Christian Lindner, the clever general secretary, is young for the top job and does not look ready to commit parricide.

ECONOMIST: Germany's Free Democratic Party

AD, never lingers over local colour, but keeps a firm, if not wholly accurate, grip on the conflict at the heart of the drama between General Maximus, who is Caesar's chosen successor, and the emperor's son Commodus, who will not let parricide or incest stand in the way of cementing a dynasty.

ECONOMIST: Hollywood