‘Spartacus: War of the Damned’ Will be Final Season

I’m not sure it should come as a surprise to anyone that Spartacus couldn’t last forever. I mean how many Romans can really come at Spartacus and get killed in such creative fashion? And here’s a huge spoiler from the history books, Spartacus and the other slaves do eventually end up losing. Sure, the show isn’t all that historically accurate so I wouldn’t put it past them to do something uniquely different with the ending, but honestly there’s not a whole lot more to squeeze from the lauded Starz original series. Oh yes, all of that accompanies the fact that we had about half the cast bite the dust in just the second season.

After season 2 a couple things are now official. The third season of Spartacus will be known as “War of the Damned”, and this third season will be it’s final season. It seems crazy to think that Starz would cancel it’s most widely watched show at the peak of it’s glory, but one has to respect them for not just milking the ever loving shit out of their project until it dies a meek death with less than half the original viewers it started with, as most TV shows love to do. Check out the article here at THR for an extensive interview with showrunner Steven S. DeKnight to get a grip on his reasoning for the ending of the show.

It’s going to be interesting to see what the last ten episodes of Spartacus will hold for the characters we know and love including Spartacus, Crixus and Gannicus. It’s evident that anyone at this point will be up for an epic death scene, more than likely not in the arena. It was almost inevitable that Spartacus would be facing off against Crassus at some point, having heard his name over the past two seasons more than once.

Also of note is the inclusion of the man himself, Julius Caesar into the world of Spartacus. DeKnight even spoke of a possible spin-off involving Caesar. I’m not quite sure how that would work out, or if it would even be entertaining, but I’m sure if it’s the same team running the show it couldn’t be that bad. Usually I’m shocked and upset about a show ending, especially when it’s at it’s absolute best. However, something just feels right about them ending Spartacus. The show has been consistently good even with many tribulations it has faced with the untimely death of it’s main actor Andy Whitfield. Hopefully they will end it on a high note in honor of him. Time will tell.

Spartacus: Vengeance – Episode 1 “Fugitivus”

Two years have passed and the Starz original series Spartacus has not missed a beat. (Good thing they stayed ready with Gods of the Arena) The story picks up not too far from where Blood and Sand left off; Spartacus, Crixus and the other freed slaves are on the run and committing attacks against Romans throughout Capua. Expect to see the same gratuitous amounts of blood and slow motion as we’ve seen in the other two seasons of Spartacus. The same goes for the naked debauchery found in previous seasons. Just picture sword fighting in the middle of a Roman whorehouse! It was like vinegar strokes v.s. sword strokes for heaven’s sake!

Of course let’s get the biggest concern out-of-the-way in the form of Liam McIntyre. In case you’re a Spartacus fan who’s been living under a rock, then you’ll need to know that Mr. McIntyre has replaced the dearly departed Andy Whitfield as ‘Spartacus’ this season. I had a tough time at first watching McIntyre as our favorite gladiator, but as the episode went on he definitely looked comfortable enough in the role. If Spartacus wasn’t just focused on killing Romans and that stupid asshole Claudius Glaber, I think it may have been a tougher job for McIntyre. Seriously though, how hard is it to play a vengeful slave hell-bent on murder? I feel confident that McIntyre will definitely look more and more comfortable in the role as the episodes go on.

 I kind of thought that Spartacus and the slaves would be a roaring force to be dealt with at this point, but truth be told they are simply renegades living in the sewers of Capua, killing and stealing for food and weapons. Spartacus, though still a great leader, does not have the undying loyalty of all. The Gauls of the group still only answer to Crixus, and the relationship between him and Spartacus is a bit strained as their goals remain totally different. By the end of the episode, their motives become a little more concerted and I think the season will really be roaring along.

It was very interesting to see Lucretia back, especially considering everything she knows. Of course most of the things that are implied by her return are very predictable. Her memory will clearly come back about Ilithyia at some point during the season, and I assume she will play dumb until she can exact revenge upon her. Not before humiliating her and her husband with the knowledge of Licinia’s murder. Hopefully before all of that she let’s good ole’ Claudius know about Ilithyia banging Spartacus back in Season One.

