Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) User Reviews

The Rise of Letulus Quintus BATIATUS

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 7/10 · 19 December 2021]

Although being the most vicious and malevolent character in the whole series, Quintus Batiatus brings out the best with his stunning, awe-inspiring, bold dialogues and insane temper.

In the mini series of Spartacus, to be honest Spartacus Season 2, we see the making of Batiatus as a Lanista. Gods of the Arena falls short if we compare Blood, Loss, Suspense and Avenge with Spartacus: Blood and Sand. It's all Quintus Batiatus show. The making of his wife as a cruel Domina is equally entertaining. Both shadowed the rise of the greatest Gladiator of that time, the legendary Crixus.

The making of Doctore and his relationship with the greatest Gladiator of that time, The Spartacus of Gods of the Arena aka Gannicus, is heartfelt.

We see all about Batiatus here: his cruelty, lawlessness, reckless crimes, Political ambitions, the love-hate relationship with his father.

Had the dialogues not been so magnificent and defying, it would have bored to a good extent in the middle.

Give your desire voice, and you shall see it well Satisfied - Quintus Batiatus.

All the four seasons of Spartacus have a terrific end, one quite similar to their common dialogue: One not to be forgotten soon!

Episode 5 and the climax of each season makes Spartacus stand strong!

Far exceeds expectations

[horroregg · 9/10 · 21 February 2011]

I enjoyed Blood and Sand, but as a guilty pleasure. Outrageous sex and violence, some truly terrible dialogue and dodgy acting from Kiwi accented muscle men. It was fun, but not gripping nor truly addictive.

I was happy to sit back and enjoy more of the same, but Gods of the Arena is a major evolution.

There's less blood (although still more that any other show, ever) and less sex (likewise) , but far more dastardly pots and intrigue. The dialogue is more Shakespearian and the accents are reigned in. A (small) dose of Deadwood has gone a long way to making this show a cult classic. I hope they keep making these.

best prequel ever?

[FeastMode · 8/10 · 17 August 2019]

I was shocked when this prequel season turned out to be amazing. Far from as good as season 1, but very entertaining with lots of connections to the main show, further character development, and some great emotional scenes (about 4 viewings, 5/7/2021)

Absolutely Amazing!

[Supermanfan-13 · 10/10 · 11 August 2022]

Spartacus: God's of the Arena is the prequel to the other 3 amazing seasons of Spartacus and it's just as great as those 3! Most prequels usually don't live up to the original but this absolutely does as it ties into the original story perfectly! Anything I say won't do the Spartacus Saga justice so I'll just say go watch this incredible series!

Terrific!!

[Rob1331 · 10/10 · 29 September 2022]

I don't even know how to describe how much I love Spartacus, both the original and the prequel. I've watched the entire series all the way through at least four or five times because it's just that good. All you have to is read through the reviews to see how beloved this series is. The entire cast is just incredible. I think most people thought when Andy Whitfield tragically died and they had to recast the role of Spartacus that it would drop in quality. It didn't! As good as Whitfield was, Liam McIntyre stepped in and was just as good. Now Spartacus: Gods of the Arena was the prequel before Spartacus. It has most of the cast outside Spartacus himself and the story is fantastic. It will grab your attention from the first episode and hold it throughout the series. If you haven't seen this amazing show yet stop what you're doing right is and go watch it!

A Brilliant Comeback

[syrocc2004 · 10/10 · 22 January 2011]

I have been waiting for the return of Spartacus: Blood and Sand for quite some time now. Unfortunately, Andy's cancer delayed this for a long time, so Starz gave us Gods of the Arena in stead.

All I can say is well done! We are introduced into the same society and atmosphere we were presented in Blood and Sand, but a few years before Spartacus's arrival. Most of the cast from the previous show is back, and the producers did a good job with making them look a bit younger. I will not give out the names, to avoid spoilers, but rest assured, you will not be disappointed by the number of familiar faces.

And, most importantly, everything that we've seen in Blood and Sand is here! All the gore, sex, and ruthlessness is back, and boy, I've missed it. Seeing the first episode of the new series, I had a sense of seriousness and ambition throughout the show. There is enough action to keep you entertained, but there are also plenty of sensual scenes and political schemes as well. The cast did a good job, as always, and I did not have the feeling that the actors lost interest since the first season, a thing that happens with lots of shows nowadays. Also, the special effects have gotten a little better, the filming is great too.

