‘Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’ season review

“Spartacus” attracted nearly an instant fan base when Starz negotiated a deal to carry the show on Netflix.

Personally, I don’t watch television shows religiously. Whatever is on when I get home from work is what I’ll watch.

However, six weeks ago, I just so happened to watch “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” on Starz- I was instantly hooked. Being a Netflix junkie, I was pleased to discover that I could catch the first season, “Blood and Sand,” from Netflix’s instant streaming. It took about a week to watch and decide “Spartacus” was the best TV show since “Salute Your Shorts.”

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” which aired on Starz back in 2010, tells the story of Spartacus, (played by Andy Whitfield), a Thracian gladiator who, from 73 to 71 BC, led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The show, however, focuses mainly on the events prior to the revolt while he was still a slave and gladiator in the Ludus of Quintus Lentulus Batiatus (played by John Hannah). The show also features Lucy Lawless as Lucretia, Batiatus’ wife, Peter Mensah as Oenomaus, the trainer of the gladiators, and Manu Bennett as Crixus, Baitiatus’ top gladiator.

“Blood and Sand,” however, is old news. Due to the fact that Andy Whitfield got cancer, season two was delayed. To appease the viewers and to keep the show fresh, Starz decided to release a six-episode prequel to give background on the house of Baitiatus. The series follows the character and his top gladiator Gannicus (Dustin Clare). The show also gives background on Crixus and his journey to becoming the champion that is seen in season one. “Gods of the Arena” just finished its run on Starz and can also be seen on Netflix.

Frankly, I love this series. I personally think the storylines are both fantastic. The series has a lot of likeable and detestable characters. As the season progressed, I grew to love some characters and absolutely hate others. The emotions are intense when on of the “good guys” dies or one of the butthole characters gets what’s coming to them.

That is really what drew me into the show. Personally, I thought the cast was great as well. Andy Whitfield was awesome playing the role of Spartacus. It’s truly a shame that he got cancer and will not be reprising his role in the upcoming season. Peter Manseh also does an excellent job playing Oenomaus in both seasons as an e- gladiator turned trainer. The last time he played a role like this, he was kicked into a pit in “300.”

I’m now a little upset since “Gods of the Arena” ended its run last Friday. Now I have to wait God knows how long for “Spartacus: Vengeance” (season three). I believe that every action fanatic, history buff, or everyday couch potato will find “Spartacus” to be an excellent Netflix treat.

WARNING! This show isn’t for kids. I cannot review either season without this disclaimer. “Spartacus” contains extremely violent, extremely epic fight scenes; it is basically a gory “300.” Also, this show has more breasts than the Cox Creek and Pine St. KFC combined.