Whilst HBO is just about to screen episode 9 of its collaboration with the BBC, Rome starts on BBC2 tonight. Never one to blow its own trumpet, the BBC have posted an article with such choice lines as Before the first episode is over, they will see actress Polly Walker drenched in blood after a simulated animal sacrifice and Tory MP and Express columnist Anne Widdicombe has already called it a "feast of decadence" and more "akin to a porn movie". Its got a great cast, a decent budget, and isn't afraid to get a bit gorey when it needs to – sounds like my idea of decent telly!