Beneath the Mask (11 Feb. 2011)

The younger Batiatus is having more than just a bit of difficulty accepting his father's ongoing - and seemingly permanent - presence at home. The patriarch refuses to take on the powerful ... See full summary »

Director:

Brendan Maher

Writers:

Seamus Kevin Fahey, Misha Green,

Stars:

John Hannah, Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
John Hannah	...	Quintus Batiatus
Manu Bennett	...	Crixus
Peter Mensah	...	Oenomaus
Dustin Clare	...	Gannicus
Jaime Murray	...	Gaia
Nick Tarabay	...	Ashur (as Nick E. Tarabay)
Marisa Ramirez	...	Melitta
Lucy Lawless	...	Lucretia
Craig Walsh-Wrightson	...	Solonius
Lesley-Ann Brandt	...	Naevia
Antonio Te Maioha	...	Barca
Stephen Lovatt	...	Tullius
Shane Rangi	...	Dagan
Gareth Williams	...	Vettius
Jessica Grace Smith	...	Diona

Storyline

The younger Batiatus is having more than just a bit of difficulty accepting his father's ongoing - and seemingly permanent - presence at home. The patriarch refuses to take on the powerful Tullius and continually tells his son to learn his place. When Gaia sees someone she had once met in Rome, she introduces him to Lucretia and he immediately comments on what he has heard about the pleasures available at her home. Gaia again sees an opportunity to make gains for the House of Batiatus but the elder Batiatus would never allow such revelry in their so they convince him to leave for day or two. At the party, Gaia sees an opportunity to influence Tullius and Lucretia ensures that the occasion is the most elaborate yet. It all turns to tragedy for one of the guests.

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Plot Keywords:

father son relationship | husband wife relationship

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Country:

USA Australia New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 February 2011 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Starz Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

52 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

The stage is set... !!

With the fourth episode coming to a bloody conclusion,the stage is all set for the penultimate episode and this season's finale ! 'Beneath the mask' was one of those episodes,where the viewer can relatively guess about the subsequent events of that episode,and yet,still be surprised when the event actually takes place.

The house of Batiatus and its promise of exotic pleasures lures suitors from far and wide to partake of the various offerings and lest Titus be offended,his son whisks him away to farther shores.This proves to be a costly error in judgment as certain events take place which will change forever the manner of the dealings taking place between the higher echelons of the power struggle which Batiatus is faced with.The rage of emotions during the episode also involves the delicate appearing Mellita and Gannicus,the result of which is sure to ignite a few flammable minds in the coming episodes.

Ashur and his friend have proved to be the comic elements this season and we get to see more of this during 'Beneath the Mask'.Special mention to the orgiastic,bacchanalian scene.The sex and debauchery is proving to be the highlight this season rather than the blood and sands of the arena & I for one hope that the final two episodes will do justice to the expectation for some good gladiatorial action in the sands !

My score: 7/10