When I watched the first episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand when it premiered in 2010, I thought that I wouldn't like it.
First, there was too much gore, which I've always hated in horror films. Second, there was so much sex scenes, it sometimes felt gratuitous.
Yet, I found myself invested in the TV series and eventually defending why it had that much gore (the exaggerated blood splatter and spatter make it seem less offensive) and sex (well, the Romans were known for indulging in carnal pleasures). The green screen production setting was something I eventually came to appreciate, and appreciated more when compared with other less stellar productions on various network based TV series.
While there's still the prevailing sense of blinding audiences with the sensational gore and sexual elements, the Spartacus series is actually a decent attempt at telling the story of the very much historically relevant Third Servile War (well, it's historically relevant enough to make history interesting to me). And it greatly helped that the series featured a stellar cast led by Andy Whitfield as the titular hero Spartacus, John Hannah as the lanista Quintus Lentulus Batiatus, and Lucy Lawless as Batiatus's wife Lucretia. Although, the series also takes on a brazen attitude towards killing off many, including major, characters, that when the Blood and Sand and the prequel Gods of the Arena installments were done, audiences are left to wonder what would happen next.
Spartacus: Vengeance picks up right after the events of Blood and Sand, with Spartacus and the rest of the slaves from House Batiatus wreaking havoc in Capua in their uprising. Spartacus's quest for revenge against Glaber and the unrest against the Roman Empire's slave system has melded together, but the rebellion takes time to form. They are hounded by the Romans, headed by Glaber and later aided by Ashur, and the rebellion's own ranks experience internal conflict, especially since Crixus (Manu Bennett) is still focused on finding Naevia (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) and Oenomaus (Peter Mensah) is guilt-ridden regarding his part in the slave uprising. Meanwhile, the reluctant Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) returns to the House of Batiatus with her husband Glaber, where they find that Lucretia is still alive.
Spartacus: Vengeance had two major challenges going for it. First, the death of Batiatus in Blood and Sand means that Gaius Claudius Glaber (Craig Parker) had to step up as the season's token villain, to be supplemented by the very sneaky and snarky Ashur (Nick Tarabay). While both were effective enough to make me wish for ultra violent ends for both, I miss the more intelligent villainy that John Hannah brought to the table. Second, the death of Andy Whitfield meant that they have to find a new Spartacus. The part eventually went to Liam McIntyre, who was able to create a Spartacus that was still essentially familiar to audiences. To that end, I'm just glad they found somebody competent enough to perform Spartacus effectively.
I tried to keep myself from declaring any favorite characters, because of the show's high death toll. Though, I do have to admit that I enjoyed the character development of Mira (Katrina Law), who became a very integral factor among the rebels. She had become one of the group's leaders through her own merits. No one ever accused her for gaining her position because she slept with Spartacus. Saving the asses of heavily muscled gladiators with ferocity and intelligence time and again will do that. I hate to say such a cheesy line, but... you go, girl.
Spartacus: Vengeance dished out the familiar in terms of action, intrigue, sex and violence, while showing us the next chapter of what would eventually lead to a war that would shake how Romans would view their slaves. While fans of the first and prequel seasons might feel that Vengeance's various plot lines can seem disjointed, the latest season of the Spartacus franchise still turned out to be enjoyable to watch. And yes, the gore did help. Seriously, I clapped when that guy's face got sliced off.
The next chapter, whatever title they have in mind for it, will introduce a new chapter for Spartacus and the rebellion, as well as new villains in the form of Crassus and a young Caesar. Considering the real Crassus's role in the real Third Servile War, the third season seems to be heading towards a more elaborate and intriguing form of storytelling.
And more graphic with its depiction of sex and violence.
I gleefully anticipate the stabbings and beheadings. And yes, the slicing of faces.
Happy viewing!!Labels: Action, Drama, Must-Watch, Period, Spartacus, Starz, TV, TV Series
