The show is based (sometimes loosely) on the Thracian (we think) gladiator that led an uprising of slaves in the Third Servile War around 71BC. The first season revolves solely around Spartacus' capture, and his rise through the ranks of a gladiatorial ludus in Capua to become the people's champion.
It stars Andy Whitfield as Spartacus (who it seems has now been replaced for the second season due to an illness), John Hannah (Four Weddings And A Funeral, The Mummy series) as Batiatus, the ludus operator, Lucy Lawless (Xena, BSG) as his wife, and many other actors and actresses you may recognize from other shows and movies (Peter Mensah, Manu Bennett, Viva Bianca).
I was very excited to watch this series, hearing that the filming was akin to the movie 300 (which many people will either love or hate). If you are a 'sword and sandals' person, this is a good series to check out.
The first 1 or 2 episodes I thought were a little far fetched, and at times, the acting was absolutely horrible. At one point, I mentioned to my wife that I probably wouldnt make it through the series. However, as the 3rd or 4th ep comes around, the show starts to find itself, and you really get a feeling for Mr Whitfields acting.
During the series, each of the main characters growth is shown, particularly Whitfield, John Hannah, and Manu Bennett (the mighty current Champion of Capua). Each character's story is fleshed out, and you are left wanting more at the end of each episode.
The series is not for the faint of heart - blood and gore are at its all time high, from the bloody battles in the gladiatorial arena to a punishment scene where a gladiator is crucified and has his penis hacked off (that one is gonna stick with me for a while). It is also very sexy - there are typically one or two sex scenes in each episode, and full frontal nudity (both male and female, so there is a little something for everyone!). Extreme violence and sex in every episode???? Yeah, sign me up..
In particular, if you enjoyed the movies 300 and Gladiator, you are in for a real treat. Check this series out....stick with it through the first few episodes, and hang on for a wild ride. Im looking forward to season 2!
You are right it does have to grow on you but its been worth it, its not brilliant (some of it's so over the top it's ridicilous) but there is good action, stories and sex and I will watch season 2 when it comes around.
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