EPIX’s Britannia is the show you are missing in your life

EPIX’s Britannia is one of the best series out there and with season two just around the corner, this is the perfect time to catch up.

EPIX’s Britannia is one of my favorite series around. Season one is now streaming on EPIX with S2 set to premiere October 4.

If you enjoyed the sweeping fantasy feel of Game of Thrones, the period drama immersion of HBO’s Rome, or just love sprawling historical dramas, Britannia is the perfect show for you.

Here’s what makes this series so captivating.

I am Rome and where I walk is Rome

The Walking Dead’s David Morrissey is back as Roman General Aulus Plautius in Britannia season 2, trying to wrest control of the soul of Great Britain, set in the time of 43 A.D.

Of course, we all know Morrissey as the sadistic Governor from The Walking Dead, but as Aulus, he is equally fantastic (if not better). For that alone, you should check this show out.

For starters, when he delivers  the iconic “I am Rome, and where I walk is Rome” monologue (which I will admit to rewinding at least five times at least), it pretty much sets the tone for the series. But please don’t just take my word for it:

Hope is an English girl

Now let’s get to the female savior who is prophesied to save the Druids and Celts from the Roman invaders, Cait, beguilingly played by Eleanor Worthington-Cox.

If you think Morrissey would steal the limelight even among this stellar British cast, Worthington-Cox not only holds her own, but she practically bounces off the screen with brimming talent. At age 19, she has no problem carrying the heroic storyline of this show.

A hilarious duo

Eleanor Worthington-Cox also has a great rapport with Nikolaj Lie Kaas, who plays outcast Druid Divis, tasked with training Cait for her prophesied role as a savior who will protect Britannia from Roman occupation.

Britannia’s second season features their humorous roadshow as Divis is both annoyed by the task but also impressed with Cait’s increasing powers. Cait, meanwhile, is both a petulant teenager but also understands that her power is growing and the importance of her role. You can view their hilarious dynamic here.

Powerful women are at the heart of this story

The cast of Britannia is first-rate, with women populating the dramatic landscape of this series. Between Kelly Reilly’s Kerra and Antedia (a fantastic Zoë Wanamaker), who represent their opposing Celtic tribes, the Celtic resistance is peppered with fascinating, powerful women.

Annabel Scholey’s Amena may be a bit grating during season 1, but her storyline pays off dividends in the second. Combined with the savior Cait and the bounty hunter Hella (Laura Donnelly), they are among the several women who dictate the narrative. There are so many incredible roles for women that elevate this show.

What you need to know before you watch season 2

Britannia’s first season featured the arrival of Aulus Plautius, who brought the might of Rome to 43 A.D. Britannia. He has faced the mystical and magical elements of the land he longs to conquer, with the understanding that in order to hold power over this land, he needs to conquer the religious and mystical influences that still hold sway over the native Britons.

Aulus hopes to dismantle the Celtic Resistance, represented by influential tribes and a pair of brothers who cause a schism among the Druids, a captivating dual role played by a heavily made-up Mackenzie Crook (Pirates of the Caribbean). Here’s a fun recap to catch you up.

Season 2 of Britannia premieres on EPIX October 4, at 9:00 p.m., with following episodes airing on EPIX on a weekly basis.

Have you checked out Britannia yet? What was your favorite moment during the first season? Drop me a line and let me know!