[TV SERIES] Spartacus: Blood and Sand

[Lord Bane (FGM)]

Is anyone else out there watching this mini-series on Starz? I should have spread the word about this weeks ago since next week is the season finale. This mini-series is about the legendary spartacus and focuses on the time when he was first captured and forced into slavery and then his rise as a Gladiator. It is one of the best series I have seen in years and I highly recommend it. Here is a link to the shows homepage. Not sure if there are episodes on the net yet, but I would imagine they will start showing up soon as the first season ends next week.
http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus/SPARTACUSBLOODANDSAND_112
Lord Bane

http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq273/greershane/imagesqtbnANd9GcSDrDioxiUwU1PAJ_yqU.jpg

[Bootie]

It starts over here in the summer on Bravo. Didnt realise it was produced by Sam Raimi, Cool. :)

[Earl of Grey]

I watch with much enjoyment - lots of explicit nudity, sex, violence and Roman depravity (in fact, that's the only thing going on in the first place!). What more could a man want these days? :)

[Bootie]

This series started on Tuesday I have recorded it and will get round to watching it at some point... hell I still have all The Pacific episodes to watch to. Too much to do and so little time these days.

[Rico]

Sounds very cool -- will have to look out for it if it makes it to TV here... or get on DVD eventually :)

[Earl of Grey]

Be prepared for LOTS of nudity, guys! Better watch the series when your wifes aren't around... :tongue1:

[PoorOldSpike]

I haven't seen it myself but here's a review from this weeks Brit Daily Mail TV Guide-

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/PoorOldSpike/Competitons/spart-rev.jpg

[eniced73]

Your "Brit Daily Mail TV Guide" is garbage!! I watched the whole series and would highly recommend. Make sure you DVR it because you will want to watch it over and over again. Hell! Zena the Warrior Princess even gets dirty in it. What more do you want.

[mTk]

I agree! Didn't get on the train until the last three episodes, but glad I did. Will catch up from the beginning when the first season comes out on DVD.

[Bert Blitzkrieg]

I watches one episode (partially). I agree with the Daily Mail TV guide.

[Earl of Grey]

in my opinion you can't really compare those two - one is a movie, the other is a series. And both were made for totally different audiences. The maker of the series deliberately made the series to provoke such reactions, I think. Today it's even more about taste than it was a few decades ago... I like it because sometimes I just mindless fun, even if it might be in totally inappropriate form.

[eniced73]

I apologize for the harsh comment on the 'Brit Daily'. Everyone has different tastes I guess. Keep in mind though he is comparing the 1960's to 2010. Thats fifty years ago. Compare the 1960's to 1910. Wholly shat I would write a similar review I guess.

No disrespect to you either Bert but watching 30 minutes of one episode of a 13 hour miniseries hardly qualifies as an opinion. That is like me saying I watched 30 minutes of one "Band of Brothers" episode in which "Ross" from friends was running around trying to act and I agree with the critics that say it was a poor miniseries. I think every member here would string me up by my feet. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but I think if you like this type of Genre and would watch the 'whole' miniseries you might change your mind.

The rating on the movie does state Strong Language, Nudity, Violence, Sexual Situations, etc... so if this would offend you (as it did the critic from the daily) I would steer clear from it.

[PoorOldSpike]

..The rating on the movie does state Strong Language, Nudity, Violence, Sexual Situations, etc... so if this would offend you (as it did the critic from the daily) I would steer clear from it.

It don't offend me mate, i've been trying to find a girlfriend who's into all that for years..;)


http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4016/redlegsc.gif

[eniced73]

Ha!!! I got my wife to watch about 15 minutes of the first episode - which was pretty good. All the F-bombs and T &A made her get up shaking her head. What can I say she is a First Grade School teacher. I guess someone in the family has to have morals!!

