Spartacus
I came across Spartacus, the TV-series as a DVD box by accident about a year ago, I hadn’t heard about it before that. After some research I decided to give it a try and bought the box. It didn’t take more than two episodes of the sex, blood and violance to get me hooked on the series.
Let’s break down the series in order of airing date, this is due to the fact that if you watch it in chronological order you it will spoil the first season.
Blood and Sand
This is the first season of Spartacus that premiered 2010 on Starz. Spartacus is played by Andy Whitfield. For those who don’t know the history of Spartacus, he is a Thracian gladiator who from 73 to 71 BC led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. Blood and Sand focuses on the early days of his life as a gladiator.
Season 2 was delayed when Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2010. While under treatment season 2 was put on hold and the mini-series Gods of the Arena was filmed (the prequel to Blood and Sand). Unfortunately 18 months after his initial cancer diagnosis Andy passed away the 11th of September, 2011.
Season One – 13 episodes
Prequel: Gods of the Arena
The Prequel should be watched after Blood and Sand because the start of Gods of the Arena gives away some elements from season 1. That’s why we call it 1.5. Gods of the Arena focuses on the time before Spartacus joined the house of Batiatus.
Quintus Lentulus Batiatus gets his own ludus (gladiatior school) when he takes his fathers place and becomes a lanista (manager) of gladiators. Batiatus has great ambitions to become one of the greatest houses in Capua and puts all his fortunes on Gannicus, his best gladiator and the “rock star” of the arena.
Season 1.5 – 6 episodes
Vengeance
The second season of Spartacus follows the story of Blood and Sand. Having seen the prequel also helps to understand some of the story elements and twists. Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) continues his struggles and starts to lead his rebellion against the Roman Empire. This is the story we know from history so no big spoilers there. But to avoid giving away the plot we will just say that the second season is full of action and if you liked the other two it will be a must see.
Season Two – 10 episodes
War of the damned
The third and final season will start in January of 2013. Let’s hope it is a good one.
Season Three – 10 episodes
The epic conclusion of a legendary journey, Spartacus: War of the Damned will unleash a battle unlike anything ever seen before.
Sources used: Wikipedia & Official Spartacus site