Streaming Series for a Soggy Weekend: Part I, The Epics

Like everyone else on the eastern seaboard, you're going to have a lot of time on your hands as the storm rolls through this weekend. Why not spend it in another world?

Here's a list of the top epics available on streaming services like Netflix and HBO GO. Stay tuned for Part 2, the comedies!

Rome, HBO GO

No matter how many times it's told, the story of Julius Caesar never gets old. Witness the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire in this series, which introduces us to Caesar, a young Gaius Octavian (who would later become Augustus), and Mark Antony, played with all the faults and swagger that made him one of the most memorable characters in history.

Rounding out the cast are Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, two legionaires from Caesar's legendary Legio XIII, and Atia of the Julii, Caesar's neice and Rome's most opportunistic social climber.

(Two seasons, 22 episodes, available as a high-definition stream on HBO GO.)

Game of Thrones, HBO GO

For lots of people, Game of Thrones was an aperitif before HBO's primetime line-up of summer shows like True Blood and Curb Your Enthusiasm. To others, it may look like a Lord of the Rings knock-off, especially with Sean Bean (Baromir from LotR) heading the cast.

But this series is so much more, playing much more like a drama that happens to be set in a fantasy universe. There are mythical dragons, chivalrous knights, monsters lurking in the shadows and castles dominating amazing vistas. But it really is all about the Game of Thrones, the deadly political game played between the dominant Houses of Westeros, a continent of seven kingdoms united under one king.

(One season, 10 episodes, available as a high-definition stream on HBO GO.)

Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Netflix

This show has all the trappings of a proper historical epic -- stage actors with cut-glass British accents, Roman political intrigue, characters named Gaius, and lots of servants bowing and scraping while mumbling, "Yes, dominus!" But Spartacus is all about the arena, and the series plays like the best parts of Gladiator mashed together with the violence turned up to eleven. Seriously, wait till the kids are asleep. After the series hits its stride and our hero raises his sword towards Theokoles the Shadow of Death, you'll be glad you did.

(Season one, 12 episodes, available as a high-definition stream on Netflix.)

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Netflix

Before Spartacus arrived at the ludis (training school) of Lentulus Batiatus and set off the events that would lead to the greatest slave revolt in history, another gladiator's name was on the tongue of every citizen in ancient Capua -- Gannicus! And Gannicus was equal parts unstoppable slayer and toga-clad rock star. Historically, he was also one of the commanders who joined forces with Spartacus, laying waste to Roman legions and attracting thousands of slaves to their revolt.

This six-part series is a prequel, but was filmed after the first season of Spartacus, giving hooked viewers something to tide them over until season two. Victory for the House of Batiatus, and for viewers!

(Prequel season, six episodes, evailable as a high-definition stream on Netflix.)

Camelot, Netflix

Camelot was billed as a sexier, adult version of the well-known Arthurian legend. It didn't quite work out that way. Jamie Campbell Bower is a gangly Arthur who reluctantly becomes king, Eva Green stars as his evil (and over-acted) sister Morgan, and Philip Winchester stars as Lancelot, er...Leontes. There's no explanation for why the series creators re-named him, nor do the directors offer up an excuse for why he can dodge an arrow mid-flight, but remains oblivious to Guinevere flirting with Arthur right in front of his face.

The highlights of the series are Joseph Fiennes as Merlin, and Claire Forlani as the Lady Igraine, Arthur's mother. Although it falls short of the other epics on this list, Camelot can be a good time-killer on a soggy, shut-in weekend.

(One season, 10 episodes, available as a high-definition stream on Netflix.)

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