Suburra, I suspect, aspires to the heights of series like Gomorrah, without a full appreciation, of what made that series, so compelling.

Gomorrah had genuinely compelling key characters. Characters who had depth, complexity and contradiction.By contrast, the primary characters in Suburra come across as shallow, cynical, with little motivation, beyond the basest of self interest.

The story revolves around the control of Rome. Its deep, rotten roots founded in corrupt politics, crime and religion.The mechanics of how the city and I'm sure many others, work is intriguing but somehow it never manages to take these compelling elements and make something more of them.

I will say this series does see capable performances handed in from the actors. It can't be faulted in this respect. That said, this can not seal the deal, so to speak, on its own.


In summary, a cold, almost clinical, take on crime and corruption, in modern Rome. The overly base motivations of key characters and sterile treatment of the back story, leaves little of depth and interest, for the viewer.