Episode 5

Poison Is Queen – As the emperor Augustus grows more senile, the brooding Tiberius bides his time until he can ascend the throne. But when revelations from Claudius about Livia’s crimes reach the ears of Augustus, the emperor finally sees he has been duped. He attempts to regain control, writing a new will that favors the exiled Postumus. Livia connives to thwart her husband’s plan, and alerts Tiberius to the danger. But Livia’s ultimate act of treachery is already unfolding, as she slowly poisons Augustus in his own home. When Augustus succumbs, Livia orders the murder of her remaining rivals, and substitutes her own version of the emperor’s will. Tiberius rules Rome at last, and poison is Queen.

Episode 6

Some Justice – But the victory for Tiberius and Livia is far from sweet. Too many people suspect conspiracy – too many of their enemies have died. A trial in the Senate must be rigged to clear the name of the emperor’s henchman. But the plan for a speedy trial begins to unravel, when the prosecution produces a damming witness. Fearing real justice, the guilty defendant threatens to reveal letters that implicate Tiberius himself in murder. He lives just long enough to regret that threat. To the enemies of Tiberius, the emperor’s guilt remains to be proven. Most vengeful of all is the widow Agrippina, whose husband was poisoned when he stood in the emperor’s way. As long as Tiberius and Livia rule, Agrippina knows her three young sons live within a shadow of death.