Spartacus: Blood and sand - Page 4

New Behind The Scenes look.

I said it before and I'll say it again. I was kind of hoping they weren't going to go with Glaba as the main villain for this season and instead go straight for my man Crassus. He's too good a character not to be a part of more stuff. The money of Bill Gates, the morals of Dick Cheney, an army of his own and being an actually good general? Of course once he stepped up things wen't straight downhill for Spartacus so they probably want to give them another season of kicking ass. But Crassus is such a cool character, I'd love to see what these guys would do with someone who literally was a supervillain in real life.

I liked the show. I didn't think I would, after the first episode (those blood splatters looked like Microsoft Word ClipArt), but I warmed up to it when it broke what I felt were the norms for such a show. 

Spartacus didn't immediately show up the sneering "SUPERIORLY TRAINED MINOR ENEMY" in Crixus. He got his ass kicked, as he should have. He didn't immediately win the support of all the gladiators (and still hasn't, entirely, from the look of things). And it didn't try to make you feel for the villains. In fact, if anything, it hit you with "villains" that you thought "Hey, they aren't so bad" at first... but by the end of the season I was thinking "Holy SHIT, he/she needs to die, and soon". 

It had its share of surprising moments... or at least feel-good moments, if not surprising. Crixus' intervention in the bathhouse springs to mind, as well as the interactions between him and Spartacus just before the bout in the last episode. 

In closing, I think the most shocking bit of character development was Ilythia. I loathed her at first because she was... well, stupid. Sort of a bubbly, thoughtless twat with no real redeeming qualities. Her evolution into the snake was quick in coming, but fairly powerful. I still hate her, but for more obvious, glaring reasons. 

And I'm not ashamed to admit I gave a silent cheer when she got clocked by Glaber towards the end of the series. 

Just burned through the first season on Netflix.   If it weren't for the people on this board, I doubt I would have given it a chance past the pilot but it really does improve from there.   For me the show really began to click around the time Spartacus gets his ass handed to him in the Primus and when he goes to the pits.   From there, it's pure pulp goodness complete with the warning ahead of the program that never failed to crack me up.

I'm looking forward to Season 2 but I have to admit I'll miss John Hannah.   He deserved his end but that guy was an artist when it came to spewing profanity.  

Someone else has to be watching Vengeance, yeah?

Cause holy shit. The ending to the episode tonight. Holy shee-it.

Also: New Naevia will take some getting used to, but less than New Spartacus. 

I wonder what the story is about New Naevia. Couldn't afford Old Naevia?

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Originally Posted by MrTyres 

I wonder what the story is about New Naevia. Couldn't afford Old Naevia?

 

Supposedly she got a gig on one of the CSI shows. I guess they showed her the $.

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Originally Posted by Wayward_Woman 

Someone else has to be watching Vengeance, yeah?

 

Cause holy shit. The ending to the episode tonight. Holy shee-it.

 

Also: New Naevia will take some getting used to, but less than New Spartacus. 

I'm right there with you. DeKnight certainly loves to put these guys through the ringer. Crixus and Doctore both captured? Yeah, I can't see it ending well for at least one of them.

WRT Old!Naevia and New!Naevia, yeah - in the interim, while everyone was waiting to see if Andy Whitfield  recovered and when Season Two started proper - she was offered the CSI gig and they let her out of her contract. It's really surprising to see a network and a crew and cast give that much of their time, even if it was a hit show. People's livelihoods were essentially on hold because they were hoping Andy would recover. Can't blame Old!Naevia for wanting out - girl's got to make a living/career. 

How do we like Liam McIntyre as New!Spartacus? I think he's doing an admirable job so far - not stellar, as Andy was later in the first season, but it's solid. The age discrepancy is a little jarring, considering he's in his twenties, and Andy/Manu were/are in their late thirties. Manu as Crixus is knocking it out of the fucking park as of late, which helps with the adjustment, I think.

Rhaskos and the blond are hilarious. Did he die in the mines?

And what do we think about Mira? Very hot, and fortunately very naked - but I can't help but think the overt amount of 'romantic' interaction between her and Spartacus is more a product of the actor switch. I couldn't really see the old Spartacus (actor or character) being in this sort of relationship, given his relationship with his wife. She did say, 'You'll never love another" (in flashback, forget which one) and they're a little too gushy. I know he can't be as stone, it's just.....a little jarring. 

