by Hayley Charlesworth
Far more gruesome than Game of Thrones, and with even more explicit set, Spartacus burst onto screens in 2010, demanding to be noticed and taking more than a little inspiration from the hyper-real violence of 300. But it’s so much more than the slow-motion beheadings and all the boobs. Behind these superficial pleasures is an incredibly intelligent script, a wonderful cast, and a story that can still shock even though it’s so well known. With the whole thing now available on Sky+, maybe it’s about time you gave Spartacus a shot.
Far more gruesome than Game of Thrones, and with even more explicit set, Spartacus burst onto screens in 2010, demanding to be noticed and taking more than a little inspiration from the hyper-real violence of 300. But it’s so much more than the slow-motion beheadings and all the boobs. Behind these superficial pleasures is an incredibly intelligent script, a wonderful cast, and a story that can still shock even though it’s so well known. With the whole thing now available on Sky+, maybe it’s about time you gave Spartacus a shot.
Spartacus had a troubled history: the cancer diagnosis and later death of original star Andy Whitfield led to the production of a prequel series, Gods of the Arena, and recasting the title role with Liam McIntyre. While the death of Whitfield was tragic, and his portrayal of Spartacus was simply fantastic, this gave viewers the opportunity to delve into the histories of some of season one’s supporting characters, such as Batiatus, Crixus, and Barca, losing no momentum when the main series returned. McIntyre’s performance is a tribute to Whitfield’s, but he makes Spartacus his own character without just becoming a copy.
There are four seasons of Spartacus. Blood and Sand, the first season, follows Spartacus’ enslavement into Batiatus’ ludus, culminating in the rebellion lead by Spartacus, Crixus, and Agron (who appears to take the historical Castus role, although Castus appears as a separate character in a later season). The prequel series, Gods of the Arena, introduces us to the final rebel leader, Gannicus, before Vengeance sees the former slaves face off against the Praetor Glaber, and War of the Damned leads to the fateful meeting of Spartacus’ forces and Marcus Licinius Crassus.
There are four seasons of Spartacus. Blood and Sand, the first season, follows Spartacus’ enslavement into Batiatus’ ludus, culminating in the rebellion lead by Spartacus, Crixus, and Agron (who appears to take the historical Castus role, although Castus appears as a separate character in a later season). The prequel series, Gods of the Arena, introduces us to the final rebel leader, Gannicus, before Vengeance sees the former slaves face off against the Praetor Glaber, and War of the Damned leads to the fateful meeting of Spartacus’ forces and Marcus Licinius Crassus.
Spartacus’ main selling point may be all the blood and nudity, but the show’s greatest strengths come in the characterisation, writing, and superb direction. Both fictional and historical domain characters are brilliantly realised, from Spartacus and Crixus’ initial rivalry developing into brotherhood, to villainous characters that can be considered sympathetic (Lucretia) or plain sadistic (the deliciously cunning Ashur). Spartacus is a show that also offers complex and engaging minority characters, completely avoiding tokenism. Lucretia, Illythia, Mira, Saxa…these are all female characters with agency, intelligence, depth and a unique journey, but none more so than Naevia. Beginning the series as a privileged body slave for Lucretia, before her love for Crixus sees her sold into the mines and to repeated, horrific rapes, Naevia emerges as a fierce warrior, fighting for herself and ensuring no man disrespects her again. The relationship between Agron and Nasir, a gay couple, is treated in exactly the same fashion as straight relationships, with the same levels of intimacy, conflict, and attention.
In terms of writing, the dialogue of Spartacus simply needs to be praised. The speech of these characters is constructed in a fashion that resembles Latin, although spoken in English, which provides a unique experience when watching. It is stunning how much thought is put into the construction of dialogue in Spartacus, and the delivery is equally exceptional. As for the direction, the show clearly takes some liberties from the stylistic choices of 300, but realises them even more effectively. It’s over the top, but it’s exciting, blood-pumping, and despite being disgusting, is also kind of beautiful.
Spartacus concluded its final season last year, but with a box set available, the whole thing being on Sky+, or any other means, it demands to be watched. You need a strong stomach (and maybe don’t watch with your parents), but you will be rewarded with something far more intelligent than perhaps its marketing reveals.
Spartacus concluded its final season last year, but with a box set available, the whole thing being on Sky+, or any other means, it demands to be watched. You need a strong stomach (and maybe don’t watch with your parents), but you will be rewarded with something far more intelligent than perhaps its marketing reveals.
Did you enjoy Spartacus?
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