So, as a bottom line, Starz and it's Spartacus is back, just as strong as the old series, even if Spartacus himself is missing, for now. If you loved the previous show, you will love this too, no doubt, and if you didn't, well, you will start loving it now!

Spartacus: Gods of the Television Industry

[Jaymuller · 10/10 · 22 January 2011]

By Jupiter's rooster! I'd be willing to wager coin that many a skeptic became a believer upon viewing the premier of "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena". From the opening moment to the final credits I could not gaze in another direction. The brilliant writing combined with outstanding performances and great visuals come together to produce what will no doubt become legend. The depiction of a world with honor among slaves and dishonor among their masters is masterful. The portrayal of a world which doesn't require the web or mass media for it's inhabitants to be exposed to every depravity and brutality known to humanity is enthralling. A better adrenaline rush could only be found by those living in such a world. A must see for connoisseurs of sex and violence. Mere mortals could do worse than vowing patronage to "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena". Never was a more visceral experience produced by a succession of images on an HD screen combined with surround sound!

Spartacus, without Spartacus?

[NateS8 · 22 January 2011]

There were many skeptics leading into this new season (not technically season 2) of "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena", many feared it would not be worth watching without Andy Whitfield. For those with concerns, here is some advice: watch it! The major antagonist was lost from the previous season, but the character depth/story of the new leading actor is building AND new depths of past characters from "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" are unveiled. The history of how they developed is fascinating. The relationship differences between the two season are significant, thus there is a huge void of curiosity leftover to reveal how they developed to become the personalities they portrayed in season 1.

It would be remiss to leave out the absolute, succulent gratuity that peaks our senses! The world is enriched with beautiful people, outstanding wardrobes cast in a time that fascinates most, the Roman Empire. Did I mention that many of these beautiful people are quite revealing? Nudity! It is with taste I might add! Of course, references to porn are made, but no porn has the character depth and sophistication that gives the sexual scenes the passion that is conveyed in this series. The necessity to produce these scenes is important in fostering the time-period's stance of sexual openness. The costume range is great; the rich are adorned with lavish jewelry and a colorful, flowing wardrobe which is artistically chosen, and for the poor, well sometimes they are left with nothing. The gladiators are especially left without much clothing, but the armor they do wear is often demonic, intimidating and everything you would naturally expect to find on a person when they are fighting to the DEATH!

The fight scenes are well choreographed and blood is everywhere! The array of weapons to choose from, the differences in fighting styles, the varying levels of fighting skill all make for interesting battles in the arena. Also, bear in mind that the arena is not only for physical fighting, but the political fold is the pressing force behind the fights. Basically, it is more than just a fight, what you see is not entirely what you get. The fight's value is difference for the gladiator, than it is for the crowd, than it is for the owner's of the gladiators; and, these differences are excellently contrasted. The graphics are not top-notch, but it adds a stylistic element to the show. The blood is vibrant and sometimes seems to defy physics--it's great! The acting is intense and the director seems to strive away from being "natural" which is good. The intensity is not monochromatic and individual to each characters personality.

In a short and sweet summary, this gratuitous mash of beautiful people, fight scenes, political undertones is nothing short of brilliant. Watch it for what it is and you will not be disappointed.

Excellent!

[cell_my_soul · 10/10 · 22 January 2011]

As all of you probably know this is a prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand. I assume it is such because of Andy Whitfield's ongoing battle with cancer. Although harsh sounding as it may be, during the first episode you barely miss him. This is not because of anything other than the fact that it is a prequel and we all hope he will return for future seasons.

The episode was well thought out and gives real insight into the beginnings of certain characters from the first season. After waiting for so long (or what seemed like an eternity), I was definitely not disappointed with what looks like is going to be another great season.

Definitely do not miss!

a character worth discussing BATIATUS

[srinivas_7 · 10/10 · 31 January 2011]

guys nobody is recognizing the role of batiatus.....i see no single comment mentioning about him....it is he who played long duration in all the episodes....and with his performance, has brought life to spartacus TV series...he was the one with highest dialogues in the serial, but he never made us feel bored of his role either in blood and sand or gods of the arena....he really showed us a true lanista......i agree that all the actors performed to their best.Anyways its a great entertainer for our period showing us about the lifestyle during the period of gladiators.I really love the politics in this series especially those played by lucretia and batiatus together in both blood and sand and also gods of the arena.....i really bow before the dialogue writer particularly for the phrase 'jupitor's c**k' during the scenes of frustration..