[PoorOldSpike]

In fact Shakespeare can be pretty violent too, here's a summary of his Titus Andronicus with the nasty bits in red, what a great mini series it'd make..:)

Bassianus, Saturninus' brother, objects to the proposed marriage of Saturninus and Lavinia because Lavinia is already betrothed to him. With the help of Lavinia's brothers, he abducts her.
Titus is angered and he kills his son Mucius when he tries to prevent Titus from pursuing the lovers.
Tamora's sons Demetrius and Chiron share the lovely Lavinia by taking turns raping her in the seclusion of a forest.
Not only do they rape her, they also mutilate her, cutting off her hands and tearing out her tongue.
They kill Bassianus and throw him in a pit

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/PoorOldSpike/Competitons/titusB.jpg

Later [after more plot twists and turns] the evil Aaron says that Saturninus will free the sons of Titus if Marcus, Lucius, or Titus cuts off his hand and sends it to the emperor. It is Titus, though, who allows Aaron to cut off his hand and take it to Saturninus. Within a half hour, however, the emperor returns the hand, together with the heads of Titus's imprisoned sons, in a show of scorn and contempt.
The loss of his sons takes a severe toll on Titus. He begins to go mad.
Meanwhile, Tamora has a baby. It is obviously Aaron's because it has the dark complexion of a Moor. Worried that the emperor will find out about it, Tamora wants it killed. Aaron has other plans.
First, he kills the baby's midwife and nurse to keep secret the baby's existence. Next, he substitutes a white baby for his own, then leaves with his child to go to the Goths to have them raise it.
Titus cuts the throats of Tamora's sons Demetrius and Chiron, then has a pie prepared of their flesh and serves it to Saturninus and Tamora.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/PoorOldSpike/Competitons/titusA.jpg

He kills Lavinia to put her out of her misery, then kills Tamora.
Saturninus kills Titus in retaliation, and Lucius kills Saturninus.
Lucius takes command of Rome as the new emperor and orders Aaron to be buried up to his chest and starved to death.

[Bootie]

Ok I sat and watched the first episode. I was actually quite disappointed. The trailers make it look like the cinematography will be like '300', a movie I thought was excellent. It is obvious they have tried to carry it out but it just hasnt worked with inferior graphics etc. Some of the CGI is laughable and the acting.... well, dodgy to say the least.

The script also has some cringe worthy moments. 'My boot will find your ass in the afterlife'. :(

It is definitely a beer (lots of beer) and pretzels series but I just wasnt sucked in. Plenty of good looking women cavorting naked though so there is a plus side to viewing it. I dont think I will watch the rest of the series as I find the points mentioned above rather grating.

[Lord Bane (FGM)]

Bootie,
NO!!! Stick with it. The first episode is probably the worst one! I guarentee you that if you keep watching, you won't be able to stop!
Lord Bane

[Earl of Grey]

The series is abour gladiators - the worst of the worst and very likely the most uncivilized bunch in all of anient Rome.
But what do you expect? It's a bunch of men who do nothing else than beat each other and kill other guys and are slaves and captives most of their lives. What do you think that does for their attitudes, morales and speech standards? I like to think that in reality it was even worse than what the series tries to portray.

[Bootie]

Being gladiators also makes them exceedingly bad actors does it?

[Earl of Grey]

I'm not sure you can that easily distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' acting - I have watched the whole series and found the acting to be fitting. You an argue that the main character remains a tad too emotionally distant for the ircumstances. But look at the 'Gladiator' movie - Russel Crowe remained pretty stoic throughout the whole movie, too and I believe they let themselves be inspired by that one. On the other hand there ARE people who remain totally calm during even the biggest crisis... Anyway, if you start a discussion about bad acting, let me see your arguments. I have done some acting myself so I might just be the right guy to talk to. :tongue:

[Bootie]

Im sorry.... I obviously thought we were allowed to express our opinions in here. IMO the acting 'IS' bad. Correct... the characters seem emotionally distant from the facts that face them... then the accents.... we have British, Australian and American all thrown into the mix. To be a gladiator means you have to put on a voice that sounds like you swallowed 20 razor blades... the frst episode made me laugh because all of 'Spartacus' allies growled and gruffed there way through the lines with every other word being f*ck, bast*rd or c*nt.

