MASTERPIECE THEATRE: I, CLAUDIUS {PART 6 OF 13}: SOME JUSTICE (TV)

Summary

One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre," hosted by Alistair Cooke. This thirteen-part adaptation of Robert Graves's historical novel "I, Claudius," is set in the early years of the Roman Empire and depicts the life and milieu of the first four Roman Emperors as recalled by the fourth, Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus (10 B.C. - A.D. 54), the lame, stammering grandson of Mark Antony. In part six, "Some Justice," the aged Claudius recalls the death by poisoning of his brother Germanicus, which was orchestrated by two of Tiberius's cronies, Piso and Plancino. Germanicus's widow Agripinna vows revenge and a trial proceeds in the Roman senate. When they realize the Roman public will not accept an acquittal, Tiberius and Livia force the death of Piso to protect themselves. Meanwhile, the late Germanicus's young son Caligula proves to be a perverse and dangerous presence in the palace. Following the program, Alistair Cooke introduces a scene from part seven, in which the aged Livia realizes that Claudius is not a fool, and appeals to him to help her become a goddess.

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