Following the success of the Sword and Sandal TV series, Spartacus - Blood and Sand in 2010. Starz decided to make season 2 of Spartacus - Blood and Sand. However, the lead actor "Andy Whitfield" (Spartacus) was ill. This gave opportunity for a Spartacus prequeal to be made. The result? Well, Starz made a 6 episode prequel called, Spartacus - Gods of the Arena which was screened recently, and the season finale was aired last week.
Gods of the Arena, features the story of the time before the arrival of Spartacus at the house of "Quintus Batiatus" (Spartacus' mater and gladiator trainer). At that time, another gladiator "Grannicus" was the champion of Capua. Grannicus, was a champion that on the surface, appears to be lacking discipline at first look, but actually has a good code of honour in his character. While several characters from Blood and Sand were also present. This was when the Doctore hasn't resumed his title and was known as "Oenomaus", "Crixus" was a just new recruit to the house of Batiatus, and Quintus' father "Titus Batiatus" was still alive. The story line is an interwoven tale between Quintus' struggle against his foes to make the house of Batiatus the best gladiator trainer in Capua. As well as the story for the rise of Crixus and the friendship between Grannicus and Oenomaus. At the same time, Quintus was trying to break away from his father's mould. Once again, the story shows that Quintus, like his fellow Romans would do anything to gain power and advance in his social class (or "station" is how they called it back in those days). As I watched Quintus' actions in Gods of the Arena, and Blood and Sand I couldn't help but feel that the slaughter of Quintus and his wife at the hand of the gladiators at the end of Blood and Sand was but a consequence of their own evil deeds.
Overall, the story was intriguing and well written, and mostly unpredictable. The action scenes are spectacular, the cinematography is treated with slightly overexposed lighting as in Blood and Sand. Giving the atmosphere and feel of Zack Snyder's 300. I really liked the characters of Grannicus and Crixus.
The violence and sexual contents in Gods of the Arena is just as extreme and intense as Blood and Sand. Therefore, this TV series is R-rated (personally, I think it should have been X-rated). The theme of master and slavery system in ancient Rome is explored, and the corruption of the Roman system is once again shown in full scale as in Blood and Sand.
In Gods of the Arena, it was revealed that some gladiators sold themselves into the gladiatorial bussiness willingly, for pursue of glory and money. Most of them tasted gruesome death in the arena. As I watched Gods of the Arena (and Blood and Sand), I couldn't help but be reminded of Romans chapter 6, about how through receiving Christ we are free from the slavery of sin, and the impact of early Christianity in ancient Rome, and how that have brought hope to many who were hopeless slaves in that social system. The finale was Gods of the Arena delivered breath-taking TV entertainment, only one word can be used to describe this series, "awesome".
Final score:
Story 8.5/10 - The 6 episode prequel has an intriguing and unpredictable plot, with lovable characters and deep character development. This series was so gripping that I watched all 6 episodes in one day. Especially the final episode, as IGN review described it as "incredible".
Cinematography 9/10 - The action scenes are very well done. The colour contrast was similar to 300, but it was beautifully done. The production value of the entire series can rival that of a big budget Hollywood historical epic.
Violence Extreme - This is just as violent as Blood and Sand. For example, in the first 2 minutes of the first episode, there was a scene depicting a gladiator's head being sliced in half during a match. The amount of blood and gore is more than anything you'll ever see in a media production. Well, that's until you see Blood and Sand of course.
Sex/nudity Extreme - In the same fashion as Blood and Sand, there is a sex scene every 5 minutes. The Romans were so corrupted and perverted, and I think that the downfall of the Roman empire must be accredited due to their sexual immorality...
Final verdict 9/10 - I think Gods of the Arena is even better than Blood and Sand. It has a great storyline, interesting characters and awesome fighting scenes. Personally, I really liked Gods of the Arena, and cannot wait for Blood and Sand season 2 which will be released next year. However, I really think the series should have been X-rated (so as Blood and Sand). Once again, although this is a great TV series but I would not recommend this to most of my friends, because I know most of them don't have the stomachs for the intensive content presented in this show. You have been warned if you decide to watch this.
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