N.B. there might (or might not) be spoilers in this article!

The Romans is tremendous fun! Well, perhaps not for Ian, who has to endure being a galley slave and a gladiator. Or indeed for Barbara, who also experiences slavery and the lecherous pawing of Nero. But apart from the slavery and the lechery, it’s tremendous fun. Oh, and the murder. OK, so apart from the slavery, the lechery and the murder … well, you know where I’m going with this.

“He’s all right, but he’s not all that good.”

Nero, Conspiracy

This is Doctor Who yet again showing it can tackle any subject in any way it sees fit – a trait the show has maintained to this day. In this case, the subject matter is the Roman Empire and the tone is almost farcical at times. Dennis Spooner’s approach to historical stories is as far removed from John Lucarotti’s Marco Polo and The Aztecs as you could get, but no less enjoyable for it.

As I’ve suggested, The Romans is perhaps best remembered for its unprecedented level of humour (for a Doctor Who serial). The Doctor is in fine fettle, showing off his skills in the art of fisticuffs and Vicki looks to have formed an instant rapport with him.

Of course, as is the farcical tradition, the lechery is handled humourously. If Nero were wearing trousers, I’m sure they would fall down as his wife enters the room. That it contrasts the farce with serious stuff too lifts The Romans above simply being a silly story. (Nothing wrong with a bit of silliness from time-to-time, mind!)

Although I hadn’t seen it (nor indeed its predecessor) in almost 20 years, I’d always had fond memories of enjoying The Romans and, on this viewing, those memories were not proved false.