Ep 4. Poison Is Queen

The show I, Claudius is a historical drama that depicts the life of the Roman emperor Claudius, played by Derek Jacobi. Season 1 episode 4, entitled "Poison Is Queen," follows the events that occur after the death of Livia, Claudius' grandmother and mastermind behind many of the political plots in Rome.

As the episode opens, Livia's funeral is taking place, and the question of who will succeed her as the head of the Julii family is on everyone's mind. One contender is Drusus, Livia's son and Claudius' father, but he is still recovering from a recent injury and unable to attend the funeral. Another potential leader is Tiberius, Livia's stepson and the current emperor, but he is reluctant to become involved in the family's affairs.

Meanwhile, Agrippina, Livia's granddaughter and Claudius' cousin, begins to make her move for power. She convinces Tiberius to support her bid for leadership of the Julii family, and he agrees to put her in charge of Livia's estate. Agrippina's scheming becomes more apparent as the episode goes on, as she attempts to manipulate Drusus into supporting her claim and enlists the help of a poisoner to weaken her opponents.

As the political maneuvering continues, Claudius becomes increasingly disillusioned with his family. He witnesses his mother, Antonia, being mistreated by his uncle, Caligula, and begins to see the corruption and cruelty that lies beneath the surface of Roman society.

The episode ultimately culminates in a shocking twist that sets the stage for the events to come. "Poison Is Queen" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that showcases the intricate web of power and politics that existed in ancient Rome. Through the eyes of Claudius, we see the flaws and failings of a society that is built on a foundation of deceit and violence.