Both of you seem spot-on in analyzing why Octavian would want to help Vorenus and "discharge his debt" (VERY Roman, not to want to owe, but rather, to BE owed) . . . I also like all the character definitions going on in this episode, like Pullo trying to teach Octavian to be a warrior and Octavian just coming right out and saying "I'll never be any good at hand-to-hand fighting, I'll just be mediocre - and mediocre fighters end up dead." You can already see the way his mind is working.

Why do I have the feeling, somehow, that in spite of Pullo's and Octavian's efforts, Vorenus IS going to wind up finding out about Evander and Niobe?

And for those who haven't seen the episode, trust me, you'll be wondering the same when it gets to you ;)

I was also fascinated in this episode by the reversal of the relationship between Caesar and Servilia. Where in IV we'd seen him as the most tender of lovers, his iciness in breaking off the affair and even in striking Servilia - not once, but TWICE! - when she threw herself at him, shows an utter ruthlessness and a willingness to do what needs doing, politically, that shows more here than in almost any step he's taken yet in his climb to power. The "dark side" of Caesar, indeed . . .