The high point for me in this episode was by far the scene where Claudius Glaber gave his speech and presented the surviving Lucretia to the people of Capua. The whole time Spartacus was looking on from the crowd and moving closer and closer, I was on the edge of my seat hoping he would take that scumbag out. Of course he didn’t, but that was to be expected.

Now to my low point. And I don’t mean quality wise because there was not much I didn’t like about this episode. The capture and death of Aurelia was definitely a downer. After all she had been through with losing Varo in season one I had hoped that she would be reunited with her son.

But alas, this is Spartacus and not a very good place for happy endings as was evidenced in the last two seasons. I almost expected something to go wrong when Spartacus sent her along her way but I was still shocked when Claudius Glaber brought her out before the crowd. Total bummer.

Overall, I give the episode a 4 out of 5 grizzlies.

The series is back and is as good as it previously was and hopefully the premature critics of Liam McIntyre can stopping their inane babble for awhile. At least until the season gets into full swing, which it certainly has a good start on. Tune in for the next episode and definitely check this one out online from Starz before it’s Friday premiere date!

“I believe I can fly!”

In Memory of Andy Whitfield

After visiting Deadline about an hour ago, I was saddened and dismayed to read about the passing of an actor who’s greatness was gone far too soon, and who had the potential to be even bigger than he already was. Andy Whitfield was the main lead in the Starz original series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, playing the main character of Spartacus who would rise through the ranks of the gladiators to lead a slave rebellion that would be talked about for centuries after. Whitfield owned the character of Spartacus in my eyes. He had intensity and the strong silence that made people like Clint Eastwood the icons they are today. Sadly, the non-Hodgkin Lymphoma that he was diagnosed with a couple years ago forcing to him withdraw from the role of Spartacus, claimed him today shy of 40.

I only hope that his replacement Liam McIntyre realizes the enormity of the role he inherited from one of my favorite actors in the last five years. An actor that I had hoped to see in a variety of things outside of Spartacus in the years to come. I wish Andy Whitfield’s family and friends all the best as they mourn a loss felt by his many fans. And I wish to thank Mr. Whitfield for giving us a memorable performance in his turn as Spartacus that will live on for many years.

Spartacus Vengeance: Full Trailer! More Blood!

As much as I liked the little teaser trailer from Comic-Con of Spartacus: Vengeance, the extended one that ran on Starz a few days after is far superior. Not only did it have the most face slashes and stabs I’ve ever seen in my life, but it gave us a few glimpses of some of our favorite characters. Namely the ones we love to hate.

Are you not entertained?

There was a little more dialogue from Liam McIntyre as Spartacus and a whole lot more ass kicking. Like I’ve repeated, he can’t replace Andy Whitfield but it would appear he can hold his own and still honor the role in his absence. There will forever be comparisons of McIntyre to Whitfield’s portrayal of the Thracian gladiator. That is unless he does so well in the role that we can’t help but separate the two. Check out the trailer below and put on a face shield so the blood doesn’t get in your eyes:

Yeah I know it was awesome. I’m glad to finally get to see the scum coming out the woodwork. Lucretia looked absolutely demented and a little bit like Medusa. I’m curious what will come of her now that she doesn’t have a husband and her home is pretty much a morgue at this point. Will she be Ilithyia and Glaber’s simple servant until she can take her vengeance on Ilithyia for abandoning her and her husband last season?

I wondered who Gannicus was fighting as well. It wasn’t Oenemaus I hope, but maybe the truth finally comes out about Gannicus and his wife’s affair in ‘Gods of the Arena’.

I’m glad the whole season is titled Vengeance because there is plenty to be had. Ashur wants some against Crixus and the rest of the gladiators who shunned him and there is none more enticing than the vengeance Spartacus wants to deal out upon the face of Glaber and his wife.

Glaber… I hate this prick.

So did this trailer get everyone’s blood pumping for the premiere in January? I can’t wait!

