On the day of episode two's transmission, "The Romans" was praised as "flawless" by "The Times" newspaper's special correspondent on broadcasting, as part of a feature on children's television. "The strongest weapon in the BBC armoury... remains "Dr Who"," wrote the reviewer. "The departure of the Daleks has broken tiny hearts all over the country, but the new series, with Miss Jacqueline Hill and Mr. William Russell in the hands of the slave traders, promises well. Miss Verity Lambert's production is once again flawless."