I mean, I loved the original Octavian more? But this guy will do.

Yeah, I'm slowly coming to terms with him. I think he's doing a great job (it can't be easy stepping into an established character and retaining enough of the original actor's mannerisms that the audience can see the continuity), it's just going to take some time before I'm able to look at him and not see Wrong!Octavian.

Although I titter at the idea of Pullo and Vorenus raising the kids. Together! Like two dads. Yes.

Vorenus' kids have two daddies! Love!

it's just going to take some time before I'm able to look at him and not see Wrong!Octavian.

Exactly!

Vorenus' kids have two daddies! Love!

I know! Of course, this line of thought leads my brain to a weird sitcom version of Rome, "My Two Patriae," with Pullo trying to convince Vorenus to let their son go into, I don't know, bull fighting or whatever, and Vorenus being all "My son will serve Rome! Just as we did!" Etc, etc. So, so wrong. But hilariously wrong.

Maybe it will take a few episodes, GloomCookie before I don't feel like I'm watching Flashdance Girl...curate(?) But age has done nice things to her face. Also, I shouldn't compare anybody to Allison Janney. The other actress just looks bad. But it is not her fault.

So, so wrong. But hilariously wrong.

And coming this fall to A&E.

In my very steamy dreams!

The other actress just looks bad.

Which one? Tina (Justine from Angel)? She bugs the shit out of me.

I think I'm on board with the new Octavian. Still love the boy Octavian, but this one'll do. Poor Vorenus. He'd better sleep with one eye open.

No, I mean any actress I watch after watching Allison Janney as CJ Cregg, although it's true if you're talking about Bette's wife, hippie earth mothers everywhere are all "Yeah, she's sweet, but kind of out there.' In addition, you can always tell she's smoldering away about something she's too "nice" to come out and say. It bugs me when people do that.ETA: Oh, no, you were talking about the one with the male fiance. Although it was a good joke when he said "Kiss and make up with her...whatever you women do."

Hey! How did I not know that Mere Smith was writing for Rome?

This ep sold me on the new Octavian. Although I think Max Pirkis could have handled the role.

Hey! How did I not know that Mere Smith was writing for Rome?

I know! I was surprised to see her name but not surprised at the quality of the episode. Lots of good stuff there.

Another Rome writer: the real-life person who posted as "Hazel Shade" and "Hulga Hopewell" on TT. If you remember this poster, then, well, you remember some crazy flame wars and the endless repetitions of "how long blues by jimmy yancey".