Author Topic: Spartacus: Blood and Sand (Read 37255 times)

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #80 on:** September 19, 2010, 09:08:00 pm »

Bad news. Hope he can recover and they can eventually make the next season.

MagicHat · « **Reply #81 on:** September 20, 2010, 07:41:52 am »

Quote from: King Richard IV on September 19, 2010, 09:08:00 pm

Bad news. Hope he can recover and they can eventually make the next season.

Seems to me Whitfiled is stepping aside so series 2 may have a new Spartacus? Or have I read that wrong?

On a less sad note, delighted to see they are going to have Jaime Murray, loved her in Hustle and Dexter.

Seebab · « **Reply #82 on:** September 21, 2010, 03:24:40 am »

Watched this in about a week after seing a couple of trailers.

Thought the first episode was pretty bad, second was boring but the rest was just great. My favourite character was Batiatus. Thought he was annoying in the Mummy movies but he was superb in this. I was quite disappointed to see him die in the end. I liked Ashar too- what a snake that guy is, eh?

Spartacus was meh but was alright in the end. There are some stunners in this show. Prettiest has to be Spartacus' wife, but it's a 4 way draw for who the hottest it- take your pick Spartacus' wife, Crixus' bird, Ilithia or Mira. Then, there's Xena as well. Lovely.

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #83 on:** September 21, 2010, 03:39:14 am »

Quote from: MagicHat on September 20, 2010, 07:41:52 am

Seems to me Whitfiled is stepping aside so series 2 may have a new Spartacus? Or have I read that wrong?

On a less sad note, delighted to see they are going to have Jaime Murray, loved her in Hustle and Dexter.

Reading it again, that could be an interpretation, given what Andy himself said.

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #84 on:** January 8, 2011, 09:52:43 pm »

Three series, three different Spartacus'.

Starz Moving Forward with Second Season of Spartacus, "Very Confident" in Recasting
By Natalie Abrams Fri Jan 7, 4:20 PM PST

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Spartacus: Blood and Sand will return.

"We are officially going ahead with the long-planned, but unfortunately delayed second season of Spartacus," Starz President Chris Albrecht announced at Friday's Television Critics Association's winter preview sessions.

Spartacus star Andy Whitfield leaves show after cancer recurrence

Production on the series was halted in March after series star Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After his cancer resurfaced, Whitfield was forced to drop out to resume aggressive treatment.

Albrecht says the network is "very confident" that its near the end of its search for someone to fill his role as Spartacus, the legendary gladiator who leads a revolt against Rome. "We will never be able to truly replace Andy Whitfield... He is very supportive of the efforts to recast this role."

Despite the initial uncertainty over whether Whitfield would return or not, series producers say the Season 2 storyline they had planned will not change.

"Nothing good came from losing Andy," executive producer Rob Tapert says. "If there's any upside to Andy's illness it's that we're better prepared to support the new Spartacus when he comes into the role in what will be a very epic Season 2. [It's] a story that takes place no longer in the ludus, and is really the story that you normally associate with Spartacus. It's a different world and a different set of shoes to fill."

Before the series returns, Starz will premiere the prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which takes place five years prior to the events in the original series. "It's a rare pleasure that never happens, when you get to go back and fill in the blanks and actually find out more about your own character," Lucy Lawless says.

Lawless, who plays Lucretia, wife to Batiatus (John Hannah), says we'll actually see her character as a devoted wife. "You get to see our characters when they're in the honeymoon phase of their lives," she says of the couple, whose fates were left uncertain at the end of Season 1. Producers did note that despite a dagger in the belly, Lawless' character will be back in Season 2, but don't expect the same for Hannah unless Batiatus has a twin.

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena will premiere Friday, Jan. 21 on Starz.

Chakan · « **Reply #85 on:** January 8, 2011, 09:54:11 pm »

Yay lawless is back!! Woohoo!

Sad about Andy not being there... shame man.

Ultimate Bromance · « **Reply #86 on:** January 9, 2011, 01:15:42 am »

Fun show, look forward to it's return.

Best wishes for Andy.

scatman · « **Reply #87 on:** January 9, 2011, 01:22:32 am »

ah man that's a shame about Andy, hope he can recover from the recurrence. Love this show

Ginamos · « **Reply #88 on:** January 9, 2011, 04:02:49 pm »

Great to hear it's back soon.

Rigden · « **Reply #89 on:** January 9, 2011, 11:27:58 pm »

Will Bianca be back? The foxy minx.

Mad Men · « **Reply #90 on:** January 9, 2011, 11:29:45 pm »

Get well Andy. I love this show!