I also felt they went overboard in their attempt to make it a shock factor with cartoon blood spraying everywhere. Some of the effects were hit and miss... some looked great some made me cringe but they overdid it as a whole. And as for the guy walking round with a dildo on his head... HAHAHA

Ive checked the IMDB and everyone states it does improve so I may watch it through.

As an aside the actor who plays Spartacus now has cancer and filming of Season 2 is postponed.

[Earl of Grey]

Just you don't misunderstand me: I want everyone to state his opinion, but I also want to hear arguments for an opinion, because that is what distinguishes a educated man from an uneducated one - the educated can tell you whay he thinks the way he thinks. I liked the series but I didn't watch it with a special disposition - I jsut wanted to be entertained and that is what I got. Nontheless your arguments are all valid and I agree, especially with the 'beer and pretzels' part. And I'd never tell anyone this seris is more than that (which I might not have made obviosu enough before). :)

[Bootie]

Hve started recording this again... so far watched episode 1 (not impressed) missed episode 2 and have the series from episode 3 onwards... what happened in episode 2?

[Earl of Grey]

Good question. From waht I recall it's pretty much like the induction in the movie "Galdiator" - the hero not wanting to fight and getting beaten up by all the other gladiators while the blonde guy befriends him and the big Gaul decides to hate him.

[mTk]

I've started recording as well. How does one tell what the episode sequence is, other than going to the website and writing it all down?

[Bootie]

Can you not just view them in date / time recorded.

[PoorOldSpike]

...Anyway, if you start a discussion about bad acting, let me see your arguments. I have done some acting myself so I might just be the right guy to talk to..


It's the director's responsibility to help an actor perform, so if we see what we think is an example of bad acting in any film, the director's mostly to blame.
For example, in the 'Alexander' movie, star Colin Farrell speaks with an Irish accent, and all the critics said it was totally ludicrous for director Oliver Stone to let him do it, so Stone's to blame.
I mean, since when did ancient Macedonians speak with an Irish accent, ha ha, no wonder the film flopped at the box office..:)

[mTk]

Can you not just view them in date / time recorded.
I would like to think so, but no guarantee they are rebroadcast in proper sequence.

[eniced73]

September 21st. This is the release date for the DVD series if you find it worthy of spending $40-$50

[Bert Blitzkrieg]

Ok, I watched two episodes again. It seems the only thing that makes it stand out is the choice of words and the cartoonlike depicton of the violence. Even for Dutch standards the vocabulary is needlessly vulgair and crude. The only point seems to be to schock.

Oh, yeah I forgot about the "story-line". It is like Dallas, Dynasty, Neighbours etc. Only they drees in different clothes.

If you're bored and don't know what to do and this series ison, it maybe entertaining enough. But don't make the mistake giving it any roomon the harddisk of your recording device !

[eniced73]

Ok. Ok. I agree that it is not going to win any "Emmy" awards but come on. If you guys are setting your standards at the top of the bar or maybe even middle, then 'Yeah' Spartacus will rank low. But you cant say that you dont enjoy watching your good ole' 'Friday the 13th' type movie every once in a while. Hell. I even stop at 'Weird Science' every once in a while when spotted on cable. And dont tell me you dont know what that is!!

[Earl of Grey]

Who would have thought this series could divide people so readically... I for one have enough of the intellectual (and supposedly good-quality) stuff and need a break. So "Spartacus" is perfect - you don't need to think because all they do is kill each other and fornicate like a bunch o' rabbits. Sometimes a man needs just that. :)

[mTk]

ATM, on one of the Starz channels (530 to be exact) on DirecTV this is being rerun. I hope my DVR picks 'em all up this time. :nod:

[princepratt]

I think you can not really compare these two- one is a film, the other is a series. And both have been made for a totally different audience. The manufacturer of the series of deliberately set to cause such reactions, I think. It is even more taste than it was decades ago. I like it because something I just stupid fun, even if it could be shaped entirely inappropriate.