(Superb) - (Star) = Merely Above Average

[A_Different_Drummer · 7/10 · 17 February 2015]

I wrote a number of individual episode reviews of Blood & Sand. I was frankly blown away, it was not merely some of the best entertainment I had ever seen, it was in a class by itself, a sort of take-no-prisoners approach to TV drama. (Sorry for the bad pun) I spent time with this second season, packaged as a prequel, because of the excellent reviews.

I agree ... but I don't.

First of all, in my reviews of B&S I did indeed commend the performance of Hannah on multiple occasions. He is superb.

But to me this season speaks to the star power of Whitfield. It is generally acknowledged that, if not for his unfortunate circumstances, a career upgrade was in store. He was not merely the star, he was also the draw, the glue, the eyes through the audience learnt to evaluate the story, scene by scene in real time. Every time he approached Hannah and said "Dominus" part of the fun was guessing what he really wanted to say,,, That is missing here. The truth hurts. Without Whitfield, you have an above average production. With him, you had a great one.

Wow. Simply Amazing

[kevinjr16 · 10/10 · 13 February 2011]

Wow. I absolutely loved the first season of Spartacus and was so sad to hear of Andy getting cancer. I didn't think the show could continue without him. I was proved wrong by the first ten minutes of Gods of the Arena. The actor portraying Gannicus is instantly likable and I actually like him more than Spartacus. Spartacus is mostly melodramatic while Gannicus is just an egotistical cocky bad ass. By the second episode, the writers do such an excellent job that you actually care deeply for these characters and the horrors they face. Episode 3 went almost too far in the portrayal of the brutality of Rome. I just watched episode 4, and am still reeling at the awesomeness. The writing on this show is completely unrivaled, and they do not ever sacrifice reality for taste. The character development and raw emotion in them is so well portrayed through not only excellent writing, but insanely good acting. I will say that especially this season is not for the faint hearted, but if extreme gore, profanity, nudity, and VERY mature themes are not a problem for you then you simply must watch this show!

Brilliant and colorful series with full of violence , nail-biting combats , gore and blood

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 29 March 2023]

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) is set in the time before the arrival of Spartacus, the House of Batiatus faces many challenges from competitors, and within its own household. It is a spectacular series with plenty of violence , fierce combats on arena , gore and blood .This story of history's greatest gladiators unfold with graphic violence , Swordout , gore , guts and abundant sex . Before Spartacus (Andrew Whitfield who sadly deceased , he died at the age of 39, diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, being replaced by Liam McIntyre) struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed through the gates onto the sand.'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena' tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus (Dustin Clare) , in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena. So, to elevate the House of Batiatus (John Hanna , married to ambitious Lucretia : Lucy Lawless) wife Lucy Lawless) to gladiatorial stardom, Quintus puts cocky gladiator Gannicus' extraordinary fighting prowess to good use in high hopes of writing history in the blood-soaked sand of the new Capua Arena. But then a new and brave gladiator shows up, Crixus (Manu Bennett), who becomes himself a notorious gladiator