What do you guys think of the Roman side? I enjoy how Lucretia played her hand and utterly destroyed Onemaeus and how Ashur just keeps fucking everything up for everyone. Ouch to the mark removal. 

They set up the Mira/Spartacus thing back in "Blood and Sand". They had him show some care for her way back then, and months have passed in the show's timeline since then. They've been pretty clear that he doesn't look at her the same way as his wife, and she's been pressing the issue. I think they've done a pretty good job with that relationship and her, making her strong capable without being the perfect warrior woman. Her vulnerability in the mines helped establish that she's learning how to be a proactive hero as she goes, which is an interesting contrast to all the seasoned gladiators.

I'm mostly giving McIntyre a pass for now, as his job is difficult. The main problem is that he lacks Whitfield's level of charisma. He doesn't hit the emotional looks the same way. He does fine in the action and plot-heavy scenes, but the season 1 Spartacus seemed to have many more moments of amusement/bewilderment/despair, and I'm not sure yet if the writing hasn't given him as many, or if they're just small moments and he's missing them in his portrayal.

The only problem I have with the new Naevia is that the original actress was stunningly beautiful (sob). Well that, and from what I heard, the two actresses have jarringly different accents.

Overall, I'd say I'm less impressed with their casting department this time around than in the first two seasons. None of the new actors, whether in old or new roles, have struck me as 'discoveries' like so many of the early finds were. The new "younger Viva Bianca" girl is grating. The new romans have left zero impression. The new slaves are okay, but none stand out other than the young Syrian they just introduced. Thankfully the returning actors are chewing through scenery like there's no tomorrow. :)

I have to assume Gannicus will be appearing this season, and I cannot wait to see that character again.

I hear he's in Episode 4. And after last episode's revelation? Hell to the yes. I think my issues with Spartacus/Mira is that because it's a different actor, it's perhaps really hard to see it as the same relationship progressed or as you say, the different level of charisma that gives more of a nuance to it.

Glaber's Roman BFF (both definitions, possibly) is pretty cute/appealing, though. A sensible Roman, can it be? But yeah, the rest just seem undercooked so far. I really do appreciate Mira's role in the story and how she's growing.....we'll see how it all hashes out. 

Haha, way to go Ashur! He owned everyone in this episode.

Training video for new cast menber Saxa.

I just can't bring myself to hate Ashur, he's just too awesome.  I'll be legitimately sad when his character finally meets his death.

I just love how he manages to ...Just throw a wrench into everything. Brilliant smarmy bastard. And then he cuts the flesh off his own arm. Can't wait till he's shaved and cleaned up again, though. 

I love Illythia so much. Such a colossally shitty person. I adore how unapologetically, joyously, horrible she is. 

Best episode since the season 1 finale.   I almost want to say best ep yet.   One thing is for sure....

Holy shit.

That put the spectacle in spectacular. Should we call the next episode the start of season 4? Because that felt like a season finale in every positive way.

My feelings after watching that were right up there with some of the more pulse-pounding action movies I've ever seen. The dovetailing of the personal drama with some great fight choreography and the utter insanity going on in the background make my instant reaction that this episode was up there with my favorite episodes of -any- series for pure entertainment value.

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Originally Posted by Farsight 

Holy shit.

 

That put the spectacle in spectacular. Should we call the next episode the start of season 4? Because that felt like a season finale in every positive way.

 

My feelings after watching that were right up there with some of the more pulse-pounding action movies I've ever seen. The dovetailing of the personal drama with some great fight choreography and the utter insanity going on in the background make my instant reaction that this episode was up there with my favorite episodes of -any- series for pure entertainment value.

I would say this is up there with the Superbowl episode of Alias in terms of ass kicking.

I don't watch this show and have no desire to, but a former friend of mine plays the character Mira.  She sort of dropped off the little people radar when she became "famous" (I know, unbelievable right?).

I'm curious though, what's the lowdown on her character?  She any good?

It's actually a much better show than it has any right to be.   There's wall to wall T&A and gore but even if you take that out, it's still worth watching.   It's like this weird mashup between Rome and WWE.   Worth at least 6 eps of your time and it's on Netflix.   I saw the pilot and thought it was the worst thing ever but then I kept watching and it improved to the level of needing to finish the series in one sitting.