[eniced73]

FYI - to all the Spartacus fans. The second season will probably be delayed due to the main actors bought with Cancer. I did hear that they would be filming a new season but as a 'Prequel' to Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Good news for Lucy Lawless as this keeps her employed and us for we get to see her a little bit more:smile:

[Bootie]

I series linked the lot... watched a couple then deleted them... I wasnt too impressed and the acting niggled me. :)

[mTk]

I just finished watching all 13 episodes and found it extremely entertaining.
A LOT of blood, but after a while it became almost cartoonish, something akin to the blood in the "300" movie.
But my god! I've never seen so much nudity in TV series ever! Not that it's a bad thing, but at times a bit overwhelming.
BTW, Lucy has a lot of nice moving parts.
Yeah, they are considering a prequel, or casting another actor or (unfortunately) just giving up. TBD.

[smaul]

I thought it was a little over done for my taste, but to each his own.

[Lord Bane (FGM)]

Good news, new episodes starting in 2011! The new episodes will be a prequel to last season and so Lucy Lawless will be back! I can't freaking wait!
Lord Bane

[Wigam]

I missed from Episode 4 onwards and this will be my next buy. I liked it alot.

[Lord Bane (FGM)]

Episode four forward is about where it gets kick ass! Get on the stick man!
Lord Bane

[Earl of Grey]

Can#t wait to see the new "season"... what better can there there be than naked women running around all the time? :biggrin1:

[Wigam]

haha, there were so many comments from mates of mine about too much blood being splashed around, too much tits....I had one word. FOOLS !!

Come on its Xenas boobs. lol

[mTk]

That (those?) is reason enough to watch.

[Breakthrough]

Any show with Lucy Lawless has to be a classic! :caked:

[Cue-Ball]

Not sure if you guys are aware or not, but there likely will not be a second season of this fantastic show. The main character who plays Spartacus has some sort of nasty cancer and won't be coming back any time soon. I did see an ad the other day for another Blood and Sand series that looks like it takes place before Spartacus arrives at the House of Capua, so at the very least we'll get more swords, blood, and breasts. But the main storyline won't be the same and the main hero won't be in it.

[Wigam]

Thanks for making us aware of that Cue Ball.

Found this though saying he is cancer free. Great news indeed.

Whitfield cancer free link (http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/spartacus-star-andy-whitfield-is-cancer-free-ready-to-return-to-the-starz-series/)

[Lord Bane (FGM)]

The character of Spartacus will not be in it, but all the other cast from Season one will be back. It will be a prequel to the last season. It runs starting 21 January and I can't wait! I am guessing that if the RL Spartacus doesn't recover from his cancer very soon, they will recast it for next season.
Lord Bane

[Wigam]

POST # 48 Guys

[mTk]

From today's Hollywood Reporter:
Starz is going ahead with what will be the second season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

Starz had intended to do a second (chronological) season of the sword and sandal epic. A prequel, Gods of the Arena, bows Jan. 21 at 10 p.m. But lead actor Andy Whitfield’s diagnosis last year with non-Hodgkin lymphoma delayed production of the second season as casting directors set about looking for a new actor to play Spartacus. Albrecht said that search is nearing its conclusion though he declined to offer any casting news.

"We’re very confident about where we are in the casting process of finding a lead actor to step into Spartacus’ sandals,” said Albrecht, “though we’ll never be able to replace Andy Whitfield.”
------------
Good news indeed for us Spartacus freaks!

[Cue-Ball]

The role of Spartacus has been recast for Season 2:

"Australian actor Liam McIntyre will take over the role as the fierce Thracian warrior in Starz’ cult hit series.

The decision comes after a lengthy and difficult process to find a new lead on the show after star Andy Whitfield had to depart the series to resume treatment for cancer. Earlier this month, Starz decided to move forward with a second season as the number of contenders for the role narrowed."

Liam McIntyre looks quite a bit like Andy Whitfield, so it shouldn't be too jarring of a transition.

[mTk]

With all due respect to Mr. Whitfield it shouldn't be all that difficult to replace him.
All that's necessary is a buffed bod, a stone-like face and grunting ability.
Not that there is anything wrong with that.

