Spartacus: Blood and Sand – The Red Serpent (1.01) – review (spoiler-free)
Review, Television | PLMII | January 18, 2010 at 9:57 am
A Thracian warrior, enlisted by the Romans to fight, has his destiny seized by an act of rebellious violence. As punishment, he faces death by being forced to battle in the gladiatorial arena.
What happens when you mix the movie 300, Caligula and the HBO series Rome?
The answer is Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
I had the privilege of an advance viewing of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. This is one bloody, adrenaline- and sex-charged show, and I am officially hooked. I loved 300, and I was also huge fan of Rome. When I saw the previews for this new show, it looked like something I would enjoy, and I was right.
The first episode was gritty and bloody, but I could not look away. The story of Spartacus has fascinated me for many years, and I have seen many historical programs on this subject. I have also seen the now-legendary 1960s film starring Kirk Douglas. The new rendition of this story is great so far, and the fight scenes are reminiscent of 300 mixed with bloody pop art. You just have to see one to truly appreciate it. Andy Whitfield, who plays Spartacus, is quite good, and he is surrounded by a stellar cast, including Lucy Lawless. All the Xena fans out there should be prepared to see Miss Lawless in a whole new way. There is enough violence and blood to make any die-hard fan boy happy, and the nudity and sex are equal-opportunity for both male and female viewers.
The opening episode was well done and visually pleasing, and Sam Raimi’s creative touch to the series is a big plus. I applaud Starz for taking on this show–it is one not to miss in 2010.
Tags: Andy Whitfield, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Lucy Lawless, Sam Raimi, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Starz
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