Mira reads as neutral for me.   She's not bad and doesn't bring the show down but she doesn't elevate anything.   She's just kind of there and to offer the requisite T&A when needed.

The season finale is going to have to pull off something majorly badass to compete with that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambler 

I don't watch this show and have no desire to, but a former friend of mine plays the character Mira.  She sort of dropped off the little people radar when she became "famous" (I know, unbelievable right?).

 

I'm curious though, what's the lowdown on her character?  She any good?

You know Katrina Law?

I liked her when her character was a guest star in Season 1. She's now a series regular in Season 2.

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Originally Posted by dynamotv 

 

Mira reads as neutral for me.   She's not bad and doesn't bring the show down but she doesn't elevate anything.   She's just kind of there and to offer the requisite T&A when needed.

She got an awesome kill in the last episode. I like her.

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Originally Posted by felix 

You know Katrina Law?

 

Yeah, she was probably the coolest girl I've ever known.  She was part of a posse of friends I used to have.  We've all sort of gone our separate ways as usually happens when you're struggling in LA.  Katrina got famous.  My other friend moved to New York to pursue music instead of acting, haven't talked to him in a long time so I'm not sure what's become of him.  Another friend got cast in True Blood.  Another friend became a well known music producer/artist, though we still talk and hang out occasionally.  There was also the daughter of Nick Cassavettes (granddaughter of John).  Last I saw her, she borrowed my Final Draft screenwriting program CD and never gave it back!

So yeah, I'm just waiting for my turn!

You know, when I first saw the ads for Spartacus I wrote it off as 300: The Series, but it really turned out to be much more than that. Sure, there's lots of T & A present in the show, and it's highly stylized, but it's also got some great character work at play.

There's a really good write-up of this episode here: http://www.avclub.com/articles/libertus,69700/

"It might just be the finest hour of television produced in 2012 so far."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambler 

I don't watch this show and have no desire to, but a former friend of mine plays the character Mira.  She sort of dropped off the little people radar when she became "famous" (I know, unbelievable right?).

 

I'm curious though, what's the lowdown on her character?  She any good?

She's doing pretty well. She's Spartacus' love interest at this point, and a strong 'warrior-in-training' as well. I wouldn't say she's great in it, but she's believable and her more savage scenes have been very well done.

I'm not sure why you'd have no desire to watch it - it's a damn good show, once you get past the "300-lite" pilot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSaxon 

There's a really good write-up of this episode here: http://www.avclub.com/articles/libertus,69700/

 

"It might just be the finest hour of television produced in 2012 so far."

It's certainly the most rewatchable episode of TV produced in a very long time. There's barely a wasted frame in the entire runtime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farsight 

 

I'm not sure why you'd have no desire to watch it - it's a damn good show, once you get past the "300-lite" pilot.

I really don't like sword and sandal stuff.  It's a chore to sit through for me.

Holy shit.  That was something.  elsnakeo is right - I dunno how they're gonna top this for the finale.

Best of the series along with the Season 1 finale. And the first episode where I felt Cunningham come into his own.

The thing in the pit and shodow games are both pretty good too.

They backed it up with another stellar episode. John Hannah was terrific, but the actors playing Glaber and Ashur are proving perfectly capable of filling the role of scene-chewing antagonists. In particular, Glaber knocking down another political obstacle while in all likelihood framing Spartacus for the crime and taking his rival's sister as conquest, was delicious. Hannibal himself would grin at a plan coming together so well.

Spartacus and Gannicus feeling each other out with words and swords framed the other half of the episode well. It'll be interesting to see how Animeus and Gannicus have a change of heart and end up in the fold.

And giving Mira a bow and arrow was a smart way to allow her to become as badass as the men without resorting to Buffy-esque superpowers allowing her to defeat men (literally - she's tiny!) twice her size. Having her 'perfect shot' be a mistake was a nice bit of dark humor as well.

I know this series will never sniff major awards, but if the season continues like this, I'd be hard pressed to name 5 better shows.

Right now I think the only show being as consistently good is Justified.

The thing I like about the Glaber and Ashur team-up is that they compliment each other so well. Glaber is a tactician, a military man through and through. Ashur is a schemer and a wannabe political worm. I think the two of them are going to make life for Spartacus and Co. very, very hard.

