Spartacus: les dieux de l'arène

I have been waiting for the return of Spartacus: Blood and Sand for quite some time now. Unfortunately, Andy's cancer delayed this for a long time, so Starz gave us Gods of the Arena in stead.

All I can say is well done! We are introduced into the same society and atmosphere we were presented in Blood and Sand, but a few years before Spartacus's arrival. Most of the cast from the previous show is back, and the producers did a good job with making them look a bit younger. I will not give out the names, to avoid spoilers, but rest assured, you will not be disappointed by the number of familiar faces.

And, most importantly, everything that we've seen in Blood and Sand is here! All the gore, sex, and ruthlessness is back, and boy, I've missed it. Seeing the first episode of the new series, I had a sense of seriousness and ambition throughout the show. There is enough action to keep you entertained, but there are also plenty of sensual scenes and political schemes as well. The cast did a good job, as always, and I did not have the feeling that the actors lost interest since the first season, a thing that happens with lots of shows nowadays. Also, the special effects have gotten a little better, the filming is great too.

So, as a bottom line, Starz and it's Spartacus is back, just as strong as the old series, even if Spartacus himself is missing, for now. If you loved the previous show, you will love this too, no doubt, and if you didn't, well, you will start loving it now!

Although being the most vicious and malevolent character in the whole series, Quintus Batiatus brings out the best with his stunning, awe-inspiring, bold dialogues and insane temper.

In the mini series of Spartacus, to be honest Spartacus Season 2, we see the making of Batiatus as a Lanista. Gods of the Arena falls short if we compare Blood, Loss, Suspense and Avenge with Spartacus: Blood and Sand. It's all Quintus Batiatus show. The making of his wife as a cruel Domina is equally entertaining. Both shadowed the rise of the greatest Gladiator of that time, the legendary Crixus.

The making of Doctore and his relationship with the greatest Gladiator of that time, The Spartacus of Gods of the Arena aka Gannicus, is heartfelt.

We see all about Batiatus here: his cruelty, lawlessness, reckless crimes, Political ambitions, the love-hate relationship with his father.

Had the dialogues not been so magnificent and defying, it would have bored to a good extent in the middle.

Give your desire voice, and you shall see it well Satisfied - Quintus Batiatus.

All the four seasons of Spartacus have a terrific end, one quite similar to their common dialogue: One not to be forgotten soon!

Episode 5 and the climax of each season makes Spartacus stand strong!

As all of you probably know this is a prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand. I assume it is such because of Andy Whitfield's ongoing battle with cancer. Although harsh sounding as it may be, during the first episode you barely miss him. This is not because of anything other than the fact that it is a prequel and we all hope he will return for future seasons.

The episode was well thought out and gives real insight into the beginnings of certain characters from the first season. After waiting for so long (or what seemed like an eternity), I was definitely not disappointed with what looks like is going to be another great season.

Definitely do not miss!

By Jupiter's rooster! I'd be willing to wager coin that many a skeptic became a believer upon viewing the premier of "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena". From the opening moment to the final credits I could not gaze in another direction. The brilliant writing combined with outstanding performances and great visuals come together to produce what will no doubt become legend. The depiction of a world with honor among slaves and dishonor among their masters is masterful. The portrayal of a world which doesn't require the web or mass media for it's inhabitants to be exposed to every depravity and brutality known to humanity is enthralling. A better adrenaline rush could only be found by those living in such a world. A must see for connoisseurs of sex and violence. Mere mortals could do worse than vowing patronage to "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena". Never was a more visceral experience produced by a succession of images on an HD screen combined with surround sound!

I enjoyed Blood and Sand, but as a guilty pleasure. Outrageous sex and violence, some truly terrible dialogue and dodgy acting from Kiwi accented muscle men. It was fun, but not gripping nor truly addictive.

I was happy to sit back and enjoy more of the same, but Gods of the Arena is a major evolution.

There's less blood (although still more that any other show, ever) and less sex (likewise) , but far more dastardly pots and intrigue. The dialogue is more Shakespearian and the accents are reigned in. A (small) dose of Deadwood has gone a long way to making this show a cult classic. I hope they keep making these.