Ep 5. Fight for Glory

The episode "Fight for Glory" from the first season of Roman Empire: Reign of Blood takes the viewer deeper into the politics and ambitions of Rome's most infamous emperor, Commodus.

The episode opens with Commodus holding a gladiator game in honor of the god Hercules, a game which ends with the emperor himself stepping into the ring to fight against his opponents. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, as it becomes clear that Commodus is not content with simply ruling Rome – he wants to be worshiped as a god, too.

We see this ambition play out in his relationship with his sister Lucilla, who he sees as a threat to his rule. He marries her off to a senator, but ultimately sets his sights on marrying her himself, viewing her as a symbol of his own power and an opportunity to legitimize his claim as a divine ruler.

At the same time, Commodus faces challenges from outside forces. The Germanic tribes are threatening Rome's borders, and their raids are putting a strain on the empire's resources. Commodus sees an opportunity to prove himself as a military leader and sets off with his army to confront the barbarians.

The battle scenes in this episode are some of the most thrilling of the series, with Roman soldiers and barbarians clashing in brutal combat. But the focus remains on Commodus, who sees the fight as a chance to earn his own glory and secure his place in history.

As the battle rages on, the viewer sees how the various factions within Rome are positioning themselves to either support or oppose the emperor. Senators are jockeying for position, soldiers are questioning their orders, and Commodus himself is struggling to balance his hunger for power with his desire for personal glory.

In the end, "Fight for Glory" shows the viewer just how high the stakes have become for Commodus. He is no longer content to simply hold power – his ambition has pushed him to the point where he will do almost anything to secure his place in history. But as the episode ends, it becomes clear that his thirst for glory may ultimately be his downfall.

Overall, "Fight for Glory" is an exciting and compelling episode of Roman Empire: Reign of Blood, showcasing the complex political machinations and brutal violence that defined the reign of Commodus. It sets up the rest of the season nicely, with the viewer left wondering just how far the emperor is willing to go to achieve his goals – and what the consequences of his actions will be.