Caligula becomes Emperor after Tiberius dies, murdered by Macro. Initially the replacement of Tiberius with Caligula is seen a positive but his behaviour becomes erratic and extreme, climaxing with him declaring himself a god. In his delusional state nobody is safe.
While the series has been great and filled with murder and machinations, most of the violence and threats have been implied, rather than apparent. Moreover, Claudius has been reasonably safe from any threats. However, with the rise of Caligula, everything changes.
The threat to life and limb is now apparent and anyone can be a victim, even our Claudius. With his notoriety, plus having seen 'Caligula", starring Malcolm McDowell, his reign was always going to be more, er, "colourful" but this episode does seem like a massive step-up in tension and action. It's so much darker than anything that came before, which is a good thing.
While the series has been great and filled with murder and machinations, most of the violence and threats have been implied, rather than apparent. Moreover, Claudius has been reasonably safe from any threats. However, with the rise of Caligula, everything changes.
The threat to life and limb is now apparent and anyone can be a victim, even our Claudius. With his notoriety, plus having seen 'Caligula", starring Malcolm McDowell, his reign was always going to be more, er, "colourful" but this episode does seem like a massive step-up in tension and action. It's so much darker than anything that came before, which is a good thing.