Rome. Best. Show. Ever.

This show was so good that if you don’t have cable, get a buddy to tape it for you, because it is just that good.

Husband, the history dude, was in heaven throughout the series. He has been in an ancient history jag for the past year, going through Cicero and Livy, so the timing of this show was perfect for him. He would perodically say “yes, yes” on the opposing side of the sofa, when the show got the details right.

And the details are amazing. Not only do we see the big guys, Caesar, Marc Antony and Brutus, moving towards the inevitable blood pit on the senate floor, but the story also involves the lives of the middle-class and poor, soldier and butcher crammed into narrow city streets. The street scenes are rich with smells and shouts and togas. It was Chinatown, NY or Fez, Morocco.

Enhabiting a nook in this crowded city are Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, veterans from the 13th division. Within this drama about great men is a buddy tale, ala Lethal Weapon. Titus Pullo has the swagger and ironic smirk of a young Mel Gibson. He gives counsel to the straight and passionate Lucius Vorenus about how to win the love of his wife. These two stumble through history with luck and talent with the blade. Never have I seen a decapitation before with the edge of a shield.

After they meet up with Caesar in Eygpt, the lithe, sex kitten Cleopatra lures Lucius into her tent. She needs him to impregnate her in order to trick Caesar into thinking the child is his. Lucius freaks. He is loyal to his wife. He peels off Cleo and sends in Titus to do the job. Titus does so happily.

Later, when their fortunes have gone in vastly different directions, Titus is sentenced to death and handed over to the gladiators. He overcomes his self hatred and swiftly removes the limbs of all but one. When the last giant of a gladiator looks like he has the best of Titus, Vorenus rises from the crowd and slays the brute. Vorenus and Titus carry each other from the town square and the commoners cheer.

Oh, it was brilliant. We cheered, too.