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Spartacus: Blood and Sand

 
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Anyone else watching this series? I've caught a couple of the later episodes and am beginning to stream them via Netflix. I watched a series on HBO called "Rome" that I really enjoyed. S:BS seems kind of like a cross between Rome, 300, and Gladiator.
 
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I've been watching it from the beginning - though at the moment I'm about three episodes behind. It's... interesting. A bit of a guilty pleasure, what with all the over-the-top violence and nudity. In that respect it reminds me of 300 much more than Rome or Gladiator, even if the setting is obviously much closer to the latter. Not that Rome and Gladiator didn't have that too, but I think they had a much higher proportion of good acting and interesting plotlines along the way. Particularly Rome, which was a favorite of mine. Still, Spartacus isn't completely devoid of higher merits, and I plan to get back to it shortly.
 
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I've just started watching this as it's full of Kiwi actors from bad soaps back home , it's certainly an entertaining series but very much 18+.
 
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I'll admit that I am 100% addicted to this show. It is like the perfect storm of storyline, action, and soap opera, along with being based on true events. Okay, it could use a bit less boobs; And less slow motion blood scenes.

And since it is based on true events, it does give up some suspense, as you know which characters can't die, because they have a major role to play in the future. And when those events arrive, you know the general outcome.

Henry
 
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I'm hooked too.

It seems like the series was more 300ish at the beginning but is becoming more Rome-ish as the season progresses.
I've never seen an episode of Xena but I think Lucy Lawless is doing a great job with this one.
The Batiatis (sp?) character is amusing too. He's the Al Swerengen (Deadwood) of this show.
 
Gregg Bolinger
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I've made it through the first 7 episodes so far. I'm hooked as well.

Okay, it could use a bit less boobs



Hm, I'd say maybe just make the showings a little more relevant. But less? ;)

And since it is based on true events



Really? I thought that this was a story line post historical Spartacus. I'll admit to not having seen the original film but in the first episode they talk about the "Spartacus of old" and that's why they give this guy the name. Could you provide some reference to how this is based on true events?

I've never seen an episode of Zena but I think Lucy Lawless is doing a great job with this one.



I watched every episode of Xena back in the day. Loved it. Lucy is doing a great job.
 
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Possible spoilers ....





Gregg Bolinger wrote:
Really? I thought that this was a story line post historical Spartacus. I'll admit to not having seen the original film but in the first episode they talk about the "Spartacus of old" and that's why they give this guy the name. Could you provide some reference to how this is based on true events?



Spartacus, Crixus, and one other led a revolt, by first escaping the ludus, and then creating a huge army of slaves that fought off the romans for two years.

The third leader of the revolt has not appeared yet, but I am thinking it is the dottori, as we don't know his name.

The roman army leader, glaber, will have a major role hunting the slaves down. There is also mention of another character, crassus, who doesn't actually appear this season, that will be involved much later -- after glaber fails.


So... Prior to the escape, you know that Spartacus and Crixus doesn't die. Spartus and Crixus will becomes friends. Glaber can't die yet. etc.

Henry
 
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The Show looks like a XX porn movie in the starting episodes, but the last few episodes have been very intense,[removed spoiler].
 
Gregg Bolinger
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Don't give stuff away just willy nilly. I'm only on the 8th episode.
 
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No discussion of his upcoming fight with the minotaur, then. Got it.
 
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Gregg Bolinger wrote:

Henry Wong wrote:And since it is based on true events



Really? I thought that this was a story line post historical Spartacus. I'll admit to not having seen the original film but in the first episode they talk about the "Spartacus of old" and that's why they give this guy the name. Could you provide some reference to how this is based on true events?


"Spartacus of old" refers to a Thracian king from the 5th century BC, also from real history, here. Compare to the now-much-more-famous Spartacus, 1st century BC, also a Thracian. Details of the show clearly match the latter.
 
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I'm just waiting for the finale, when everyone will stand up and yell "I... AM... SPARTACUS!!!" a la Gerald Butler in 300.
 
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Henry Wong wrote:So... Prior to the escape, you know that Spartacus and Crixus doesn't die. Spartus and Crixus will becomes friends. Glaber can't die yet. etc.


Much like knowledge of basic 20th-century history robs Inglorious Basterds of any real suspense, as we know how that turned out.

Oh, wait...
 
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Mike Simmons wrote:Inglorious Basterds


Yeah, that was Titanic all over again.
 
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Henry Wong wrote: Okay, it could use a bit less boobs;


Never! Not possible.

Remember: make love, not war.
 
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Just finished episode 10. Best one yet. Very emotional and awesome ending. First time I felt really connected to any of the characters.
 
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Gregg Bolinger wrote:Just finished episode 10. Best one yet. Very emotional and awesome ending. First time I felt really connected to any of the characters.




Without spoiling anything, the next two episodes are amazing, and sets up for a ridiculously anticipated season finale tomorrow night.... at least you don't have to suffer the waiting period...

Henry
 
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Henry Wong wrote:

Gregg Bolinger wrote:Just finished episode 10. Best one yet. Very emotional and awesome ending. First time I felt really connected to any of the characters.




Without spoiling anything, the next two episodes are amazing, and sets up for a ridiculously anticipated season finale tomorrow night.... at least you don't have to suffer the waiting period...

Henry



You're right. They were amazing. Can't wait for tomorrow night.
 
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Gregg Bolinger wrote:
You're right. They were amazing. Can't wait for tomorrow night.



I assumed that you were going to watch the last two episodes over the next day or so... and hence, didn't have to wait for the finale. Welcome to the wait -- of course, waiting one day is probably a lot less painful than going week to week...

Henry
 
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Wow.... that ending was intense. I still have the Aurelia and Numerious scene playing over and over in my head !!

Henry
 
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Henry Wong wrote:
Wow.... that ending was intense. I still have the Aurelia and Numerious scene playing over and over in my head !!

Henry



I was so glad she found out the truth. Very good season finale. Can't wait for next season. I'm anxious to see who returns. I bet there is at least one person we think is dead that really isn't.
 
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It has been over a week, since the finale of the latest season, but ... Oh My Gawd!!

 
Mike Simmons
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Was it worth it? I haven't watched yet, but I heard lots of complaining about this season.
 
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Mike Simmons wrote:Was it worth it? I haven't watched yet, but I heard lots of complaining about this season.



My complaint (and it isn't really one) is that the story no long lends itself for the fighting side (blood and gore) to be integrated with the political side (backstabbing). It kinda felt separated in many cases. In other cases, and I won't give anything away, it felt way over the top.


IMO, probably not as good as season one, but definitely worth it.
Henry
 
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