Well... a strong ending for this story. Much was resolved, though, in CBSRMT fashion, not always the way we'd like or hope. A bittersweet ending with the blind servant girl saving the lives of the protagonist and his wealthy upper crust friends and ends by disappearing with her love for the young aristocrat unrequited.

The ones that I enjoy hearing over and over again love it.

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. The 5th & Final chapter of "The Last Days of Pompeii" was epic! Gerald Keane's adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1834 novel was marvelous. Not only do I want to see the Film & TV adaptions of this story, I also want to read the novel! Sound effects of the volcanic eruption, baby crying, seagulls by the docks, rowing of the oars, and water splashes were on point to make this episode sound superb. Adding the previous sound effects of the howling wind, horse neighing, and the chariot were a nice touch. The music was stupendous! Adventurous, yet compelling tunes that were perfect to be added into as the characters managed to survive. In our Host's Prologue, E.G. Marshall draws us back to the conclusion of this story. In ACT-1, he brings up to speed on who our main character is while saying, "Mount Vesuvius spits death into the sky" (interesting choice of words). In ACT-2, it was about pointing out that civilians in Pompeii lost both their belongings and their lives. In ACT-3, he gave us a suitable Resolution: Diomed rebuild his shipping empire, Marcus Rufus & Oriana got married, and Lydia will be remembered as the Daughter of the Gods. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall mentions the novelist's prefix, but happy to say, "CBSRMT unearthed Pompeii. Not as a buried city, but as a buried treasure." Now THAT is an exemplary way to end the show. And speaking of exemplary, our cast: Russell Horton (as Marcus Rufus), Marian Seldes (as Oriana and the crying Mother), Evie Juster (as Lydia), and Earl Hammond (as Diomed and Arbaces). Still, it's a mystery as to why CBSRMT changed actresses to play the role of Oriana. Evie Juster played Oriana in PART 1, 2 and 3. Then it was Patricia Elliot who played Oriana in PART 4. And now it's Marian Seldes. She played the part well, of course, but changing the cast members in the middle of a 5-part saga is truly a mystery. But anyway, it's been a pleasure to listen to one of the best stories on CBSRMT. Every fan of this show should really check out THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII (parts 1-5) and maybe even get the book. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =^D

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. The 5th & Final chapter of "The Last Days of Pompeii" was epic! Gerald Keane's adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1834 novel was marvelous. Not only do I want to see the Film & TV adaptions of this story, I also want to read the novel! Sound effects of the volcanic eruption, baby crying, seagulls by the docks, rowing of the oars, and water splashes were on point to make this episode sound superb. Adding the previous sound effects of the howling wind, horse neighing, and the chariot were a nice touch. The music was stupendous! Adventurous, yet compelling tunes that were perfect to be added into as the characters managed to survive. In our Host's Prologue, E.G. Marshall draws us back to the conclusion of this story. In ACT-1, he brings up to speed on who our main character is while saying, "Mount Vesuvius spits death into the sky" (interesting choice of words). In ACT-2, it was about pointing out that civilians in Pompeii lost both their belongings and their lives. In ACT-3, he gave us a suitable Resolution: Diomed rebuild his shipping empire, Marcus Rufus & Oriana got married, and Lydia will be remembered as the Daughter of the Gods. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall mentions the novelist's prefix, but happy to say, "CBSRMT unearthed Pompeii. Not as a buried city, but as a buried treasure." Now THAT is an exemplary way to end the show. And speaking of exemplary, our cast: Russell Horton (as Marcus Rufus), Marian Seldes (as Oriana and the crying Mother), Evie Juster (as Lydia), and Earl Hammond (as Diomed and Arbaces). Still, it's a mystery as to why CBSRMT changed actresses to play the role of Oriana. Evie Juster played Oriana in PART 1, 2 and 3. Then it was Patricia Elliot who played Oriana in PART 4. And now it's Marian Seldes. She played the part well, of course, but changing the cast members in the middle of a 5-part saga is truly a mystery. But anyway, it's been a pleasure to listen to one of the best stories on CBSRMT. Every fan of this show should really check out THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII (parts 1-5) and maybe even get the book. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =^D