This acclaimed BBC series, based on the novels by Robert Graves, follows the history of the Roman Empire from approximately 24 B.C. to 54 A.D. In "What Shall We Do About Claudius?" Augustus’ heir Postumus is banished and Tiberius steps close r to power, while Claudius, for safety, plays the clown. Claudius’ reveals Livia’s plots in "Poison is Queen" but this brings him under his grandmother’s deadly scrutiny. In "Some Justice" Germanicus’ death rouses Rome , and even the arranged "suicide" of Piso cannot take pressure off Tiberius. Series director Herbert Wise; stars Derek Jacobi, Siân Phillips, Brian Blessed, Patrick Stewart, John Hurt.