Spartacus, the most famous gladiator in history, also known for being one of the most celebrated Communist heroes in more recent times, is these days mostly known as the protagonist of Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 Hollywood epic starring Kirk Douglas in title role. Half a century later another epic tale of his life was made on television in the form of series created by Steven S. DeKnight and Robert Tapert. The latter is known as the creator of popular swords-and-sandal fantasy show Xena: The Warrior Princess starring his wife Lucy Lawless (who also appears in Spartacus).
Unlike 1960 film and 2004 miniseries starring Goran Višnjić, new Spartacus isn’t based on Howard Fast’s 1951 novel; instead it follows scarce (and sometimes contradictory) ancient historical record with creators using every opportunity to fill the gaps in order to make events and characters as “spicy” as possible. The plot begins in 73 BC in the Balkans where unnamed Thracian chieftain leads Roman auxiliary troops in campaign against Getae; when Romans, led by ambitious Claudius Glaber (played by Craig Parker), betray him and leave Thracian homeland undefended, Thracian deserts, but he is soon captured and brought to Italy where he is condemned to die in arena. Against all odds, he wins the fight against four gladiators, instantly becomes popular among the crowd and his sentence is commuted to slavery. He is bought by Lentulus Batiatus (played by John Hannah), owner of gladiator school in Capua who names him “Spartacus” and gradually makes him one of his stars. But Spartacus dreams of freedom and revenge and when the opportunity arrives, he and his fellow gladiators escape and become leaders of the great slave uprising that will shake the foundations of Roman Republic.
Spartacus owed less to 1950s and 1960s swords-and-sandals epic and more to more recent examples of the genre, namely Zack Snyder’s 300. Like that film, the television series uses CGI in order to present ancient landscapes as simple but effective digital sets; the audience is more focused on drama and action, latter often stylistically presented in slow motion to provide as much details as possible. Being presented on cable, Spartacus was less affected on censorship and gave the audience opportunity to watch violence, gore, nudity and sex in the amounts and explicitness which had been unimaginable only few years earlier. The show apparently gave people what they wanted and became huge success for Starz network, making it a associated with those kinds of content. While this, just like the spectacular fight scenes, was important asset, the most valuable element of Spartacus was in scriptwriting; creators managed to build strong plot and memorable characters. In that they were aided by very diverse and talented cast; John Hannah as Batiatus provided probably the best role of his career, while Lucy Lawless was incredibly impressive as his scheming wife Lucretia.
Success of Spartacus becomes even more impressive in light of unfortunate events during production. Welsh actor Andy Whitfield, who had played Spartacus in the first season (titled Blood and Sand), was diagnosed with cancer that would ultimately claim his life; that forced producers first to produce prequel miniseries Gods of Arena showing events in Capua before Spartacus’ arrival. In the end, Whitfield was replaced by Australian actor Liam McIntyre, who played Spartacus in last two seasons (Vengeance and War of the Damned). Transition between the two was almost spotless, but the quality of the series declined, mostly due to most impressive villains and other characters being killed off. The last season, which is the closest to actual history, confronts Spartacus with rather bland adversary in the form of Marcus Licinius Crassus; Simon Merrels is far from Laurence Olivier in the same role. The only interesting addition is fascinating character of young and ambiitous Julius Caesar, played by Tood Lasance; it was probably introduced in order to provide basis for spin-off/sequel that would cover the events between those in Spartacus and those in HBO/BBC’s Rome. Yet, the lack of depth, some serious socio-economic commentary or broader historic context makes any such endeavour by creators of this show unlikely. Spartacus is nevertheless one of the most stylish television products of our times and it could be recommended as the ultimate guilty pleasure.
Starring: Andy Whitfield, Liam McIntire, John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah, Nick A. Tarabay, Craig Parker, Viva Bianca, Katrina Law, Erin Cummings, Dustin Clare, Jaime Murray, Marisa Ramirez, Dan Feurriegel, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Simon Merrells, Christian Antidormi, Todd Lasance, Anna Hutchison
Created by: Steven S. DeKnight, Robert Tappert
Running Time: 39 episodes (50-60 minutes)
Pro: superb and stylish action scenes, memorable characters, excellent cast
Contra: extremely graphic and sometimes gratitutous violence and sex, repetitiveness in the latter seasons
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RATING: 8/10