Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011– )

Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed though the gates onto the sand.'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena' tells the story of the ... See full summary »

Writer:

Steven S. DeKnight (creator)

Stars:

John Hannah, Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
John Hannah	...	Batiatus (6 episodes, 2011)
Manu Bennett	...	Crixus (6 episodes, 2011)
Peter Mensah	...	Oenomaus (6 episodes, 2011)
Dustin Clare	...	Gannicus (6 episodes, 2011)
Nick Tarabay	...	Ashur (6 episodes, 2011)
Lucy Lawless	...	Lucretia (6 episodes, 2011)
Craig Walsh-Wrightson	...	Solonius (6 episodes, 2011)
Lesley-Ann Brandt	...	Naevia (6 episodes, 2011)
Antonio Te Maioha	...	Barca (6 episodes, 2011)
Stephen Lovatt	...	Tullius (6 episodes, 2011)
Shane Rangi	...	Dagan (6 episodes, 2011)
Jessica Grace Smith	...	Diona (6 episodes, 2011)
Raicho Vasilev	...	Gnaeus (6 episodes, 2011)
Ioane King	...	Rhaskos (6 episodes, 2011)
Marisa Ramirez	...	Melitta (5 episodes, 2011)
Gareth Williams	...	Vettius (5 episodes, 2011)
Jaime Murray	...	Gaia (4 episodes, 2011)
Jeffrey Thomas	...	Titus (4 episodes, 2011)
Josef Brown	...	Auctus (3 episodes, 2011)
Peter Feeney	...	Quintilius Varis (3 episodes, 2011)
Steven A. Davis	...	Indus (3 episodes, 2011)

Storyline

Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed though the gates onto the sand.'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena' tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena.

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Plot Keywords:

arena | gladiator | male full frontal nudity | slave | infidelity | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Syriac

Release Date:

21 January 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Spartacus - Az aréna istenei

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Starz Media

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Spun-off from Spartacus: War of the Damned (2010)

User Reviews

Spartacus, without Spartacus?

There were many skeptics leading into this new season (not technically season 2) of "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena", many feared it would not be worth watching without Andy Whitfield. For those with concerns, here is some advice: watch it! The major antagonist was lost from the previous season, but the character depth/story of the new leading actor is building AND new depths of past characters from "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" are unveiled. The history of how they developed is fascinating. The relationship differences between the two season are significant, thus there is a huge void of curiosity leftover to reveal how they developed to become the personalities they portrayed in season 1.

It would be remiss to leave out the absolute, succulent gratuity that peaks our senses! The world is enriched with beautiful people, outstanding wardrobes cast in a time that fascinates most, the Roman Empire. Did I mention that many of these beautiful people are quite revealing? Nudity! It is with taste I might add! Of course, references to porn are made, but no porn has the character depth and sophistication that gives the sexual scenes the passion that is conveyed in this series. The necessity to produce these scenes is important in fostering the time-period's stance of sexual openness. The costume range is great; the rich are adorned with lavish jewelry and a colorful, flowing wardrobe which is artistically chosen, and for the poor, well sometimes they are left with nothing. The gladiators are especially left without much clothing, but the armor they do wear is often demonic, intimidating and everything you would naturally expect to find on a person when they are fighting to the DEATH!

The fight scenes are well choreographed and blood is everywhere! The array of weapons to choose from, the differences in fighting styles, the varying levels of fighting skill all make for interesting battles in the arena. Also, bear in mind that the arena is not only for physical fighting, but the political fold is the pressing force behind the fights. Basically, it is more than just a fight, what you see is not entirely what you get. The fight's value is difference for the gladiator, than it is for the crowd, than it is for the owner's of the gladiators; and, these differences are excellently contrasted. The graphics are not top-notch, but it adds a stylistic element to the show. The blood is vibrant and sometimes seems to defy physics--it's great! The acting is intense and the director seems to strive away from being "natural" which is good. The intensity is not monochromatic and individual to each characters personality.

In a short and sweet summary, this gratuitous mash of beautiful people, fight scenes, political undertones is nothing short of brilliant. Watch it for what it is and you will not be disappointed.