Ginamos · « **Reply #91 on:** January 17, 2011, 11:58:46 pm »

Apparently, the new Spartacus

http://www.avclub.com/articles/spartacus-blood-and-sand-has-a-new-spartacus,50185/?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=feeds&utm_source=avclub_rss_daily

l33m0 · « **Reply #92 on:** January 18, 2011, 12:06:18 am »

new guy, Liam McIntyre was in neighbours you know.

Ultimate Bromance · « **Reply #93 on:** January 22, 2011, 04:29:09 pm »

JUPITERS COCK, first episode of the prequel "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" aired last night.

Ginamos · « **Reply #94 on:** January 22, 2011, 10:35:55 pm »

Cheers for the heads up, just downloaded and looking forward to watching it.

Dublin Red · « **Reply #95 on:** January 23, 2011, 03:44:57 pm »

Quote from: Ginamos on January 22, 2011, 10:35:55 pm

Cheers for the heads up, just downloaded and looking forward to watching it.

Any chance of PM with the link to the download? I'm never sure of what's safe or not to download from?

Thanks

Chakan · « **Reply #96 on:** January 23, 2011, 03:45:54 pm »

Quote from: Dublin Red on January 23, 2011, 03:44:57 pm

Any chance of PM with the link to the download? I'm never sure of what's safe or not to download from?

Thanks

Btjunkie .... read the comments they are usually spot on

Dublin Red · « **Reply #97 on:** January 23, 2011, 08:43:54 pm »

Quote from: Chakan on January 23, 2011, 03:45:54 pm

Btjunkie .... read the comments they are usually spot on

Cheers!

Komic · « **Reply #98 on:** January 26, 2011, 11:50:12 am »

"Words fall from your mouth, like shit from ass"

Genius.

Chakan · « **Reply #99 on:** January 26, 2011, 01:19:36 pm »

Really enjoyed the first episode! Looks like it's going to be a great prequel.

Chakan · « **Reply #100 on:** January 30, 2011, 05:10:53 pm »

Finding I am enjoying this series Gods of the Arena, more than the original. Seems a lot more polished and intriguing.

lfcss · « **Reply #101 on:** January 30, 2011, 05:15:08 pm »

Anyone know when Gods of the Arena is coming on UK tv?

Ginamos · « **Reply #102 on:** January 30, 2011, 05:23:22 pm »

Quote from: lfcss on January 30, 2011, 05:15:08 pm

Anyone know when Gods of the Arena is coming on UK tv?

Apparently Sky One in February, don't know about terrestrial.

http://sky1.sky.com/spartacus/Sky1-hd-spartacus-god-of-the-arena-sneak-peek-gallery

lfcss · « **Reply #103 on:** January 30, 2011, 06:08:55 pm »

Quote from: Ginamos on January 30, 2011, 05:23:22 pm

Apparently Sky One in February, don't know about terrestrial.

http://sky1.sky.com/spartacus/Sky1-hd-spartacus-god-of-the-arena-sneak-peek-gallery

Great thanks,Sky One? bit of a bump for the series

lfcss · « **Reply #104 on:** March 13, 2011, 08:35:51 pm »

Gods of the Arena starts Monday March 21st on Sky One...cant wait.

Dublin Red · « **Reply #105 on:** March 15, 2011, 05:48:59 pm »

Been enjoying this prequel

Baraka · « **Reply #106 on:** March 16, 2011, 02:59:11 am »

as i've already seen all 6 episodes, I can say, the prequel is pretty decent, and a great addition.

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #107 on:** April 4, 2011, 04:25:39 pm »

I watched the first 5 episodes over the weekend, it's very good. Is there a dedicated thread for it, or is this it? Couldn't find anything when searching for Spartacus.

MagicHat · « **Reply #108 on:** April 27, 2011, 07:49:21 am »

Gods of the Arena aka the prequel finished here on Monday, watched it last night. Second series of Blood and Sands starts on Monday at same time, thought they would do a break personally.

As I understand it, they decided to do the prequel due to 1) the illness of Andy Whitfield meaning the sequel had to be delayed and 2) the popularity of Lucretia and Batiatus. Going for small 6 episodes was a risk considering the last series had needed 3 episodes to get to decent level and even then took more time to grow. I wish they had made it longer and had planned it for longer as overall: First half bad, second half decent.

For the first three episodes, it felt like they had decided that the secret to the series success was flowery language/swearing, lots of sex and lots of blood rather then inventive storylines and brave twists, enjoyable characters, epic battles. The battles themselves felt less awesome, too much slow-mo and too much "look how grisly we can make the wounds", the sex seemed OTT and there for sex's sake, the language was delivered falteringly, they didn't seem to have any particular idea where the show was heading and elements of it seemed rushed.

Spoiler

Gaia suddenly having a threesome for example, felt rushed into by the show and for showing off Jamie Murray's body.

