At the beginning of the episode, we find out that Rome’s grip on Britannia is tightening and the tribes can become Roman citizens and pay taxes or be killed. The Druids have vanished and there may be little hope. One chosen by the gods will be the savior. We jump back in time before the Roman invasion of Britannia and see Lucius (Hugo Speer) checking on several crucified prisoners. Then, he pays a visit to Aulus (David Morrissey). Lucius reminds his friend that they had a deal that the one who made tribune first wouldn’t rub it in. Lucius is encouraged to do the prisoner a favor. He heads outside and kills the man with a spear.

After that, we jump to two years after the invasion and see that Aulus is living it up. He meets with three men and tells them about his new life. He is told that the pool used to be a sacred place but Aulus doesn’t care anything about that. The men have grievances. Next, we see Amena (Annabel Scholey) meet with two men. They talk about the druids before entering a private tent to discuss other matters. Amena tries to convince the men to become Roman citizens so they will not be slaughtered. One bother refuses so Amena attempts to persuade the other brother. Meanwhile, the three men tell Aulus that they want to practice religion.

Aulus tells them that they can practice their religion as long as they use Roman names. Aulus gets angry when he suspects one of the men has urinated in his pool. That might, the redheaded, Halwyn (Sion Alun Davies), brother goes around camp and marks some of the men with white paint. His brother soon finds out that he has been betrayed. After that, Aulus thinks about Cait (Eleanor Worthington-Cox). He tries to track her down but she isn’t among the new group of prisoners. Aulus is worried that they’re not going to find her this way. Then, he finds Amena in his room. We learn that they’ve been sharing a bed.

Aulus tells the soldier that he wants 100 horsemen ready. He turns to Amena and says he has a new ally named Derog (Trystan Gravelle). Amena corrects him and says that Derog was killed. The stupid brother Halwyn agreed to join them. Aulus tells her that he is going out to look for something he wants very, very badly. Moments later, Emperor Claudius (Steve Pemberton) arrives outside. Aulus welcomes him to Britannia. Claudius complains about the trip now that he has boils on his backside. He gets those taken care of immediately. Then, Claudius is shown around and told that they’re going to build a temple in his honor. Claudius wants Aulus to go home and be his mascot.

Amena arrives moments later and speaks with the Emperor too. While Claudius is shown around, Aulus works to convince the Emperor that he needs to stay in Britannia. Their conversation turns to the Druids. Aulus tells the Emperor that the druids control the hearts and minds of people using magic but the Emperor doesn’t believe in their magic. After that, we jump over to the druids and find them dancing and singing. Veran (Mackenzie Crook) does not. He is watched. Willa (Jodie McNee) speaks with a man who is starting to doubt Veran. He is not happy that the druids allowed Cait to escape. We see that Ania (Liana Cornell) has been staying at the druid camp.

She says she was confused about everything before. Veran goes into a trance and Quane (David Bradley) watches him draw something on the ground. Veran returns to the others seconds later. He tells them that it is time to learn the gods’ will. Veran tells everyone that the gods will find Loka and burn out his eyes. He says they need to find the girl who is going to save the land. After his speech, Quane tells Willa that he has never been so afraid. He explains what he saw in Veran’s cave. Quane says it was a snake. Aulus orders the troops to stand down until the morning. The group speaks about the druids before Aulus encourages the Emperor to let him remain in Britannia.

Willa speaks with Veran later that night. She learns that they’ll need to leave soon. She tells Veran about everything Quane said and saw but Veran suggests he was mistaken since there was no sign. Aulus spends time in the pool with Claudius. They chat a bit before Aulus attacks Claudius and nearly kills him. He says he is fighting the last war and must remain in Britannia. Claudius is taken outside and revived. Willa asks Quane why Veran would lie. Vern communicates with his brother. His brother says he will find her. Now, Willa says they should’ve kept the girl with them. Near the end of the episode, Divis (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) tries to teach Cait how to fly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work and she plummets to the ground.

 

Britannia Review

So, not much has changed with Britannia. We got a few new characters but most everything seems to be the same from last season. The dialogue is still insane, Aulus remains in control, and the druids seem to be the most powerful force in Britannia. The Romans have assumed control of most of Britannia and everyone is searching for Cait. I suppose this is going to be the main storyline for this season.

The episode did a good job establishing that but little else. It was a bit long-winded and nothing happened. While I like the music, it doesn’t mesh well with the time period or the story. I can’t say I was blown away with the episode but it wasn’t the worst thing ever either. I’d give it a 6 out of 10. Previous recaps of Britannia can be found on Reel Mockery.