I tuned in because Anthony Hopkins was involved, but what followed wasn't really impressive. The series seems to be aiming for something akin to *Rome* or *Spartacus*, yet it falls short across the board. While a handful of performers delivered decent performances, others were noticeably lacking. The writing felt lackluster and uninspired, filled with dull dialogue and a storyline that was easy to anticipate. The …

Despite the apparent investment in production quality, Those About to Die functions as historical fiction. It’s dramatic and occasionally incorporates modern sensibilities, frequently straying considerably from what actually occurred. Those who aren't concerned with faithfulness to documented events might find it acceptable, though it does prompt consideration of why history is being altered in this way. Es…