DeniTV Review: Spartacus: Blood and Sand
April 16th 2010 17:19
Category: TV-Historical
Rating: **** 4/5 stars
"I Am Spartacus!"
On January 22, 2010, the Starz network premiered the latest in their original programming line-up, Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
Because I live outside the country, I can't even begin to imagine all the buzz that surrounded this little gem of a series when it first aired State side. Being a huge fan of historical drama, I was very excited when Starz offered a free preview showing of the first episode on their website.
In all honesty, I didn't know whether to be shocked or disappointed or both. My first impression was that Starz sunk to an all-time low by trying to gain viewers by adding the lure of violence and sex...and then some more sex...and then more violence...and did I mention the sex? I was so thrown off guard by the bold displays of full frontal male nudity that, er...well I forgot that I'm supposed to be drawn in by the story of...er...what's his name. Spartacus! Right!
Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) is introduced as an unnamed Thracian, fighting in the Roman-auxiliary against the Getae. He is later betrayed by his commander, Legatus, Claudius Glaber (Craig Parker). His wife is sold into slavery, while the Thracian is condemned to die in the arena for desertion. His life changes drastically when he manages to kill his opponents in the arena and is thereby given the name Spartacus by Batiatus (John Hannah) who recognizes his fighting skills in the arena. Batiatus purchases Spartacus and brings him to his Ludus in Capua where he begins his training as a gladiator.
I wasn't quite sure how serious I should take Spartacus and after the first raunchy episode, my curiosity dragged me back for more - the story not the raunch. It wasn't until the second episode where the plot started to outweigh the titillation and violence and a story began to take shape. The first season shows us the internal struggle of Spartacus and his refusal to accept his fate as a slave while still holding on to hope of being reunited with his wife and living as a free man. This contrasts with Batiatus' refusal to accept his lower station in life with ambitions of becoming a magistrate. Both men have the power of making the dreams of each other come into fruition but this is the Roman empire and power corrupts and it's every man for himself as Spartacus comes to slow acceptance with a tragic price.
The show is far from perfect but it's good enough to be entertaining and as the series progresses, it's no longer a guilty pleasure.
Andy Whitfield is a very captivating Spartacus, he's buff, bold and brave and he plays our hero with passion. John Hannah is the perfect choice for Batiatus. He's a well developed character and at times you want to root for him until you discover that he's ready to play dirty if anything stands in his way. However, I've steadily grown quite fond of Spartacus' rival, Crixus, played with heart by Manu Bennett. I won't forget the honorable mentions of Lucy Lawless as Batiatus' wife Lucretia and Viva Bianco as Ilithyia. Both women are good but they have yet to sink their teeth into their roles. Hopefully the writers will give these two talented actress something more to play with next season.
The cinematography is inspired by by Zack Snyder's "300" that includes all the slow motion fight scenes, dramatic sprays of blood, spilled guts and other hacked off body parts. The creators want us to keep in mind that this is an honest portrayal of what was both a violent and decadent time, where slaves are possessions and sexual playthings existing for the amusement of their masters and gladiators were bread to die an honorable and violent death in the arena and power is there for the taking.
Before the first season aired, Starz announced that the show had already been picked up for a second season and since we all know how this story will end, I'm enjoying the ride so far.
"I Am Spartacus!"
On January 22, 2010, the Starz network premiered the latest in their original programming line-up, Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
Because I live outside the country, I can't even begin to imagine all the buzz that surrounded this little gem of a series when it first aired State side. Being a huge fan of historical drama, I was very excited when Starz offered a free preview showing of the first episode on their website.
In all honesty, I didn't know whether to be shocked or disappointed or both. My first impression was that Starz sunk to an all-time low by trying to gain viewers by adding the lure of violence and sex...and then some more sex...and then more violence...and did I mention the sex? I was so thrown off guard by the bold displays of full frontal male nudity that, er...well I forgot that I'm supposed to be drawn in by the story of...er...what's his name. Spartacus! Right!
Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) is introduced as an unnamed Thracian, fighting in the Roman-auxiliary against the Getae. He is later betrayed by his commander, Legatus, Claudius Glaber (Craig Parker). His wife is sold into slavery, while the Thracian is condemned to die in the arena for desertion. His life changes drastically when he manages to kill his opponents in the arena and is thereby given the name Spartacus by Batiatus (John Hannah) who recognizes his fighting skills in the arena. Batiatus purchases Spartacus and brings him to his Ludus in Capua where he begins his training as a gladiator.
I wasn't quite sure how serious I should take Spartacus and after the first raunchy episode, my curiosity dragged me back for more - the story not the raunch. It wasn't until the second episode where the plot started to outweigh the titillation and violence and a story began to take shape. The first season shows us the internal struggle of Spartacus and his refusal to accept his fate as a slave while still holding on to hope of being reunited with his wife and living as a free man. This contrasts with Batiatus' refusal to accept his lower station in life with ambitions of becoming a magistrate. Both men have the power of making the dreams of each other come into fruition but this is the Roman empire and power corrupts and it's every man for himself as Spartacus comes to slow acceptance with a tragic price.
The show is far from perfect but it's good enough to be entertaining and as the series progresses, it's no longer a guilty pleasure.
Andy Whitfield is a very captivating Spartacus, he's buff, bold and brave and he plays our hero with passion. John Hannah is the perfect choice for Batiatus. He's a well developed character and at times you want to root for him until you discover that he's ready to play dirty if anything stands in his way. However, I've steadily grown quite fond of Spartacus' rival, Crixus, played with heart by Manu Bennett. I won't forget the honorable mentions of Lucy Lawless as Batiatus' wife Lucretia and Viva Bianco as Ilithyia. Both women are good but they have yet to sink their teeth into their roles. Hopefully the writers will give these two talented actress something more to play with next season.
The cinematography is inspired by by Zack Snyder's "300" that includes all the slow motion fight scenes, dramatic sprays of blood, spilled guts and other hacked off body parts. The creators want us to keep in mind that this is an honest portrayal of what was both a violent and decadent time, where slaves are possessions and sexual playthings existing for the amusement of their masters and gladiators were bread to die an honorable and violent death in the arena and power is there for the taking.
Before the first season aired, Starz announced that the show had already been picked up for a second season and since we all know how this story will end, I'm enjoying the ride so far.
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