[mTk]

I saw a pic of the actor they chose as his replacement. Could be his clone.

[mTk]

"A prequel, Gods of the Arena, bows Jan. 21 at 10 p.m."
I have three episodes on my DVR but haven't watched them yet. Will advise.

[mTk]

Well, I am pleased to be able to say that "Gods of the Arena" appears (after having watched one episode) to be just as much fun as "Blood and Sand".
It is really interesting to see some of the main characters from the original have been made up to look younger. The transformation is startling at first.
They have another gladiator trainee and new "champion" along with the usual suspects. I felt right at home back at the gladiator training school.
I was gratified to discover it took only about 15 minutes for Lucy Lawless to get naked again. Her death last season was indeed a tragedy. <g>
Get back on the train. It's going to be a great ride!</g>

[eniced73]

I got to get back into this. I have not watched an episode yet. Everytime I turn on Starz it is on but half way through. I got Netflix but have been too lazy to sit down and check it out. I am going to make time this week. Definitely now that you point out Lucy Lawless showing her TA-TA's. :clap2:

[mTk]

Eniced73, I have one word for you that will solve every one of your TV viewing problems, whatever they may be.
DVR.
Well, that's sorta three words, but you get the idea.

[eniced73]

Yep. Got it. Just cannot find the time to watch it. I probably have 30 shows recorded from the military channel that I have been wanting to watch. Need a day without kids and the wife to just sit and vegg out in front of the TV.

[mTk]

Ah. Well, can't help you with that one mate although you might try retirement.
Worked for me. :juggle:

[eniced73]

Retirement? Thanks for reminding me that I will be working for at least another 25 years:(

You lucky bastard. Nothing to do play CM!!! Next you are going to tell me that you dont have a nagging wife and that she is glad you spend more time on the computer than with her :)

[mTk]

I solved computer time w/the wife a long time ago.
She has her own and occasionally we pass in the hall on the way to the bathroom. :RpS_flapper:

[mTk]

Disappointing news (to me).
Gods of the Arena is only six episodes in length and Spartacus II has yet to begin filming. :tsk:

[Bootie]

I solved computer time w/the wife a long time ago.
She has her own and occasionally we pass in the hall on the way to the bathroom. :RpS_flapper:

Loved this quote mTk. Kinda cute too... as you guys get older and your bathroom runs get more frequent you will start seeing a lot more of each other.

[mTk]

Three down and three to go. It's wonderful.

[eniced73]

Make sure you stretch it out. I watched all 6 in two nights. Nothing to look forward too since the new season does not start for awhile yet. Eventhough 'Camelot' might be promising. I have not seen enough about it yet.

[Bootie]

Ive watched the first episode and quite enjoyed it. Especially the fighting blindfold bit oh and all the tits and ass. :)

[mTk]

I've saved two episodes. Maybe tonight...

[Hiram Sedai]

am thinking you could do a drinking game for each time you hear "by Jupiter's Dingaling!!"

[Von Reich]

You know, the penis thing was actually pretty acurate. After being in Pompeii and learning about it in depth, apparently displaying penis in practically every social aspect was normal.

It was thought of in numerous forms such as fertility, veracity, pornography, and tongue in cheek humor.

The whore houses actually displayed a plaque of an erect penis to signify what they were...right out on the front of the building in plain sight...

[mTk]

SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE
--------------------------
Lucy Lawless was on the promotional trail for the prequel show (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena) and gave some clues to the upcoming season which is moving ahead (http://www.fmtaccess.com/tv/starz-announce-new-spartacus/) without series star Andy Whitfield who was unable to return. Liam McIntyre will be stepping into the mighty sandals which will be no easy feat, so viewers will have to warm to him for obvious reasons. Lucy also revealed that Season 2 will be called Spartacus: Vengeance, and gives the scoop that even though she looked like she was at death’s door in the ‘Blood and Sand’ finale – it turns out her wounds were never that life threatening and she’ll be showing up for the second season.