A prequel in similar style to Spartacus : Blood and Sand (2010) in which Spartacus , one of the most rebels in the history , escapes and stirs up all gladiators and slaves in a revolt (73 B. C.) against the power of Rome .This is a violently graphic and strong retelling about the greatest gladiators of all time . Impressively epic series with moving drama , colorful images and overwhelming combats . Gladiators history is imaginatively brought to life on breathtaking images with great production values and outstanding scenarios . Sword cross , intense drama , nudism , sexual scenes , gladiator fights abound in this spellbinding adaptation on audacious Roman life . Magnificent climatic battle scenes and fights on arena including lots of blood and gore ; and adding colorful computer generator images . Loosely based on historical events , in fact , Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Vatia (also called Lentulus Batiatus by Plutarch) , a mean Lanista well played by John Hanna , he was the Roman owner of a gladiatorial school in ancient Capua. It was from this school that, in 73 BC, the Thracian slave Spartacus and about 70 to 78 followers escaped. The breakout led to the slave rebellion known as the Third Servile War (73-71 BC). It is often assumed following Shackleton Bailey's arguments that he was the same man as the Gnaeus Lentulus Vatia who was quaestor in 75 BC and tribune in 72 BC. This Lentulus was also prosecution witness against Publius Sestius in 56 BC. If he was born a Lentulus then his biological father may have been Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus the consul of 97 BC. Gaius Servilius Vatia the praetor in 102 BC may have been his adoptive father. His status as a possible plebeian Lentuli (due to an adoption by a Servilius Vatia) makes him a plausible candidate as the adoptive father of Publius Cornelius Dolabella (the consul of 44 BC) . The earliest types of gladiator were named after Rome's enemies of that time: the Samnite, Thracian and Gaul. The Samnite, heavily armed, elegantly helmed and probably the most popular type, was renamed secutor and the Gaul renamed murmillo, once these former enemies had been conquered then absorbed into Rome's Empire. In the mid-republican munus, each type seems to have fought against a similar or identical type. In the later Republic and early Empire, various "fantasy" types were introduced, and were set against dissimilar but complementary types. For example, the bareheaded, nimble retiarius ("net-man"), armoured only at the left arm and shoulder, pitted his net, trident and dagger against the more heavily armoured, helmeted Secutor. Most depictions of gladiators show the most common and popular types. Passing literary references to others has allowed their tentative reconstruction. Other novelties introduced around this time included gladiators who fought from chariots or carts, or from horseback. At an unknown date, cestus fighters were introduced to Roman arenas, probably from Greece, armed with potentially lethal boxing gloves. "Batiatus" was played by Peter Ustinov in Stanley Kubrick's 1960 film, Spartacus with Kirk Douglas , Tony Curtis , Laurence Olivier as Crasus , for which Ustinov won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ian McNeice played "Batiatus" in the 2004 television adaptation Spartacus by Robert Dornhelm with Goran Visnjic as Spartacus , Alan Bates , Angus Macfadyen and Rhona Mitra . John Hannah played "Batiatus" (here given the praenomen Quintus) in this 2010 Starz television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand and the 2011 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena . Other important characters are : the winner Gannicus : Dustin Clare , the violent Crixus/Manu Bennet , Temuera Morrison as Doctore , gladiator Peter Mensah who'll become Doctore , the astute nasty gladiator Nick Tabaray , Marisa Ramirez as Melitta ,Lesley-Ann Brandt as Naevia , among others

Although redundant to original series , it is a ¨Sui Generis¨ description of the violent gladiators , however it doesn't insult the viewer's intelligence . It's all immensely epic , though predictable, as we have seen the former season , but also its predictability is redeemed in part by the charismatic performances of excellent starring , including flawless portrayals and all around for the best talent available .

A waste of time

[gbghykwg · 4/10 · 28 July 2021]

Historically themed background as an excuse for sex and violence with totally forgettable story.

A show like a fever dream of a horny teenager whose history teacher was always on sick leave.

better than the first season so far (up to ep 3)

[dangermous · 10/10 · 7 February 2011]

wow. For those who feared this would be a let down without the original lead actor please put such thoughts aside. This prequel seems better than the first season! I'd suggest they have learned some valuable lessons in the first series.

The plot is more complex and more gripping than before. The actors play their roles perfectly. I think the direction / camera work has improved slightly as well.

The writing / dialogue is outstanding. I was gripped from start to finish. I cant wait for the next episode and to see how this season finishes. I wonder what season 3 will be? is andy better and able to continue? whatever happens I hope it carries on for a long time to come.

Historical Blood-Action Drama. Looking back, the best way forward.

[katierobertson-11117 · 8/10 · 14 April 2019]

Knowing, I was worried about the fate of SPARTACUS. But 'Gods of the Arena' didn't disappoint. We are given further insight into some of our favourite characters with focus on the rise of the Ludas. The quality acting & a story which is delivered at a faster pace enthrals the viewer. It left me wondering - In a room full of villains, is our bad guy just an ambitious man?

outstanding!

[emresarac · 10/10 · 27 February 2011]

I really don't like violence in movies or series..this show has plenty of it as well as nudity but somehow I enjoy the show.I think cast is well selected.Especially John Hannah is outstanding actor.I couldn't think anybody else in this role.Special effects are not very realistic but action never stops so you don't care about these unrealistic effects.At the final of the each episode, you say don't make this to me ,don't end in here and one week passes with thinking what is the next..second season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand will be next year.we have to wait too long ..I'm already looking forward to it..Go Gladiators!