I don't know why, but Gannicus has become my favorite character on the show. He and Spartacus are almost the same person, but Gannicus lacks purpose and is so haunted by the death of Melitta and his betrayal of Onemeous. I'm hoping his arc this season gets paid off in full.

It was a great episode.  So much mayhem, so many characters who have earned respect putting their asses on the line.  Loved it. 

Stel, agree about Cunningham in this ep.  I roared like one of those spectators when that gross noble took the spear in the chest meant for Glaber.  That was the guy that put Gannicus and Doctore's wife together, wasn't it?

Another good episode. Nice to see Glaber committing to his path. Once you got your first murder out of the way it would be foolish to let hesitation to commit some more stop you from your goals.

I really don't like how if you are a male Roman villain in this show the minute you get power you turn into Baron Harkonnen. Even though I found pre-power Glaber lacking in menace or interest him immediately killing Seppius, rubbing it in that he is going to fuck his sister, and getting his own band of foreign badasses seems like a a dozen steps too far too quickly to make him a compelling villain.

Outside of that, another really solid episode.

As I said, the man committed.

Anyway, if they can make a relative nobody like Glaber so fun, I cannot wait to see what they will eventually do with someone like Crassus. Who already reads like a fictional character. Or Pompeii The Great.

I like what i am seeing so far. But we all know Spartacus pretty much failed in the end. You don't think thats a bit of a downer while following this series? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon 

I don't know why, but Gannicus has become my favorite character on the show.

Gannicus was awesome in Gods of the Arena as the WWF version of a gladiator - a guy that actually enjoyed his lot. He's still a boost to the show with his charisma and differing goals, but I do hope he gets over his blue period at some point, as the show could use his hedonistic approach to their doomed circumstances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stelios 

As I said, the man committed.

 

Anyway, if they can make a relative nobody like Glaber so fun, I cannot wait to see what they will eventually do with someone like Crassus. Who already reads like a fictional character. Or Pompeii The Great.

Plus, Glaber was always a devious bastard. He just found his balls when his wife betrayed him. His moves since then make perfect sense. Kill dad-in-law, eliminate weaker foes, trade in psycho wife for younger model... It's a fast transition, but it should be. He nearly lost everything; now he's unshackled and PISSED.

Good times for us!

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix 

I like what i am seeing so far. But we all know Spartacus pretty much failed in the end. You don't think thats a bit of a downer while following this series? 

What's nifty about the real history is that Spartacus' fate is unknown. They don't have to rewrite history to get (almost) whatever ending they want.

Gannicus is a fantastic character and Dustin Clare acts the hell out of him.  I think Glaber's going to be an interesting character--maybe not Batiatus-level interesting, but now that he's submerging fully into the dark side (really for expedience--he just wants to get the job done and get back to Rome, right?) he will be a good enemy.  This week wasn't as awesome as last week but it was nonetheless stellar.

I had my doubts about this season initially, but it's really delivering.  Each new episode delivers new twists, and then twists on twists.  I'm having trouble predicting what's going to happen in the next 10 minutes, much less next episode and it never feels like they're having to betray the characters in order to do so.

I don't even need to say which scene had me chortling, "OOOOOOOOH!!! Oh ho hooo! Hahaaa!" for a good 10 seconds, do I?

Wow. That put a new spin on the term "face off" didn't it?

And here I thought nothing could top Gannicus' patented "Jaw Breaker" from the prequel series but that "face off" move was one for the ages.   What really did it was the brain sliding out afterwards.   Also, there's no way Ashur is making it out of this season.   I eagerly await his demise.

Guess who'll be in Season 3?

Whoa!

Well, the history dictated they were coming eventually.

Agreed. There have been a few lulls, but I'm just enjoying the ride. 

And I am excited as fuck about the Ceasar casting. Julius is my homeboy. 

That was a really great ep.  Gannicus just gets cooler and cooler, and I love how the old guy went down fighting in the big melee with Glaber's crew.  This show puts all others to shame, imho*. 

Agree on McIntyre.  Andy Whitfield is the toughest act to follow in this role, but McIntyre is managing it very well, I think.

*Except Game of Thrones, which is equally amazing.