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Those About to Die Review: More Than Arena Battles

Those About to Die


Going into Those About to Die on Prime Video, it’s hard not to think of Spartacus. With familiar faces like Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones), expectations lean toward something equally brutal, emotional, and character-driven.

But this isn’t that show.

At first, the series feels less impactful—less bloody, less raw, and less focused on personal journeys. Instead, it leans heavily into politics. This is not just about the arena; it’s about the machinery behind it. The power plays. The manipulation. The “games behind the games.”

That shift can be jarring, especially if you’re expecting something more visceral. It took me a few episodes to adjust—but once I did, the show started to reveal its strengths.

A Slow Burn That Starts to Pay Off

While the beginning feels uneven, the series gradually finds its footing. As characters develop and storylines intertwine, it becomes more engaging.

This is very much a slow-burn narrative. It doesn’t grab you immediately—it grows on you.

Standout Characters: The Heart of the Show

Cala: The True Emotional Core

Cala (Sara Martins) is easily one of the most compelling characters. She’s strong, intelligent, and fiercely protective of her children—a true “mama bear.”

Her resilience and determination anchor the story emotionally. Even in a world as ruthless as Rome, her motivations feel grounded and deeply human.

Tenax: The Antihero You End Up Rooting For

Tenax (Iwan Rheon) is one of the most interesting characters in the series. He’s not a traditional “good guy,” but he’s far from heartless.

What makes him compelling is the contradiction:

  • He manipulates and uses children as spies
  • Yet genuinely cares about them
  • He hides his emotions, but when things go wrong, it’s clear he feels deeply

That complexity makes him someone you unexpectedly root for—even knowing he’s likely headed for a fall.

Domitian: Power and Madness

Domitian (Jojo Macari) is the kind of character who makes your skin crawl. He’s cruel, calculating, and deeply unsettling.

If the show gets a second season, watching him wield even more power could be terrifying—in the best way possible. His arc has the potential to become one of the darkest elements of the series.

Hits and Misses

Not every character lands as strongly.

The Queen of Judea (Lara Wolf), for example, feels underdeveloped. Her storyline doesn’t leave a major impact, though her fate is undeniably tragic.

On the other hand, Cala’s children add depth and emotional stakes:

  • Jula (the youngest) – Stronger and more determined than she appears
  • Kwame – Honorable and deeply human; his storyline is heartbreaking
  • The older daughter (Aura) – Her fascination with Rome is particularly interesting

Through Aura, we see Rome’s duality: a brutal, unforgiving city that is also dazzling, seductive, and full of opportunity. It helps explain why people were drawn to it despite its cruelty.

Power, Spectacle, and Corruption

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is how it portrays factions and influence behind the scenes.

The world of gladiatorial games isn’t just entertainment—it’s business, politics, and control. 

It’s hard not to draw parallels to modern systems, even in European football, where massive money flows behind the curtain, and unseen forces shape outcomes.

Subplots That Add Depth

The Pompeii subplot stands out as a strong addition.

The tension surrounding helping the less fortunate—and the backlash that follows—feels surprisingly relevant. It’s one of those storylines that quietly mirrors real-world issues without being overly heavy-handed.

Worth Watching If You Give It Time

Those About to Die may not deliver the immediate intensity of Spartacus, but it offers something different:

  • A more political, strategic narrative
  • Complex, morally gray characters
  • A slow but rewarding buildup

It’s not love at first episode—but it might win you over if you stick with it.

Will There Be a Season 2?

I genuinely hope so.

There’s still so much to explore:

  • Tenax’s inevitable rise—or fall
  • Domitian’s growing power and instability
  • The fate of Cala and her family

The foundation is there. Now it just needs to go further.

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