Ranu's Reviews

Spartacus: Vengeance

Starz

10PM Fridays

One of the main reasons to subscribe to Starz returns--and my dear friends--Spartacus is back with a VENGEANCE!

The 411

With the most unfortunate passing of Andy Whitfield, Liam McIntyre has taken over the role of Spartacus as the show returns for its second season. After destroying the house of Batiatus , the gladiators (and slaves) are on the run and all of Rome is looking for them. Spartacus: Vengeance is the furthest thing from Twilight, but it appears as the line has been drawn in the “blood and sand” and we must now choose: Team Spartacus or Team Crixus.

The Good

Now anyone thinking that the tragedy and time off between seasons will affect the overall brutality of this show better go get their head examined. Steven S. DeKnight’s creation returns to Starz looking to show the other programs on the network exactly who is “Boss.”

The blood flows on Spartacus: Vengeance as if there is a water tower on the studio lot filled with red corn syrup. And if there is not a scene with blood, there is nudity. If Spartacus was a planet, 71% of it would be covered in blood, while the remaining 29% would be naked bodies.

However, after seeing the first two episodes, I sense a viciousness and darkness that will surely incite the legions of Spartacus fans. People aren’t just getting killed and beaten—they are getting downright butchered and tortured beyond anything I’ve ever seen on a television show.

There are a lot of tormented souls on a path to destruction looking to make amends for their past deeds and it will be interesting to see where they end up as the season progresses.

The Not-So-Good

While Liam McIntyre does an excellent job as Spartacus, it is still hard for me to let go of the character Andy Whitfield created. I’m sure I will eventually take more of a liking to McIntyre, but Whitfield’s untimely death has cemented a spot in my head and heart—so while I’m sure I will enjoy McIntyre’s interpretation of Spartacus, I will never forget Andy’s contribution to the franchise.

As much as I like Spartacus: Vengeance, it is still missing John Hannah. His presence on the show is only second to Whitfield’s. However, it is a testament to everyone involved that Spartacus can continue at such a high level of entertainment minus two major players.

The End Result

Spartacus: Vengeance will not disappoint the devoted fan and is sure to attract hoards of new ones. The first episode started out a little shaky, but it quickly rebounded. I love the dark path that Spartacus: Vengeance is on and I am very interested to see who (if anyone) makes it out alive by the end of the season.

For more info on Spartacus: Vengeance, visit: http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus.