The most impressive thing about this program is how realistic it looks. The costumes and the sets all look like something worn at the time. The program has obviously been given a modest budget. The acting is very good, with Simon Callow as Pliny, captain of a Roman fleet of ships. Flavia, the heroine, is convincing and can obviously act. The effects are tiny bit on the dodgy side, but it doesn't spoil the program. I have not read the books on which this series is based, but I am very tempted to now that this is on. No doubt the books will become a lot more popular than they already are.Overall this is an excellent series and I can't wait for the next program.