Comic-Con: ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’ Trailer and 2nd Season Casting!

Good Lord Comic-Con is just spoiling us rotten so far this year. I know plenty of you have been waiting for something, anything on the Starz original series Spartacus and it’s second season dubbed ‘Vengeance’. Well the wait is over. In the trailer presented we finally get to see Liam McIntyre in live action and speaking some lines! Will it be everything you hoped for? Watch below to find out:

Seems decent enough to me so far, though not a whole lot to be seen in such a short trailer. But I’m sure like me you’ll be checking out the full trailer they advertised at the end on July 29th. The thing that I found most interesting was seeing Oenomaus being whipped by none other than Ashur, who most definitely has a bone to pick with the fugitive gladiators; especially Crixus. Also, I hope that the full trailer will feature a look at Lucretia and how she’s looking for season 2. From what the panel said she’s looking a little ragged. It also looks like we’re gonna see tons of killing according to what the panel is saying. Take a gander below from Deadline:

As for the upcoming Season 2 titled Spartacus: Vengance, the plan “is to kill more people,” DeKnight said. “There’s an episode where we kill a lot of people. This season is just epic. It’s grand scale… It’s just a gigantic, gigantic season.” Also, a power struggle is about to emerge between Spartacus, Crixus and Gannicus.

Not only tons of killing, but Gannicus is confirmed to be in this season as well. Awesomeness. Another interesting tidbit also from Deadline is that we will be getting a nice female warrior to fight alongside Spartacus. A hot chick who fights and wears armor? Starz is just winning on all points with me for this season. Can it really go wrong?

Ellen Hollman (Skateland) has landed the new female warrior role on Starz’s Spartacus, whose upcoming second season will be titled Spartacus: Vengance. Hollman will play the new regular role of Saxa, a beautiful, vicious, intelligent and fiercely passionate woman that could face any man and have a good chance of coming out the victor. She is a force to reckoned with, on the battlefield or in the bedroom.

Spartacus; Vengeance has a lot in store to make me anxious for January to arrive and at this point the blow of not having Andy Whitfield around is finally starting to subside. Hopefully with the return of the show, other cast mates and a new arrival of a fighting hot broad the season will be equal to the first if not better.

Spartacus Season 2: Vengeance – Liam McIntyre In Action Pictures!

Even though I really wish Andy Whitfield could return to play the role that he owned as Spartacus, I will say one thing about his replacement Liam McIntyre – He looks a lot like Andy Whitfield.

Whether or not he is good as Spartacus remains to be seen, and we can only hope that there will be a trailer or teaser coming to us soon. But in the meantime, check out the pictures below for our first glimpse at the new Spartacus in his… gladiator underpants I guess you might call them.

All thanks to Entertainment Weekly for the pictures:

And now him owning some Romans!

I honestly can’t wait for January, when Spartacus: Vengeance will premiere. Spartacus and his fellow slaves are now on the run from the Roman Empire, which means there will be fighting at every turn and we’ll see the formation of the slave army that they raise, and hopefully Gannicus will soon be a part of it! And let’s not forget Lucy Lawless will be returning as Lucretia, and I can’t imagine she’s happy with Spartacus, Crixus and their merry band.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on the new pictures? Confidence instilling or are you skeptical until you see him on-screen?

Update – 9/11/11 : Breaking News – Andy Whitfield has passed away.

Spartacus Season 2 Update: Naevia Recast!

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything about the forthcoming second season of Spartacus, which is tentatively titled, Spartacus: Vengeance. Well, now we have some news. After the saddening news of actress Lesley-Ann Brandt leaving the show to pursue other work, we were left wondering who would now replace the second departing cast member. She played Naevia, fellow slave and love interest of the gladiator Crixus.

Lesley-Ann Brandt

Now we have our answer in the form of Cynthia Addai-Robinson. Cynthia is a relatively unknown actress unless you watched the now-canceled ABC TV series Flashforward. She seems suitable to play Naevia in the next season of Spartacus, but I suppose we won’t know until it premieres. I’m more worried about Liam McIntyre filling in on Spartacus, that fella has some gargantuan shoes to fill.