Bombastic prequel to hit show Spartacus: Blood and Sand

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 21 April 2012]

Given that this short, prequel series to SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND was necessitated by star Andy Whitfield's ongoing battle with cancer, I think it does a very good job. In essence, this is a show that sets out the early days of the House of Batiatus that features so prominently in the original series, revealing how the characters played by John Hannah and Lucy Lawless rise to fame.

At least half of the cast list is populated by new faces, and most of the fun comes from guessing what's going to happen to them, given that we know they didn't return for the later series. I'll admit that I wasn't too enamoured by Dustin Clare's boastful Gannicus, but the presence of Jaime Murray, Marisa Ramirez and Stephen Lovatt is more than enough to retain the interest. And, of course, there are many old favourites who return, like the characters of Crixus, Oenomaus and Ashur, and we get a chance to see the reasons they turned out like they did in SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND.

As in the first season, John Hannah steals the show with his endless plotting and ranting against the gods. He's fantastic here, and I think it's great how the producers were able to get another six episodes of entertainment value out of his character. The action is as stylised and grisly as ever, if not more grisly, and there's enough manipulation, backstabbing, gossip and heartfelt emotion to satisfy any fan of TV drama. Okay, it's not quite as good as BLOOD AND SAND, but that's purely because there are only six episodes to work with here, rather than 13, so they just don't have time to cover as much ground.

A Man's show, Sex and Violence

[db-40843 · 9/10 · 5 December 2016]

I will say, I am a man, and I love this show, my wife not so much. It is by all means a show for a man. At least 40% of the show is sex and nudity, and 50% of the show is fighting, and within that 90%, there are many scenes that contain sex, nudity, and fighting together. With that said, the plot line is still very strong, and the acting is great. It is not the sex aspect as much as the fighting and plot line that drawls me to this show. Honestly, even without all the sex, I would still love the show, and I think my wife may like it more, but I understand that sex and nudity was a big aspect of the time frame, thus it is a big aspect of the show. I would highly recommend checking this one out if you like Roman war movies and shows, the acting makes this one of the best available.

Cheap pleasure!

[luka3rd · 9/10 · 21 October 2011]

What's wrong with enjoying in something shallow? This Gods of the Arena is unplanned for and is meant only to bridge till they do the second season, for tragic causes... Only thing annoying enough to take the 10th star is that slaves are speaking deep thoughts in short sentences and wise manner... even more so than their masters! I like the brutality in all the fights, sex and lies! That's probably how ancient societies were, specially Rome. I truly cannot wait to see next season, and this one, however different from the first, is just a way to keep us interested in the series. So, do not be too picky of it's quality. I wanted to keep this review shorter but I could not, since I like to support easy watching series as I find it much more satisfying to ease my mind by watching TV than to watch something of what I will think next two days.

Bloody hell . It's violent

[olivergordon57 · 6/10 · 13 November 2023]

The rich Romans has upper-class English accents . For some reason, everyone speaks pidgin English.

For example the main character has been beaten up, says" excuse Countenance " Speaking silly, English doesn't make any of them, more authentically, ancient .

The violence seems to get more exaggerated has the series goes on . Maybe it was my imagination, but some of the scenes with blood squirting out of dummies are rather comical and grotesque.

Still, it would be hard to show gladiators, fighting authentically. Since they really did fight to the death in there. It's all just so in your face and over the top becoming rather ridiculous I found.

A Prequel Series as Good as the Original

[undeadfearz · 9/10 · 27 May 2016]

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (GotA) is a prequel series to Spartacus: Blood and San (BaS), and i does a seemingly perfect job of connecting itself to the original. Characters old and new are present, with many possessing fantastic story arcs and character developments, that brilliantly set up each character's story lines in BaS.

The following review does require a watch of BaS first, so you have been warned of any spoilers!

John Hannah is given the title role here, returning as Batiatus. Other fan favourites such as Oenomaus, Crixus and Barca also return. What GotA does of well, is to both stand out as its own series, as well as reveal hidden plots that set up certain parts of BaS. It is hard to say much without giving away spoilers, as I am trying to avoid here, but we find out the following:

We see how Crixus got to the position of Ludus Champion How Oenomaus became Doctore How Ashur got to where he is (both physically and mentally) How Lucretia and Crixus started their "business" How Solonius and Batiatus became rivals

Whilst those are the main plot lines that carry on over to BaS, we also see how Crixus and Barca formed a respect for each other, as well as how Gnaus hot his net (if you're interested in that sort of thing).