[close]

I stayed with it out of loyalty and hoping it would turn itself around.

Once

Spoiler

the Father turned up and Gaia was killed

[close]

, the show suddenly found it's feet. The language flowed better and felt more natural to my ear, it cut down on the blood and sex, the introduction of Titus seemed a real blessing to the storylines and made the events of the owners more intresting, the characters seemed to bet better developed and clicked better. It wasn't top form but it was nice and ending episode had glorious battle scenes, that perhaps went on a bit too long, but for a man who doesn't particularly care for action, the Spartacus team can make them so enjoyable.

Was glad to see Lucretia

Spoiler

In particularly her scene with the poisoned Titus

[close]

, Oenomaus, Crixus, Ashur and, to a lesser extent, the series 4th wheel of Solonius fleshed out more. Batiatus seemed to lack his old spark unless with Titus, who I really enjoyed in the series, I found Gaia a bit annoying and Melitta rather meh. Gannicus grew on me as the series went on and thought he made a good character to have as the leading gladiator, I only hope Spartacus is as likeable in series 2 rather then the annoying character he was in season 1.

Ginamos · « **Reply #109 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:14:10 pm »

Spot on review MagicHat.

When

Spoiler

the Father turned up and Gaia was killed

[close]

the series definitely improved, up to that point I wasn't finding it very engaging despite the lashing of nudity and sex.

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #110 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:28:30 pm »

Quote from: MagicHat on April 27, 2011, 07:49:21 am

Gods of the Arena aka the prequel finished here on Monday, watched it last night. Second series of Blood and Sands starts on Monday at same time, thought they would do a break personally.

Are you sure that isn't a repeat of series one? I don't think Vengeance is out until next year.

Mark Walters · « **Reply #111 on:** April 27, 2011, 10:54:32 pm »

Quote from: King Richard IV on April 27, 2011, 09:28:30 pm

Are you sure that isn't a repeat of series one? I don't think Vengeance is out until next year.

That's what I thought too.

Thought the ending of GoTA was quite weak.

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #112 on:** April 28, 2011, 12:50:37 am »

Quote from: Mark Walters on April 27, 2011, 10:54:32 pm

That's what I thought too.

Thought the ending of GoTA was quite weak.

it's tricky with a prequel, as you have a good idea who lives and dies before it even starts, with other events being filled in by what has happened on the future. It's why I generally dislike prequels. But Gannicus living was a nice surprise. But I think he'll show up again.

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #113 on:** April 28, 2011, 03:39:26 am »

It was nice to find out why Xena changed hair each episode.

MagicHat · « **Reply #114 on:** April 28, 2011, 06:38:31 am »

Quote from: King Richard IV on April 27, 2011, 09:28:30 pm

Are you sure that isn't a repeat of series one? I don't think Vengeance is out until next year.

Really? I'm rather thankful, got enough on my TV plate right now

What is this about Xena's hair?

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #115 on:** April 28, 2011, 01:32:35 pm »

Quote from: MagicHat on April 28, 2011, 06:38:31 am

Really? I'm rather thankful, got enough on my TV plate right now

What is this about Xena's hair?

She had brown hair all the time in Gods, but then wigs in Blood, copying the style of Gaia, her dead girl friend.

hope_valley_parker · « **Reply #116 on:** April 28, 2011, 01:50:53 pm »

The missus walked in on me watching this the other day, and kicked off because she thought it was babestation.

*sigh*

Naughtykid · « **Reply #117 on:** April 28, 2011, 01:51:58 pm »

Anyone got a decent link to somewhere i can stream the prequel?

Missed it on sky.

7777 · « **Reply #118 on:** April 30, 2011, 12:24:35 pm »

I missed this first time around and will look to catch up

Can someone explain - does Gods of the Arena (6 episodes) follow Spartacus Blood and Sand or are they two completely independent programmes / characters etc?

Are they both worth a download / watch?

Ta

Ginamos · « **Reply #119 on:** April 30, 2011, 03:10:22 pm »

Quote from: 7777 on April 30, 2011, 12:24:35 pm

I missed this first time around and will look to catch up

Can someone explain - does Gods of the Arena (6 episodes) follow Spartacus Blood and Sand or are they two completely independent programmes / characters etc?

Are they both worth a download / watch?

Ta

Blood and Sand is the main series, Gods of the Arena is a prequel and was made because Andy Whitfield (Spartacus) was having treatment for cancer. The second season of BaS should start in a few months.

I'd recommend watching BaS and then GotA. BaS is excellent although there's a couple of duff episodes at the beginning, so it takes a while to get going. GotA isn't quite as good but once you've watched BaS you'll be happy for something to tide you along before Blood and Sand starts again.