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Spartacus: Gods of the Arena: Beneath the Mask (2011)
The stage is set... !!
With the fourth episode coming to a bloody conclusion,the stage is all set for the penultimate episode and this season's finale ! 'Beneath the mask' was one of those episodes,where the viewer can relatively guess about the subsequent events of that episode,and yet,still be surprised when the event actually takes place.
The house of Batiatus and its promise of exotic pleasures lures suitors from far and wide to partake of the various offerings and lest Titus be offended,his son whisks him away to farther shores.This proves to be a costly error in judgment as certain events take place which will change forever the manner of the dealings taking place between the higher echelons of the power struggle which Batiatus is faced with.The rage of emotions during the episode also involves the delicate appearing Mellita and Gannicus,the result of which is sure to ignite a few flammable minds in the coming episodes.
Ashur and his friend have proved to be the comic elements this season and we get to see more of this during 'Beneath the Mask'.Special mention to the orgiastic,bacchanalian scene.The sex and debauchery is proving to be the highlight this season rather than the blood and sands of the arena & I for one hope that the final two episodes will do justice to the expectation for some good gladiatorial action in the sands !
My score: 7/10
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena: Paterfamilias (2011)
Daddy Dearest Returns !
The episode began where the previous one left off,with the mantle of Doctore placed on Oenomaus & Gannicus assuming the position of champion for the upcoming games.To celebrate his victory,Batiatus indulges in this season's new kind of adventure- a ménage à trois.
The arrival of his father & subsequent chastising of his activities puts Batiatus in a foul mood.With son in tow,father vows to return the house of Batiatus to its former 'Honor and Glory' by taking action with regards to his son's activities,while he was absent.We see,Gannicus shamed by his activities,refusing to look his Doctore in the eye.This relationship between Gannicus-Mellita-Oenomaus is proving to be quite an attraction this season getting very little screen time,but being quite emotionally drawn out.
Ashur and his friend are also involved with the plot this episode,putting him in the limelight.Still waiting to witness the incident which caused him to lose his leg and forever lose his place among the gladiators of the ludus. Mellita is saved the blushes as the 'hidden fruits & flavors' of the house of Batiatus are brought into the fray once again.Once again,Spartacus:Gods of the Arena,does not shy away from its sex,be it homo-erotic or otherwise.This bold approach is one of the factors which has made it an instant classic.
With promise of further twists & complications as half the season is over(The prequel is slated for 6 episodes only),the second half seems to be winding towards a strong finish.Although,we know how most of it is going to end,I still look forward to any curve balls the writers are going to throw at us.
My score:8/10
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena: Missio (2011)
Episode #2 Missio- Great follow up #1.Past transgressions !
Spartacus is one of those shows which does not shy away from explicit content.But,to people who are acquainted with the show,it is much more than that.The story of these people-of these slaves,these gladiators is one of constant struggle.The reason why this show has become so popular is that it plays on the very basic emotions of the viewers;not necessarily giving complicated plot twists but delivering raw,unadulterated bursts of emotion with shattering implications.Episode 2 of the prequel is one of those episodes where you see what this show from Starz can throw at you.
We get to see a wounded Batiatus licking his wounds,plotting revenge for the heinous attack .The execution of his plans is in typical Spartacus style- short,quick,brutal and bloody.Also,one can see that unlike other shows,this one has no qualms about the casual display of certain parts of the male anatomy,irrespective of whether it adds to the progress of the story or otherwise.
Gaia,is gradually growing on the house of Batiatus using her "skills" to help them accomplish a certain task of prime importance.Once again,Crixus shows sign of why he one day becomes the Champion of Capua with his skills on full display with well choreographed combat scenes(which looked a bit awkward towards the end,but still good nonetheless.) Marisa Ramirez as Mellita ,Oenomaus' wife has been quite an intriguing character with her unique relationship towards both her husband and Gannicus.Even though the ensuing emotional chaos which occurs in the episode is predictable,the artistic nature of the scene has quite an impact.
With the sneak peek promising the viewers a chance to witness Batiatus' father in action,I presume things can only get better !!
My score:8/10
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena: Past Transgressions (2011)
A Worthy start to the Prequel !
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena starts off with a simple recap of the impressive finale of Spartacus:Blood and Sand,"Kill them All". Gods of the Arena is the story of how the house of Batiatus ,gained prominence and rose to the position it had in Blood and Sand.John Hannah reprises his role as a younger Batiatus. Still his swearing,conniving self, his was one of the most well etched out characters from the first season.Giving him company is the younger looking Lucy Lawless,as Lucretia.Both of them,as,in the first season,power hungry and looking to gain favor in the eyes of officials by any means possible to garner favor for their house which has just happened to come under their control.Bataiatus seeks to pursue a more"aggressive" attitude in matters concerning the ludus as opposed to his father.
We are also introduced to the new additions this season.The heavy drinking-womanizing-gladiator Gannicus,played by Dustin Claire. Fan favorite Doctore from first season is back as well along with Ashur. Gaia(Lila from 'Dexter'),played by Jaime Murray is also introduced in this episode.
This season seeks to dwell upon the rise of the house of Batiatus along with the first Champion of Capua in the form of Gannicus,while the politics surrounding the bloody sport provide a tantalizing setting for another season of gratuitous sex,over the top violence,cringe worthy language which has made the first season achieve near-cult status among its legion of faithful fans.
My Score - 8/10
Dexter: Hungry Man (2009)
Quite easily,the best episode of Season 4
To be honest,i thought that Dexter was getting a little too melodramatic,and that the writers needed to shake it up soon.If you are an avid follower,you would understand what i mean here.The angle with Maria Laguerta and Angel Batista was just not doing it for me.The chemistry was just not there. And so,this episode started off with preparations for Thanksgiving going on in full swing.Meanwhile,Dexter hopes to catch some action at the Mitchell house and gets more than what he bargained for.For the first time,the full extent of Trinity's disturbing countenance is revealed.He comes off as a deeply disturbed and psychotic individual and the entire family reflects on his nature.I have to say,the Mitchell family gave a seriously good performance.
Back in Dexter's house,things get a little too up close and personal between Rita and Elliot.But,anybody could see that coming.Debra discovers that all is not what it seems, with a certain journalist.Masuka's humor was also spot on his episode.Dexter realizes that his family is completely different from the Mitchell's and that he was and will never be like Trinity. The coup-de-grace of the episode comes in the form of a shattering revelation that is sure to leave you hooked and wanting for more.I sure am ,and hope the final 3 episodes of this season will be as thrilling as this episode was.
My score:- A well deserved- 10/10
Harper's Island: Sigh (2009)
A fitting finale to a good series
And so ,it is finally over !! Harper's island comes to an end with 4 survivors being able get off the island safely.. The murderer and his accomplice were revealed and it didn't come as much of a surprise although the motive was quite disturbing ;the acting was quite good from the lead characters and it was an overall good episode.
Emotions ran high and as the story hurtled to a gripping climax,it seemed to vary in pace;subtle and soft in places while it was raw and strong in others.Certain portions could have been done without ,especially certain scenes in the penultimate episode, which I thought could have been handled better.
The acting of the lead actors deserve a special mention, in my opinion ,especially in the final episode where the entire diabolical scheme is brought into perspective.
From the way things were going in the previous episodes it seemed a good way to finish off things.The second half of the series could have been slightly better.But,overall it was a fitting finale to a good series !!