Ep 10. The Grandeur That Was Rome

The Avengers season 3 episode 10, titled 'The Grandeur That Was Rome', follows our beloved agents John Steed and Tara King as they race against time to stop a nefarious scheme concocted by a power-hungry Roman politician, Gaius Livius. Gaius Livius, who seemed to have been dead for over 2,000 years, has suddenly resurfaced and is aiming to build a Roman empire anew, with himself as the emperor.

The episode starts with a scene where a man in a Roman centurion costume is killed in a Roman-styled baths facility. Steed and Tara are called in to investigate the murder, and they quickly discover that the dead man was a member of a historical reenactment society, The Roman Empire Club. Soon after, they learn that one of the club's members, Gaius Livius, has bought a huge tract of land by the River Trent, and he has been using it to build a life-size replica of ancient Rome.

Steed and Tara are invited by Livius to visit his Rome to experience the grandeur that was Rome. They accept the invitation and are amazed by the breathtakingly beautiful replica of Rome. However, they soon discover that Livius has darker intentions than mere historical reenactment.

Livius has been developing a new gas that, when deployed, will transform the people within its vicinity into obedient Roman soldiers. He aims to test the gas on the people of London and convert the city into a new Roman empire, with himself as the emperor. Steed and Tara soon find themselves in a race against time to stop Livius before he can deploy his deadly gas.

The episode is filled with exciting sequences, with Steed and Tara clinging onto a speeding chariot, riding a glider to infiltrate Livius's stronghold, and throwing down combat with his loyal Roman soldiers. Along the way, they are aided by a comic relief character, Eric, who is a member of the Roman Empire Club and has a vast knowledge of ancient Rome.

In the final climactic sequence, Steed and Tara face off against Livius and his Roman soldiers in a Roman-styled amphitheater. The fate of London and the rest of the world rests in their hands, as they must put a stop to Livius's evil scheme.

Overall, 'The Grandeur That Was Rome' is a thrilling episode that combines history, action, and humor into an exciting package. With strong performances from the actors, stunning visuals, and tight pacing, this is an episode that will keep any viewer on the edge of their seat.