The best part of this series, is the mystery and anticipation of it all. Every character introduced here (that is not present in BaS) opens up new speculations as to what happens to them, Do they die? Do they live? You don't know, and the curiosity to find this out is a major factor in why this particular series is so addictive to watch. Sure the 300 style ultra violence and tone provide a very cool show, but fans of BaS will appreciate this series perhaps even more than the primer.

There is some stellar acting on show, especially on the part of Peter Mensah, who plays Oenomaus. Personally, I connected wit him the most throughout the series, and every up and down in his story line is heavy hitting, and sparks incredible emotion and enjoyment when watching. Andy Whitfield is tragically missed in regards to his personality and acting talent, but the show doesn't wither without his involvement.

The special effects are a bit dodgy, but that is expected from a TV show with a mediocre budget at play, although there are some improvements from BaS, and it never really takes you away from the action and drama.

Obviously, if you've seen BaS, you know to expect graphic nudity, with strong sex and insane violence in Spartacus, and this show is definitely not one for the faint hearted not for the young. so please, don't involve young children in this show, as there are some distressing and disturbing images involved.

To me, that doesn't put me off, and it if you're the appropriate age to be watching.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand has fast become one of my favourite TV shows, and Gods of the Arena is as wells structured and written spectacle, and in terms of rating, stands toe-to-toe with the original.

Nick Paul

Simply put, it is just fun.

[frickinfrak · 6/10 · 16 May 2011]

Sure, there are times I want to sit down and watch something deep and smart and layered. There are other times where I want to sit down and watch something that will take me on an adventure, and just have some fun. I get that this show tries to be smart and layered, and some of the characters and some of the plots have their moments. However, if you only expect that, then you will be disappointed. It is over the top, bloody, sexy fun. John Hannah plays Batiatus very well. He can annoy the crap out of me I can also feel slightly sympathetic because he is in over his head and frankly not as intelligent as he pretends. Lucy Lawless plays his wife Lucretia, the brain behind the house of Batiatus at times. She does an excellent job and is as beautiful as ever. Television missed the strong female actress. Hannah & Lawless definitely carry the story at times when it is becoming weak.

Outside of that, all the other actors carry their weight at most times, and mostly just prove as entertaining.

It All Comes Together!

[misslucyharris · 28 July 2011]

I became faithfully addicted to Spartacus and was eager to see what Starz had up its sleeve in light of Andy Whitfield (Blood and Sand's Spartacus) and his health diagnosis. And a prequel, though it didn't buy them enough time to see Andy better, was still a fantastic idea.

The ludus of the great Batiatus is much different than when we first see it in "Blood and Sand". The great father that Quintus talks about yet lives and you see the great Doctore as the former champion of Capua, Oenomaus, and the mighty Crixus is but a slave trying to win even the mark of the Brotherhood. It is interesting how Quintus and Lucretia are different in situation and attitude you get the chance to see how they become the strong house they are when they are introduced in the Season 1 of Spartacus.

Pay attention closely though! Things that were mentioned or referenced in Spartacus: Blood and Sand are brought up and dealt with here in this series. You will also find yourself loving characters that may have been despised before! The language seems less elevated (though that may be simply being used to the way they spoke from season 1) but no expense has been spared in the quality of this show! It will leave you asking yourself one question: Who do I love better? Spartacus? Or Gannicus? Gannicus clearly shines through the series as being a man who doesn't care about his elevated status or have an actual purpose. As Spartacus has eyes for revenge and to see his wife, Sura, Gannicus just slides on by as what most people call as a slacker. Not required to practice much, rewarded well with wine and women and is highly desired all over Capua. A very different type of hero. But you will find you loving his bad and defiant attitude and his story. Perhaps we shall see Dustin Clare as Gannicus yet again in the seasons of Spartacus yet to come!

Appalling pulp.

[hand-eti · 1/10 · 17 March 2011]

I was truly amazed to see that this gets 9,2 at IMDb, I was expecting 3,2 or something. It is really one of the most appalling shows I have seen. The only thing that is done professionally is blood splattering around in slow motion. For the rest it is pure garbage.

The acting is basically absent. People appear to read lines of semi-ancient English from autocue or, more frequently, they just grunt. The story is about herds of gladiators killing each other, and their masters also killing each other. With some sex thrown in for good measure. The language verges on the absurd, with all the faux ancient English with four letters words thrown in.

I can understand some people would still want to watch this. I can only watch it for a laugh, except it's not funny for more than one minute.