As long as I have a memory, I will never forget the spinning camera as Sheila White bellows "Not my head!" As the singing and dancing Bet in "Oliver!", she accompanied Shani Wallis in proclaiming "It's a Fine Life!", but here, the innocent facade of the previous episode is gone. The more adult and more dangerous Messalina is no longer the passionate kitten but a ruthless tiger ruled by her lust. She's poignant in explaining the power of making love, but as she becomes determined to overthrow Claudius to marry her lover, she's closer to Claudius's sister, Livilla, than the more understandable Livia who murdered with a stronger purpose than simple lust.
Once again an episode with a single story, this has some great moments of humor, especially when Messalina challenges prostitute Scylla to see who can take on the most lovers. The series begins to wind down as Claudius realizes the truths about Herod's warning, the existence of Jesus and the creation of Christianity. Bernard Hepton, introduced a few episodes before as Pallas, gains a bit more power which will be felt even more in the next and last episode. Once again, Moira Redmond becomes a voice of reason and morality as Messalina's mother, a voice sadly unheard. Like Livia's final moments, the last seconds of this episode are truly chilling.
Once again an episode with a single story, this has some great moments of humor, especially when Messalina challenges prostitute Scylla to see who can take on the most lovers. The series begins to wind down as Claudius realizes the truths about Herod's warning, the existence of Jesus and the creation of Christianity. Bernard Hepton, introduced a few episodes before as Pallas, gains a bit more power which will be felt even more in the next and last episode. Once again, Moira Redmond becomes a voice of reason and morality as Messalina's mother, a voice sadly unheard. Like Livia's final moments, the last seconds of this episode are truly chilling.