I often think that history teachers are sworn to a particular vow of secrecy. While force-feeding meaningless dates and names to children, they revel in their secret knowledge of the salacious events that have shaped the modern world. Having aired under the auspices of Masterpiece Theater (imported from the BBC), I, Claudius is a likely participant in the conspiracy. After all, who expects debauchery, incest, and murder on PBS? It's time to tear down the curtain and expose the Caesars for what they were: incompetent, impotent, and insane. Thirteen episodes of historical drama may seem imposing, but don't be fooled; that's what they want you to think.

Susan Gale