Spartacus is a historical drama that aired on STARZ. It is based on the rise and fall of a Spartacus (Andy Whitfield, Liam McIntyre). Spartacus was inspired to join the Roman army and fight alongside the great Roman general, Gauis Claudius Glaber (Craig Parker, Lord of the Rings). The general’s true intentions are soon known by Thracian people and they refused to fight under his leadership. Instead, they would form up and fight against Glaber, which would be to no avail.

Spartacus is quickly captured and punished for his crime, as well as his wife, Sura (Erin Cummings). She would be reduced to slavery and he would damned to life in the gladiatorial arena.  Quintus Lentulus Batiatus (John Hannah) quickly bought Spartacus because he appeared to be strong and healthy. He was transported to the Ludus arena where he would be trained by the doctore, Oenomaus (Peter Mensah), who would turn out to be a great friend to the gladiators.

Once Spartacus enters the arena, he immediately senses the dangers of fighting and surviving behind the wall. He is bound and determined not to spend the rest of his days as a gladiator so he heightens his disruptive behavior and refuses to train. Batiatus makes a very important promise to Spartacus, in exchange for him to train and fight in the arena. Would Batiatus hold true to his promise or would Spartacus once again find himself betrayed by another Roman?

The giant Gaul, Crixus (Manu Bennett, Arrow) was the preeminent reigning champion, who made his presence and status known to Spartacus, right from day one. He would soon become one of Spartacus’ greatest allies in their fight for freedom.

Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay), who is a gladiator in name only, will prove to be the biggest traitor and threat to all the gladiators and slaves that spent their time behind the walls of the Ludus. He would also become a very valuable asset to Glaber.

Not every gladiator was involuntarily confined behind the walls of the Ludus. Varro (Jai Courtney) volunteered to become a gladiator in exchange for provisions for his wife Aurelia (Brooke Williams) and children.

Argon (Dan Feuerriegel), a feirce gladiator from German decent, would be the first to partner with Spartacus, in the rebellion against the Romans. 

The Celt Gannicus (Dustin Clare, Underbelly) would be the only Gladiator that would be awarded his freedom. 

Many slaves and gladiators worked dilligently together to overtake Batiatus and formed a large army, in hopes to overtake the Roman Republic. Many died during battle while others died from communicable diseases. 

Will Spartucas’ love for Sura will him to secure her and his freedom, or will he die on the battlefield as those before him? Can the ragtag army of the gladiators be able to stand up to the mighty Roman Empire? To discover the fate of each gladiator be sure to binge watch Spartacus now.

Review

This particially factual action drama showcases up and coming talented actors from the land down under including; Manu Bennett, Dustin Clare, Vince Colosmi, Anna Hutchison, but it was Andy Whitfield, who was the perfect Spartacus. Of course, his predecessor, Liam McIntyre with Witfield’s blessings finished the series quiet astonishingly. 

I personally look forward to watching “Be Here Now-The Andy Witfield story”, which will hopefully released soon and was successfully crowd funded on KickStarter. 

The setting is perfect, while the fight scenes takes a little getting used they become exciting and fun in the end. This show is not for young kids under the age of 16 due to the graphic sex scenes. Be prepared to experience the harsh realities of the reign of Rome. The overall series is a 9.5 out of 10.