Ep 9. Hail Who?

I, Claudius season 1 episode 9 "Hail Who?" explores the political machinations and power struggles of ancient Rome as Emperor Augustus' health deteriorates and a potential successor is sought.

As the episode begins, Livia – Augustus' wife and the manipulative matriarch of the Julio-Claudian dynasty – plans to use her son Tiberius as a stand-in to test the waters for his potential ascension to the throne. She arranges for him to lead a ceremony honoring Augustus and gives him a subtle nod of approval when he hesitates to bow too low before his father, indicating he sees himself as an equal rather than a subordinate.

However, Tiberius' moment of triumph is short-lived when Augustus reveals that he has a new heir in mind: his grandson Postumus, the son of his banished daughter Julia. Livia is incensed, as Postumus is a direct threat to her own sons' claims to the throne. She conspires to have him framed for the rape of a Vestal Virgin, a high priestess who is forbidden to have sexual relations, and exiled once again.

Meanwhile, Claudius – the stuttering, unlikely hero and narrator of the series – faces his own challenges as he tries to reconcile his loyalty to Augustus with his affection for his friend and mentor, Postumus. He also struggles with fitting in among the upper echelons of Roman society, including his own family, who see him as a weakling and an embarrassment.

The tension comes to a head when Augustus dies and his will is read aloud. Despite Livia's attempts to intercept it, the will reveals that Augustus has chosen Tiberius as his successor. However, Tiberius is suspicious of foul play and refuses to accept the crown until he can investigate. The situation is further complicated by the sudden appearance of Postumus, who has returned to Rome to clear his name and assert his claim to the throne.

As the various factions maneuver for power and influence, Claudius finds himself caught in the middle, trying to stay alive and out of the fray while still protecting his loved ones and keeping his own ambition in check. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the future of Rome hanging in the balance and Claudius left to wonder who, if anyone, will emerge victorious.

Overall, "Hail Who?" is a gripping and complex episode that delves deep into the inner workings of the Roman court. It showcases some of the best performances of the series, particularly from Siân Phillips as the scheming Livia and Derek Jacobi as the conflicted Claudius. It also highlights the precarious nature of power and the brutality of those who seek it at all costs.