In short order, Valdemar is challenged by the reborn Nero (Jonathan Cake) in a swords-and-sandals battle straight out of “Gladiator.” Literally duking it out with these bad guys is the unlikely alliance of U.S.

(That this was one of the last roles played by Kevin Smith of “Xena” fame before his death is another cruel irony.) It seems a spectacularly beautiful place to visit, but you wouldn’t want to afterlive there, especially with the brutal Valdemar as ruler.