Alexander: The Making of a God 2024

When Hephaestion passed away, Arrian of Nicomedia recounted how Alexander “flung himself on the body of his friend and lay there nearly all day long in tears, and refused to be parted from him until he was dragged away by force by his companions.” Soon afterward, Alexander succumbed to overwhelming grief. Additionally, there’s the peculiar anecdote of Alexander’s naked horseback riding in Troy. However, since the series didn’t even depict their intimate moments in a Fellow Travelers-style, why all the fuss?

“Alexander: The Making of a God” has a narrow focus, concentrating solely on the rivalry between Darius III and Alexander. While the battles are elucidated in detail by experts, including Alexander’s ingenious military tactics, the discussions lack the thrill compared to “Rise of the Empires: Ottoman.” The series overlooks the detailed portrayal of Greece’s consolidation and fails to highlight the significant cultural diffusion and syncretism resulting from Alexander’s campaigns.

A standout aspect of the series is its exploration of Alexander’s ambition and vision, delving deep into his psyche to reveal the driving forces behind his unyielding quest for conquest and glory. Through compelling performances and dialogue, viewers are immersed in the mind of a man destined for greatness.

Beyond the grandeur of epic battles, the series delves into the personal struggles and complexities of Alexander’s character, showcasing his diplomatic skills, mastery of intrigue, and revolutionary innovations in warfare. Alongside the exploration of his relationships with friends, lovers, and rivals, the series paints a nuanced portrait of a man singularly focused on fulfilling his divine destiny.

The series takes several liberties, including the dramatization of Philip II’s death (during the games, not a wedding), and the Egyptian campaign has been embellished to elevate a certain character’s relevance. It’s worth noting that Alexander would have been well-informed about Egypt’s status without the assistance of any Persians, queen or not. There are also moments of levity, such as Ptolemy’s apparent ignorance of Greek stories, contrasted with Hephaestion’s explanations in Alexander’s presence. The portrayal of the general Parmenion has been softened in this rendition, almost rendering him friendly.

The inclusion of the Oracle and a National Geographic-style documentary within the series feels somewhat out of place. While the Oracle’s voiceover adds to the mystique of Alexander’s story, the ongoing search for Alexander’s tomb, led by Greek archaeologist Pepi Papakosta, brings his narrative into the modern world, suggesting the possibility of a separate show dedicated to this endeavor.