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Just finished watching the final episode of “Spartacus: Blood and sand” and to me it’s one of the best season endings I’ve ever experienced! This show has been one big journey and unfortunately it has come to an end. Season 2 has been confirmed, but postponed indefinitely, due to Andy Whitfield's (the main actor) ongoing treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma (a group of blood cancer).
But let me break it down. This show started on the Dutch television with a double treatment with episodes 1 and 2. At the end of that night I was satisfied I had sat down to see it, only to see my wife linger away due to the amount of blood and weak story. At this point I knew that I had a gem in my hand, because I was able to see the show without having to wait for her presence. And thus I gathered all episodes available to me at that time and the man-night started in my living-room.
Sure she had a point, the first episodes were on the weak side and dwelled on the tales already existing. Get “Gladiator”, “300” and the other wonderful TV-show “Rome” together, put them in a mixer, shake them well and there you have it: Spartacus: Blood and sand! I remember telling a colleague of mine to start seeing this show too and once he did, he told me what I’d felt after seeing the first two episodes, that it was weak, bloody and not appealing enough to continue seeing it.
I was happy that I did continue, as it turned out that this is a show that you need to get yourself through. Because somewhere during episodes 3 and 4, it kicks off! Suddenly the macho behavior and shallow story is exchanged for political intrigues and snake-like twists. This show takes the explicit graphical gore from “300” and puts it in a higher gear. With that said, “Gladiator” is put in a shadow, as Spartacus truly outdoes the one-man journey for revenge. Only to be met with such turn in events and twists in plot, that “Rome” looks like a program for primary schools. I remember the first season of “Prison Break” to be appealing and the excellent way the characters on screen bonded with me. But Spartacus has given me a new meaning of emotion. Never did I strike with my fists on the couch out of anger and sadness after seeing one of the episodes. Never did I keep my mouth open for a long time in shock after another striking moment in this story. It is gripping, emotional and kept me longing for the next episode after each one ended. I’d not felt like this with any TV-show for a long time… You really feel with the character of Spartacus.
What they tell you is true: there has never been a show on TV that shows more nudity, sex and blood than Spartacus. Coupled with some supreme actors, beautiful choreography in the fighting scenes, über use of blood, gore and special effects and masterful storyline and conflicts, this is a show not to miss.
If there is any piece inside of you that makes you feel like a man, this show is for you! If in doubt, get yourself a copy of “American pie” and leave my sight. Believe me, give this show a chance!
My rating: 9 out of 10 |