That's the question that has been perplexing to "I Claudius" fans since this episode first aired, with Antonia trying to love son Claudius but displeased by his clubfoot and constant stammer, cruelly referring to him as stupid. As the daughter of Mark Anthony and wife of Drusus, she expects her children to be potential heroes like the father she loved and husband she adored. But as a noble Roman woman, she can't bear having sired a disappointment. When Claudius catches a wounded wolf cub, his future is predicted, and sister Livilla forecasts her own fate when Antonia sends her to bed without supper for speaking her mind against Claudius. This shows Antonia's conflicted nature.
In the meantime, empress Livia utilizes knowledge of Julia to banish her and bribg Tiberius back. She's committed a few off screen murders (supposedly) and her intentions to get rid of Julia is even crueler than the poisoning of her rivals because Julia will suffer from living as a result of Livia's schemes. It's a great episode for Brian Blessed as the emperor Augustus as he bonds with the young Claudius and has a breakdown over Julia's sexual escapades. Livia sets her mind on finding spouses for the younger members of the family between her scheming, but it is obvious what she really is up to and enjoys. Not one of the more obviously sinister episodes but filled with intrigue and lots of fun nonetheless.
In the meantime, empress Livia utilizes knowledge of Julia to banish her and bribg Tiberius back. She's committed a few off screen murders (supposedly) and her intentions to get rid of Julia is even crueler than the poisoning of her rivals because Julia will suffer from living as a result of Livia's schemes. It's a great episode for Brian Blessed as the emperor Augustus as he bonds with the young Claudius and has a breakdown over Julia's sexual escapades. Livia sets her mind on finding spouses for the younger members of the family between her scheming, but it is obvious what she really is up to and enjoys. Not one of the more obviously sinister episodes but filled with intrigue and lots of fun nonetheless.