Spartacus: Gods of the Arena

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!

guys nobody is recognizing the role of batiatus.....i see no single comment mentioning about him....it is he who played long duration in all the episodes....and with his performance, has brought life to spartacus TV series...he was the one with highest dialogues in the serial, but he never made us feel bored of his role either in blood and sand or gods of the arena....he really showed us a true lanista......i agree that all the actors performed to their best.Anyways its a great entertainer for our period showing us about the lifestyle during the period of gladiators.I really love the politics in this series especially those played by lucretia and batiatus together in both blood and sand and also gods of the arena.....i really bow before the dialogue writer particularly for the phrase 'jupitor's c**k' during the scenes of frustration..

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!

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.

Spartacus: God's of the Arena is the prequel to the other 3 amazing seasons of Spartacus and it's just as great as those 3! Most prequels usually don't live up to the original but this absolutely does as it ties into the original story perfectly! Anything I say won't do the Spartacus Saga justice so I'll just say go watch this incredible series!