Christina Radish spoke with Lucy Lawless and here’s the zingers from the interview:

Q: So, Lucretia survives her wounds?
For now, yeah. It was just a little poke in the tummy. Put a poultice on it and she’ll be all right.


Q: What was it like to shoot that scene?
I didn’t feel that I had scratched the surface of what the character was, or that I had done particularly good work. I just wanted to go deeper. But, they gave me such great material in this prequel. My God, I got the chance to go deeper. I think and hope my best work is ahead of me, but I’m really proud of my work in this, and I’m really proud of the show, and to be part of it.


Q: Did you really think there was a doubt that they’d find a way for you to be in Season 2?

I’m in Season 2, but I probably won’t be in Season 3. They’re bringing me back for Season 2, but I fully expect to die. It’s just the best role, ever. My character gets a lot of air time.


Q: Is it fun for you to keep going, after thinking your character was dead?

I’m on borrowed time, though. It’s really cool. To go back and revisit things, and learn things about your character, is such a gift. Steven [DeKnight] and his team are geniuses. They’ve tied up all these things with everybody’s storylines. You get to see Peter [Mensah] when he was married, before he became Doctore.


Q: How is it, as an actor, to tell a backstory on a character that you may have already decided a backstory on?

It was a rare pleasure, actually. That never happens, where you get to go back and fill in blanks and actually find out more about your own character. It was a huge thrill for me. And, you get to see these characters when they are in the honeymoon phase of their lives. You also really get to see a lot of Peter Mensah’s range. I thought he did a beautiful job in it, and you get to see a lot more of Doctore, emotionally, and more of his history.


Q: Actors usually don’t get to be seen younger, except occasionally in flashbacks… What is it like to be playing younger than your character?

I love it. They fix us in post. That’s not a lie. But, my character certainly was a bit more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed before her rotten college mate, Gaia, came back and taught her all these bad tricks, played by Jaime Murray. My character did not abuse the servants in the beginning, and she was devoted to her husband. So, you get to see the raw Satan, and that’s always fun to play.


Q: What do you love about Lucretia?

I love that she loves her husband. I love that she doesn’t fight because I hate the action.


Q: Did you always hate the action?

Yes, I hated it, but I wasn’t in a position to say no. Very quickly, I realized that I can’t be cringing every time they come and say, “Lucy, would you like to go and learn your next fight?” I haven’t even finished filming the last one and I would have to go learn the next. I said, “You know what, guys? Instead of asking me, ‘Would you like to?,’ just say, ‘Lucy, the fight’s up.’ Then, it doesn’t require a response. It just requires me to do what I’m told.” If they say, “Would you like to?,” it makes me think, “No, I fucking hate that stuff!” If I have a choice, I don’t want to go. So. we very quickly realized that it’s better to just give me an order and then I’ll do it without thinking.


Q: What was it like working with John Hannah again, but in a different dynamic?

It was lovely. He was so joyful. He was in such good form, I think because it was a shorter period of time that he was away from his family. It was much easier for him to be there. He knew everybody and everybody knew what the show was, so I think everybody was much more comfortable in the environment.


Q: So, your character is much nicer in the prequel?

Much nicer, to start with. You can see when Lucretia had hope and trust in other human beings. She was crazy about her husband and she had some sort of faith in humanity, and then you see that eroded over the course of the prequel.


Q: Have you spoken to Andy at all?

We email one another. He’s a very spiritual man and he sees things in a much larger context. He’s just putting himself and his family first, right now. We want to see him back on screen, somewhere. He’s got a wonderful career ahead of him. If it’s not this show, there will be something else.


Q:When will you allow your children to see this series?

When they are 103! My daughter actually works in editing. She’s 22. Not only has she seen the show, but she sees all of our outtakes. Actually, she tends to turn her back in those scenes. They say, “Daisy, turn your back for 20 minutes,” and she goes and works on something else.

[Von Reich]

Great stuff. Thanks for the interview. I think I'm in love with Lucy Lawless. :)

[mTk]

I do have a lot more respect for her from her work in this series...for a couple of reasons. <g>