Everything Game of Thrones did, HBO series Rome did better – including not fumbling the finale

The HBO series Rome accomplished many of the narrative and production feats later seen in Game of Thrones, but with superior execution, including its conclusion. Launched in 2005, Rome was one of the most expensive television productions at the time, featuring extensive outdoor sets recreating ancient Rome at Cinecittà studios in Italy, with significant investment in costumes, props, and special effects. The series featured a large ensemble cast of complex characters, high stakes, elaborate set designs, and a protagonist whose moral compass was shaped by a brutal world. Its narrative structure involved intricate plotting across various factions and alliances, shocking betrayals, and dialogue characterized by Shakespearean influences and coarse language, elements that Game of Thrones would later adopt. Furthermore, Rome is credited with successfully portraying a compelling central friendship between two common soldiers, a dynamic that provided an emotional anchor amidst the grand political machinations. The series also boasted animated opening titles with a memorable theme song, contributing to its immersive quality. Unlike Game of Thrones, which faced criticism for its final seasons and the handling of its series finale, Rome concluded its two-season run with a more satisfying resolution, according to the assessment.