I always interpreted it like Maximus is the ultimate straight arrow. Lucilla is still a politician born into politics. They aren't compatible people although they might have had an interest in each other growing up. I interpreted it like Lucilla did what she could to survive. She's not evil like Commodus but she's not a hero like Maximus.
You can get glimpses of their clash of thinking throughout the film when they butt heads with each other. Maximus is all about doing what he believes is just and right, and Lucilla just wants to protect her child.
DarkEngineX t1_ja2o4ze wrote
Reply to Gladiator Maximus and Lucilla backstory? by Confident_Lock_2032
I always interpreted it like Maximus is the ultimate straight arrow. Lucilla is still a politician born into politics. They aren't compatible people although they might have had an interest in each other growing up. I interpreted it like Lucilla did what she could to survive. She's not evil like Commodus but she's not a hero like Maximus.
You can get glimpses of their clash of thinking throughout the film when they butt heads with each other. Maximus is all about doing what he believes is just and right, and Lucilla just wants to protect her child.