I think Brutus is no doubt going to occupy center stage at some point as the series builds up to a conspiracy. I think a stronger, more mature actor would have worked better. However, I want to give this actor the benefit of the doubt and maybe he'll shape up to the role in subsequent episodes.

Personally, I would have liked Brutus to be portrayed somewhat like Hamlet, conflicted in his choices and always debating them until the final moment arrives. The actor playing Brutus has been compared to one of the Star Trek characters as he resembles a Vulcan. I'm not really familiar with the later Star Trek series and can't really comment on this but I just thought he looks so modern and sophisticated, almost out of place especially when he's called aside by Pompey to sound him on Caesar's current mood. Well, let's hope for the best.

You're right in regard to the finale. I think they will use the assassination as a fitting end to the season, as this is probably the most momentous event in the Late Republic, far overshadowing anything else, due to the impact it had on the course of Roman history later on.

Skarr