Spartacus Blood and Sand

Rob Babcock · « **on:** 31 Aug 2010, 09:28 pm »

I've just recently begun watching season 1 of this show, and I have to say I'm enjoying it. The visuals are pretty much recycled from 300 outtakes, but once you get used to it you stop noticing it. The effects are a bit uneven but the cast is very good. Pretty good popcorn TV. There's a lot of action, smoking hot chicks and plenty of intrigue...although they do have a bit more plucked & waxed Metro Men than I think you'd have seen in ancient Rome!

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Aug 2010, 10:14 pm »

Saw the entire series as it was rolling out and I had some issues with the reliance on extreme violence in order to communicate the action, nevertheless, I always looked forwards the Thursdays when it new episodes rolled out.

I really hoped that the second season would be coming along but then, the main star was diagnosed with a life threatening disease so, I guess those 10-12 episodes will be the end of it.

Some of my favorite episodes are the one where Spartacus was lead to an underground fighting culture. Quite brutal, historically not necessarily accurate, enjoyable beyond its description.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Sep 2010, 03:32 am »

That's a shame. So far I've only seen the first five episodes, so at least there'll be more to watch. If you mean the actor in the title role, I hope he recovers. Tough for a series- sometimes an actor can be replaced but it's not easy to pull off.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Sep 2010, 03:35 am »

Just did a bit of looking online- it appears that he has recovered and production will resume on Spartacus. That would be good news on both counts!

Hugh · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Sep 2010, 03:43 am »

Excellent news.

I watched the whole season and can't wait until it resumes.

IMHO, better than Rome which I really liked.

Quote from: Rob Babcock on 1 Sep 2010, 03:35 am

Just did a bit of looking online- it appears that he has recovered and production will resume on Spartacus. That would be good news on both counts!

mjosef · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Sep 2010, 03:55 am »

Same here...totally enjoyed the first season. Looking forward to Season 2.

Bigfish · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Sep 2010, 07:34 pm »

Guys:

I signed-up for Showtime or Starz (can't remember which) just so I could watch that series. The second part of the series is suppose to be set in time prior to when the first series actually ocurred. I guess they want more of the brutal gladiator scenes.

Ken

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Sep 2010, 07:56 pm »

These are also on Netflix.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Sep 2010, 11:53 pm »

Quote from: Rob Babcock on 1 Sep 2010, 03:35 am

Just did a bit of looking online- it appears that he has recovered and production will resume on Spartacus. That would be good news on both counts!

Wow, good news indeed! Long live Spartacus!

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 09:38 am »

After watching the rest of the first season my opinion only grows- I would have to rate it among my favorite shows of recent years. The bloody season finale really has me stoked to see where fate will take Spartacus next season. And what a feather in the cap of the Starz network. I vaguely remember that they were something of a competitor to the B-team competition of HBO, but I didn't realize they were still around today. This show could really put them on the map.

Hugh · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 01:50 pm »

Do you guys know when the 2nd season starts?

I'm anxiously waiting for it.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 02:17 am »

I just read some sad news- Andy Whitfield is permanently leaving the show.

It seems his cancer has returned, and he's quitting to devote himself to battling the disease. He will not return to the show, so one would presume it won't return. They will still air the 6 episode prequel but that may well be the end of the series.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 02:49 am »

Damn. It was a great series that has met with an untimely end.

Hugh · « **Reply #13 on:** 5 Mar 2011, 06:26 pm »

http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/03/04/who-is-returning-next-season-spartacus/

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #14 on:** 5 Mar 2011, 10:06 pm »

Very cool! Thanks for the link- it's great to get some news on the upcoming season.

Hugh · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Sep 2011, 03:00 am »

SAD NEWS.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/09/11/tvs-spartacus-dies-at-39-from-non-hodgkins-lymphoma/

chrisby · « **Reply #16 on:** 12 Sep 2011, 03:32 am »

sad indeed

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #17 on:** 12 Sep 2011, 04:28 am »

That's terrible. Even though I knew his disease was very serious I'd hoped he'd make a recovery. RIP, Mr. Whitfield.

chrisby · « **Reply #18 on:** 30 Mar 2012, 03:53 pm »

Quite a while since the last post on this thread

thankfully still not sanitized for general consumption - in more ways than one the gutsiest acting I've ever seen on the "small" screen, and certainly among the most well staged martial work anywhere- one can only imagine the out-takes and line up at first aid trailer - it'll be sad to see it end

any thoughts on Liam inhabiting of the title role?

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #19 on:** 1 Apr 2012, 05:35 am »

I find him disappointing, but I realize it's difficult to step into the title character. He's doing about as well as can be expected. Overall I'm enjoying Vengeance although the writing is a bit uneven. Whether Gannicus became more popular than they'd anticipated or whatever is does seem that Krixux and Oenomaus are becoming a bit marginalized. Ganny & Spartacus are becoming the "Data & Capt. Piquard" of the show.

In about an hour I'll sit down and watch episode 10, so no spoilers til then!