"there is only one way to become champion, never fucking lose"
After last weeks stellar debut some questions about this prequel mini-series were answered. The big question was can it work without, not only Spartacus the character, but without star Andy Whitfield? Luckily for us it absolutely worked on every level, which is good news for fans now that we know Andy Whitfield is unfortunately not returning to the series due to illness and the role has been recast. Another question was just exactly how will this series fit in with season one, a question the writers answered in inspired fashion by not only looking to flesh out the stories of familiar characters but adding interesting new characters to the mix. At the end of last week we saw Batiatus bloody, beaten and covered in piss staring out at the new arena construction. Not surprisingly revenge is the main agenda this week.
Batiatus has recovered somewhat from the beating he took last week and he needs to strike back at Tullius and Vettius. After he hears about the arrival of Quntilius Varis, a man of wealth an influence, coming from Rome to choose Gladiators for the games he wishes to put on he hatches a plan to gain favor from Varis and have his own men included in the games. Gaia is an old friend of Varis and together they come up with a way to not only get the House of Batiatus noticed by Varis but to also strike out against Tullius and Vettius. The ripple effect suffered from Batiatus' attack are felt everywhere, from the way he treats the slaves in the ludus to the way he treats Solonius after he comes to him with word from Tullius. The way he treats the men in particular causes a huge rift between him and Doctore. On the day of Varis' arrival Batiatus takes Ashur and the other Cyrians with him to the market, their purpose is to head off Vettius and give him a taste of his own medicine. Meanwhile Gaia and Lecrutia are sent to meet Varis and talk him into visiting the ludus so he can see the men perform. All goes according to plan, including Batiatus betraying the only Cyrian who showed his face to Vettius, until Gaia chooses Crixus to fight Gannicus in a demonstration for Varis. This obviously doesn't sit well with Batiatus but he defers to her knowledge of Varis and allows the match up. We get our first glimpse of Crixus' rise to prominence as he manages to strike a blow to Gannicus before he is bested. It's the final straw for Doctore when Batiatus commands him to not only brand the Cyrians with the mark of the brotherhood for their hand in the plan but to also inform Oenomaus he is to become Doctore. While Gannicus is presented for viewing to Varis and commanded to fuck Melitta in front of him, Oenamaus is forced to battle and kill Doctore. After the dust has settled and Varis has gotten his fill of the indulgences offered, we have a new Doctore and Gannicus is to be in the primus of Varis' games.
Another fine week for Gods of the Arena. My worries about them not having enough time to fill out all the plot paths started last week were put to rest a little bit when I saw the speed at which they began to flesh them out and in some cases tie them up. Oenomaus as Doctore for example. The cracks in the relationship between Batiatus and Solonius are already starting to show and the bonds between man, wife and brothers at arms are being tested with Gannicus being forced to bed Melitta. The action was slowed a little in this episode with Batiatus' scheming mind taking center stage and we get to see just how far he will go to try and live up to the legends of his father and grand father. The seeds are being planted for what the show will eventually become. The worst thing about this is that the majority of these characters they are building on so well will not be able to play a part in season 2.
Network: Starz
Air Date: 01/28/11
Created by: Steven S. Deknight
Starring: John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah, Dustin Clare, Nick Taraby and Manu Bennett
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