'Those About to Die' Ending Explained: Does Domitian Flavianus take over the throne? Rome gets new emperor
Contains spoilers for 'Those About to Die'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Those About to Die', streaming on Peacock, ends with intense action sequences and high-octane political drama in Episode 10.
Set in 79 AD, the series explores the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome where the bored, restless, and violent population is kept in line by offering a game of life and death in the name of entertainment.
The series ends with a major political twist as the fight for power claims the life of Titus Flavianus (Tom Hughes) who took over the throne after his father Vespasian's (Anthony Hopkins) death.
Who kills Titus Flavianus in 'Those About to Die' Episode 10?
When Emperor Titus learns from his trusted general about an assassination plot, he leaves the amphitheater and heads to a nearby camp.
As he discovers that his younger brother Domitian Flavianus (Jojo Macari) caused the food shortage, Titus brings him to the camp to punish him.
However, Tenax (Iwan Rheon) has already bribed the soldiers to switch sides upon realizing that Ursus hid the money meant to be given away, allowing him to turn the situation around.
Titus is thus cornered by Domitian and the soldiers. Titus forces his "weak" brother to kill him with a sword, but he chooses a cowardly way instead. Tenax comes from behind and chokes Titus with a wet cloth.
Who is the new emperor in 'Those About to Die'?
Domitian cleverly stands in front of the Senate seeking support to accept him as the new emperor.
For this, he makes Titus's murder look like a natural death to ensure that he can become the new emperor without objections from the senators, as there would be no sword wound to indicate foul play. He spreads the word that Titus died of poisoning by eating a bad fish.
The Senate finally accepts Domitian as the new emperor of Rome.
How does 'Those About to Die' Season 1 end for Tenax?
Domitian rewards Tenax for helping him take over the throne. Tenax is given the title of Aedile Ludi which translates to magistrate of public games.
He then meets Cala (Sara Martins-Court) with the aim of killing her for the betrayal. However, Cala persuades him that she is the only one whom he can trust even though she wouldn't think twice before betraying him again for her children.
The season ends on an intriguing note as Domitian and Tenax take on new responsibilities. The drama is likely to be followed in another season, as suggested.
'Those About to Die' is now streaming on Peacock