's post, I can only guess he's never seen Rome, since it's a lot more than wall-to-wall "endless graphic sex and endless vulgarity" with no story.

Comparing both Rome and Gladiator is like comparing apples and oranges in terms of historical realism as I am bound to think both productions have made glaring mistakes in the historical details. Rome is set in the late Republic era when Rome is not yet a premier superpower although it was getting there, while Gladiator is set in the mid to late Imperial era when Rome is at it's zenith. There is bound to be a huge difference since both productions are set in different eras many, many decades apart.

I like it when we see the highly pristine, very monumental and sterile Imperial Rome that we see in Gladiator in comparison to the more grotty and half completed Roman capital that we see in Rome. And the Romans were very clean for a pre-industrial people, they built alot of baths and their cities were maintained by advanced plumbing and sewage systems, and Romans did use soap but only after they conquered the Gauls.

More than 200 years (about the same time as between the founding of the U.S. and now).

For those who have trouble with sarcasm (as most do nowadays) or in this case just have a problem with reading:



Hope that helps most of you. Good post Wally. Sad that it was lost to almost all here.

Oh yeah, back to the question...I do not think the show goes to far. Only changes I would make:

1. More boobies, vagina and decapitations.
2. Less cock.

Nope I dont think its enough actually.

Also I'd add more cock for all you panseys out there who cant seem to stand the sight of anoter mans unit.

Well, this "pansy"* would greatly appreciate it! *Can't believe I just refered to myself as a "pansy" since I hate that word....but what the hell. It's the weekend.

I think it's funny that so many straight guys cannot handle seeing a schlong. What do you do when you pee? Aim and close your eyes?

This is payback for all the years straight women and gay guys have had to sit though thousands of tits and bush shots!!

Yeah, what IS that with supposedly straight guys and penises? I can understand "more tits!" pleas, but I don't get the problem with seeing dick. It's just a body part, sheesh, relax. Don't they have their own? Do they think they will turn gay at the sight of penis?

I am a woman and have no problems whatsoever with naked women. Naked body is totally natural, normal thing. It's not dirty and nothing to be ashamed of.

And yeah, read Svetonius (sp?) to appreciate how tame Rome really is. Raping children and cutting off their legs seemed like nice, casual activity for some emperors.

Because if you think you might be gay, then you're gay! *clap-clap*

Seriously, I should think it would be self-evident that a straight guy would rather see a naked woman, and have little interest in a naked man. I mean, come on people.

i was also wondering if the use of the f word (and sometimes the c word even) was really around in ancient rome?

Well, not in English of course. But virtually every society and language has had the equivalents.

No kidding. As I noted in another thread, these guys must not work out much, because they'd positively faint at the gym's shower room.

My gym has individual stalls with curtains. Men do change in the locker room though, and none of them would make anyone feel inferior.

the f word? my guess is they didn't speak in english with an english accent in roman times either. Maybe they should have done it in Latin with sub titles if you want to get really realistic. But then all you people would have to read and would probably whine about that along with the cock.

For those that are interested here is a wide range of Latin vulgarity. Quite an interesting range. http://www.insultmonger.com/swearing/latin.htm

I loved that line.

they're showing cock? one of the main characters? huh.

personally, we stopped watching after the 3rd episode....it's okay, but i'm anxiously awaiting the return of Deadwood and Sopranos to Sunday nights.

Dude, they havnt even had an orgy yet.

I love looking at my penis. It's a work of art...a thing of beauty. It make me cry and women weep. It's looking at other penises that I have a problem with.

Yes.

Well if your penis is that great you shouldn't have a problem with seeing other cock. Kind like you are driving a Mercedes and get to check out all the dudes in thier Kias and feel vastly superior. Should just make you happier about your own when you see another.

Oh it isn't about turning gay - probably about latent homosexual desires that some men feel when they see another cock. If you have a problem with seeing another man's penis don't fear it because of the feelings it makes you have. You can open the doors to the closet and come out - it is the 21st century.

Bwah!

Yes, I do understand that straight guys would rather see naked woman than man. But it doesn't explain the *problem* with seeing naked penis. It shouldn't be any more problematic than seeing hand or leg of a guy. I guess it's either what Kaikara said or feeling inadequate. OR, if you're a truly such a modest person, you should oppose to all nudity. *Shrugs* But that's just me.

I look at this way. If I'm gonna be jealous of every guy with a bigger wang than me I'm not gonna have time for much else.

Yes, ROME is way too much...I prefer the tamer HBO shows, like DEADWOOD.

Damn, I missed that part in Latin class.