The New Naevia

Please comment below about this newest casting, and stay tuned for our big Spartacus Season 2 rundown of everything we know for the upcoming season!

For more on SPARTACUS, click it here! 

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Images: Starz

Spartacus: Blood and Sand – Season 2 Changes

Spartacus: Blood and Sand was full of blood and sand! It truly lived up to its name, and then some. Despite getting off to a slow start. They had a great ensemble cast, set pieces, and special effects for a paid cable program. I absolutely could not wait for the second season! But then Andy Whitfield, the show’s Spartacus, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

I was instantly crestfallen, not only because it looked like there might not be a second season of Blood and Sand, but the man himself had a terrible disease.

Then came news that Whitfield was in remission and that season 2 was well on its way into production! I could just see all of that excessive blood flying all over the screen in anticipation.

Once more unfortunately came the news that the Lymphoma was back, and that Andy Whitfield would in fact not be returning for the new season. Along with this announcement, we got news that the show would move forward with a new actor playing Spartacus.

I instantly thought: “Forget it, how could anyone replace the guy we’ve all been watching play the Bringer of Rain each week?”

Whitfield in my opinion was an up and coming actor, whose career now may have ultimately been cut short. No one could replace, nor even come close to the character he portrayed in Blood and Sand. Now, here I still don’t know what to think of Whitfield’s replacement, Liam McIntyre, as I’ve no prior knowledge of him. However, after re-watching season 1 again, I am ready to give this new Spartacus a chance based on the merits of the show. I mean, it’s not like they are recasting MULTIPLE characters. Right?

BUT WAIT…

A recent article (via Deadline) is now indicating that Lesley-Ann Brandt who plays the love of Crixus, will also not be rejoining the season 2 cast as she is leaving to join the cast of CSI: NY. Her character Naevia had significant screen time in the first season adding intrigue to the sordid affair of Crixus and Lucretia.

Plus she was smoking hot so she will definitely be missed!

Although Brandt is leaving, IGN TV reported several days later that Lucy Lawless is returning to Blood and Sand in the excerpt below:

[quote]And while bidding farewell to Batiatus might be a bitter pill, we’ll still get to see Lucy Lawless return as Lucretia in Season 2, as it was announced last month that her character, indeed, survived the Ludus bloodbath. “It’s something we’ve talked about, going forward with each season, is trying to find that connective tissue of a villain – because obviously the hero will cross over through all the seasons – but trying to find a villain that can do it,” DeKnight said. “And I use the term ‘villain’ loosely because not all are villains, they’re just on the other side. But to find someone on the opposing side and carry them through to the next season. I was adamant that both [Batiatus and Lucretia] were going to die. And that Luctretia was going to die, but then I had this idea and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with her. And it would be a great element to add to Season 2.” So does that mean that Lucretia will now be a changed woman? Will she have learned a valuable lesson? “Oh no,” DeKnight laughed. “She learns no lesson. Lucretia survives her wound but, as you can imagine, she’s less than happy.”[/quote]

It is very promising to hear of Lucy Lawless returning. Her character, Lucretia, was an uber bitch throughout season 1 and was revealed to be even more devious than previously thought in Gods of the Arena.

She will definitely have unfinished business with Spartacus and Crixus, to say nothing of Ilithyia who was last seen as the doors were closed and sealed leaving all inside to death ad-gladium.

The second season is not scheduled to debut until 2012 which is still a year away. I would have liked another six episodes of Gods of the Arena, which has served as an excellent prequel to Blood and Sand. It has been good to see John Hannah’s portrayal of Lentulus Quintus Batiatus as he begins down a road to power littered with back stabbing and plotting.

I would highly recommend anyone who is a fan of swords, swearing, sex, and fighting to watch both Blood and Sand and Gods of the Arena. You may even get lucky and enjoy the excellent storyline which has plenty of surprises to keep you watching.