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 Spartacus: Blood and Sand |  'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' is a new series from Starz Media, a production company I admittedly have never heard of. 'Unheard of' will surely, however, not be used of the series in any other idiomatic sense than 'unprecedented'.
The series first two episodes held a rather inconclusive promise. Don't get me wrong, they were good: great acting, a very decent story and visually spectacular. Yet, somehow I wasn't sold. Remembering the start of 'Heroes', I failed to see if Spartacus would follow suit into a series, of albeit good craftsmanship, still struggling to define itself and the direction it wanted to take.
The next two episodes dispelled that doubt and I really start to see potential in this visual extravaganza aiming to become epic.
Andy Whitfield is a new name to me, but he is great as Spartacus, only outshined, perhaps, by John Hannah playing Batiatus, the owner of the select group of gladiators Spartacus finds himself in. Peter Mensah, whom you may remember as the Persian messenger in '300', does a terrific job as the gladiator trainer, maintaining control with the end of a quick, sharp whip, that stands in stark contrast to his sparsely rationed out sagacity.
The trailer promises magnificent violence, fast paced action with 300 style slow-motion sequences for effect, lots of blood and sand and sex.
I described it as 'Rome' meets '300' in the introduction. Visually it reminds me of '300', but the protagonist is not an ubiquitously screaming fighting machine as King Leonidas. I think he has more debt - subtle flaws, a spirit that flickers at times. There is still an endless display of ribbed torsos on display, even taking it a step further to full frontal male nudity. Although, it does so with an even mix of female nudity as well. Steering away from the horrid and endless distraction I found in 'Watchmen' - perhaps that's just me - of a limp blue phallus making every other scene, where an otherwise awesome character appeared, a confusing blend of cold blue alien impotence and detached blasé.
The comparison to 'Rome' is more of a wish than the more banal fact that the series is set in a certain place and period. The hope I have is that the series will introduce a touch of political intrigue to the story. The setting seems ideally suited for it: power struggle, deception, character development. If the coming episodes will not prove my hopes idle, I am sure this series might make a higher grade.
As it stands I'll give it a 8 out of 10, with warm recommendations for anyone who is looking for a new series to follow. |
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| Comments |
on February 14 2010 16:09:44
I have been following this series since the pilot and have come to much the same conclusion as you have: 300 as a series. Now that I think about it, it is better described as Rome + 300, as you point out, because there is much too little sex in 300 to warrant the depravity on display in Spartacus. I mean, what other series has multiple fluffers in the same scene? 
After "Lost" this show is currently my favorite. |
on February 14 2010 18:32:20
intresting ! has anyone in faroese downloaded this series?  |
on February 14 2010 18:33:03
Working on it |
on February 14 2010 18:52:44
Steering away from the horrid and endless distraction I found in 'Watchmen' - perhaps that's just me - of a limp blue phallus making every other scene, where an otherwise awesome character appeared, a confusing blend of cold blue alien impotence and detached blasé.
I don't quite understand. You found his nudity distracting and thought it ruined the scenes?
Do people here share that view? I almost didn't notice, and certainly didn't care, but does that make me the odd one out? |
on February 14 2010 20:54:27
I remember that he was naked - just like in the comic book, but I don't remember it being distracting or odd.
...I just deleted what I had written and decided not to try to make jokes as to why a "limp blue phallus" would make Yutani uncomfortable. |
on February 15 2010 16:34:37
After having watched the first 2 episodes, I have to say, I like it, but it's not awesome. I liked Rome better.
On the "limp blue phallus" issue, I've never thought of it until Yutani brought it up. (Pun kinda intended) |
on February 15 2010 20:21:54
This thread is gay. |
on February 15 2010 22:20:17
No U! |
on February 16 2010 17:01:31
I remember having a strange tingling sensation in my pants whenever the majestic blue phallus graced the canvas.
Actually, I remember it as a mild distraction, stemming from the novelty of seeing the male genitalia displayed in a major Hollywood production, as opposed to being displayed in other, less prominent, productions... - more information than you needed I'm sure
I also remember Yutani mentioning it after the movie as a major distraction for him. We're all different and I certainly see his point. I wonder if it wouldn't have been a better movie had he worn shorts? |
on February 16 2010 20:05:32
What the hell kinda version have you all been watching?
Actually, I remember it as a mild distraction, stemming from the novelty of seeing the male genitalia displayed in a major Hollywood production
There never was any blue full-nudity in MY version of the movie!
Again, what version have you watched? |
on February 16 2010 20:42:06
Bad screencap, but you get the point.
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