Rome: A Necessary Fiction

Octavian proclaims a new era of virtue in Rome, issuing a stern mandate that proves impossible for his family and subordinates to obey. A shipment of gold is mysteriously hijacked while en route to the Roman treasury, casting suspicion everywhere and sending Vorenus on a mission to learn who betrayed whom. In the wake of personal tragedy, Pullo turns his grief into fury at Memmio, Omnipor and their henchmen. After courting an "appropriate" bride named Livia, Octavian turns his attentions to more important matters, issuing to Mark Antony an ultimatum he knows he can't refuse.