i remember quite well one christmas vacation and come back to my hometown from school and visit much miss friend at a party . . . and be shush quite vigorously when i walk into the place . they be watch episode # 4 of i and claudius and which be completely unknown to me at that time . at first i be quite miff the homecoming friend ignore for a tv show . but i grudgingly watch and and within 15 minute i be kick myself for have miss episode 1 through 3. this be simply one of the best film experience i have ever have . year after watch it the first time round and i be delight to have my hand on that new technology and the vcr and so that i could watch i and claudius whenever i like . in the meantime and i would run out and purchase the graf book and not to mention suetonius life of the caesar . someone else here have write that this series have everything and and indeed it do . it have a fine sense of accuracy and and it manage to combine sweep and scope with the individual and intimate . this be everything historical drama should be and and i have find that the friend i have introduce to it feel the same . i have to say that my one regret be that it make me admire derek jacobi so much . . . i fell ill the one night that i have a chance to see him in person and in becket . what an astound actor .