‘Those About to Die’ — Domitian Is the Most Important Character

Jojo Macari in Those About To Die S01E10

One of the best things about Those About to Die is its plentiful queer representation.

The series checks all the marks of good queer rep with the number of characters and their importance to the story.

Other than Domitian Flavianus and Cala (Sara Martins), many of the characters in the show are poorly crafted.

But the series sets itself apart with Domitian. He is the most significant gay character in the story, featured heavily in the first season.

Domitian is involved in the power struggle that is the center of the narrative in Rome’s high halls of power.

As Vespesian’s (Anthony Hopkins) biological son, he is in line to inherit the throne after his father, but it goes to his brother, Titus Flavianus (Tom Hughes).

What ensues later proves that hereditary leadership is one of the most flawed methods of governance. Brothers turn on each other, and in most cases, it ends in bloodshed.

Bad Gay, That One!

Jojo Macari in Those About To Die Season 1 Episode 9
THOSE ABOUT TO DIE — Episode 109 — Pictured: Jojo Macari as Domitian — (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Domitian is unlike most gay characters on TV and film. Many gay characters are written as PR material for gay men.

TV as a medium can change perceptions by correcting notions, but the pendulum can and does swing too far at times.

A lot of gay characters look too idealistic to be true, all for the sake of acceptability.

Domitian personifies “be gay, do crime.” He is deeply immoral and would stop at nothing to get what he wants.

The Boy Throne Is Mine

The first season traces several of his exploits as he seeks to usurp his brother’s throne. He plots and corrupts everyone around him.

His insatiable desire to become emperor stems from years of being disregarded by his father.

It is unclear if it has anything to do with his homosexuality since everyone seems aware of it, but it doesn’t appear to be a big deal.

Domitian works hard to impress his father, hoping to be named successor, but he is passed over in the last minutes.

One can understand why he would feel betrayed since he was almost assured the throne was his. If they had dragons, like in The House of the Dragon, it would be Rhaenyra and Allicent all over.

Domitian is highly despicable.

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE — Episode 110 — Pictured: Jojo Macari as Domitian — (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Jojo Macari plays him perfectly, and within the first episode, viewers can see why anyone would not want to be associated with him.

He is a predator who doesn’t really seem to enjoy regular sexual relations and gets off abusing people he deems lesser.

Oh My Darling, You’re One of Those About to Die

He has a lover who is more of a slave than a partner.

Most of Domitian and Hermes’ (Alessandro Bedetti) scenes are uncomfortable to watch since Hermes looks like he’s holding his breath, waiting for the next outburst from Domitian.

There are few scenes where they seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company, mostly involving Domitan getting off.

Their story ends in tragedy when a soldier catches Hermes’ fancy, and Domitian catches them in the act. He cuts Hermes’ tongue and later includes it in the bloody spectacle Domitian puts on in the arena.

The Twisted and Beautiful

One of Domitian’s strongest relationships (and the most predatorial) is with Tenax (Iwan Rheon).

These unlikely allies become thick as thieves (oh, wait, they are) due to their mutual burning desire to move up in the world.

Tenax’s position in Rome’s lower class and Domitian’s luck of being born into the ruling family made their combined efforts bear fruits they couldn’t separate.

Tenax spends most of his life trying to become rich, while Domitian spends most of his trying to become powerful. Their desires are intertwined because with riches comes power, which begets riches.

There are traces of sexually predatorial undertones in the relationship, something Domitian has perfected.

He uses threats of sexual violence on people to keep them in line, akin to Tiberius (Christian Antidormi) in Spartacus.

Jojo Macari and Iwan Rheon in Those About To Die Season 1 Episode 6
THOSE ABOUT TO DIE — Episode 106 — Pictured: (l-r) Jojo Macari as Domitian, Iwan Rheon as Tenax — (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Thankfully, he doesn’t see this threat through. Given Tenax’s history of being sexually abused as a child, this would be even more devastating.

Season 1 sees the duo finally bringing Rome under their heel as Domitian kills his brother and is set to take over ruling the empire.

Tenax has also been ingratiating himself in Rome’s underworld, and with Domitian’s ear, he is bound to become one of the most powerful people.

The city and the entire empire are in trouble with these two power-thirsty maniacs at Rome’s pinnacle.