Published by Mason Oldridge, 14 December 2022
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The long-awaited feature-length finale of the hit sitcom finally arrives as one of many debuts on the launch day of ITV’s supersized new streaming service ITVX.
As we head back to Ancient Rome one last time, we see Marcus, Jason and Grumio sign up for the army during peacetime after they are evicted. However, their plan backfires, the hilarious centrepiece that makes every episode work, as war breaks out and they are sent to the frontline.
With Aurelius in tow as well, the special starts off promising. Concern over whether the extended length will benefit or hinder the entertainment value is soon lost as the boys ditch the army following a deadly ambush and are hunted as deserters. Furthermore, as the plot develops, viewers are likely to be only more drawn into the story rather than become disconnected with it.
While the comedy is there and like the show had never been away, there aren't quite as many hilarious scenarios and lines as a typical episode. Despite this, the plot is enhanced and deeper in meaning, with Marcus and Grumio’s rocky relationship mended with some honest and kind words followed by Marcus freeing Grumio from slavery.
The majority of the episode was filmed in the Welsh countryside and so the Ancient Rome set in Bulgaria is missed as it only features in the opening and ending scenes. Despite this, the finale couldn’t have wrapped up the series any better, solidifying Plebs’ status as one of the best British comedies of all time.
8/10