Spartacus

Blood and Sand – 90% – I thought I had made the wrong choice with this one. The first episode is empty in its dialogue, strangely unfocused in introducing the main characters, and ridiculous in its special effects – but then it only gets better. Capua contains strong characters, shocking twists, unexpected losses at all hierarchical levels, and a plot that escalates almost unbearably. The creators are not afraid to push the viewer into a position where they can't help but look forward to the next bloodthirsty fight, as that's how strongly and precisely the series attacks low instincts, even though it immediately evokes tears with its unwavering empathy. Andy Whitfield was a king who, even though he didn't act convincingly in some moments, always had charisma. The palpable hatred towards Crixus or Batiatus in John Hannah's indulgent performance was the greatest treasure that propelled the series to its peak right from the beginning. Vengeance – 80% – Great respect to the creators for how bravely they dealt with everything. We are watching a new series for almost half of it, where fortunately the city intrigues and attempts to distract the crowd are gone (the arena fights of anonymous characters were a big mistake). The wandering adventures of the main group are only sporadically entertaining if you look the other way. The vulnerable bravery of the original protagonist is gone; Liam McIntyre does his best, but in this season, the age difference compared to Whitfield is unpleasantly noticeable and distracting. What is shameful is the recasting of Naevia. Of course, no one could expect Cynthia Addai-Robinson to be identical to her predecessor, but this is such a difference that it might have been better to let her character die and find a completely new love interest for Crixus. So even though Vengeance is lacking in acting, writing, and adventure, two factors greatly save it. The first is the carefree bohemian Gannicus, who joined the party from a prequel arena gem and adds the element that the brave uprising was missing. The second are the two final episodes. These are nothing but a noble, bloody, and merciless ancient tragedy with losses of life everywhere you look. An unbelievable affair precisely because the series caught me unprepared at that moment. War of the Damned – 70% – I entered the final season with a shiver down my spine because the chapters of history taught back in school also came to mind with the arrival of Marcus Crassus. Sometimes, I couldn't believe how quickly the modest story of a smoldering rebellion turned into a grand war strategy. Unfortunately, the series develops better as a whole than its characters manage to do. Everyone is at the beginning where they should be (the brave alcoholic Gannicus, the perpetually in love warrior Crixus, the pensive strategist Spartacus, and unfortunately, the warmongering hydra Naevia), and the story revolves around this quartet somewhat in circles. Once again, it is necessary to have the story in one specific place, this time it is the city of Sinuessa. Here the war unnecessarily stops and, until the Romans attack the city walls, it becomes a waiting game by Crassus and the creators. It doesn't work; the pack of new characters don't grow on the viewer's heart, especially since you can sense that they won't become too attached to the screen, and that in most cases they can expect another quick end. But it wasn't until the blizzard that I managed to tune in to the right note and began to feel that this is where the beginning of the end is. The shivers with the knowledge of who will die or should die are paralyzing, and the final episode Victory, although it didn't hit me directly, is more than a dignified culmination. It was the story of brave men, great lords, and beautiful women (Mira, Ilithyia, Seppia, and Sibyl took your breath away). It was far from perfect, but I am very glad that it outgrew its shadow of a series cashing in on the phenomenon of 300. I am Spartacus. (22/03/2021) (less) (more)