Before mobile devices, before streaming media, before hi-def and 1080, before movies and TV, before radio, and even before electricity ... there was the stage.
I think it ironic that even the Romans themselves would have appreciated and understood this series, for the writers have brilliantly embodied the very essence of good entertainment .. which is of course dramatic tension.
With 11 full episodes under their belt in which to build connection between the characters and the audience, this wonderful episode goes from twist ... to twist ... to twist.
In particular the spectacular scene at the 40:00 mark where the same Legatus that started the whole mess for Andy Whitfield's character tries to turn the table on Batiatus (John Hannah) by having his entire troop go at Spartacus, who is armed only with a wooden sword.
In ordinary drama this would be the high point of the episode. However the writers here are so good at their craft that this action charged scene is only one of the many highlights.
Excellent TV -- and Whitfield, who was just asserting his star power, will be sorely missed.
I think it ironic that even the Romans themselves would have appreciated and understood this series, for the writers have brilliantly embodied the very essence of good entertainment .. which is of course dramatic tension.
With 11 full episodes under their belt in which to build connection between the characters and the audience, this wonderful episode goes from twist ... to twist ... to twist.
In particular the spectacular scene at the 40:00 mark where the same Legatus that started the whole mess for Andy Whitfield's character tries to turn the table on Batiatus (John Hannah) by having his entire troop go at Spartacus, who is armed only with a wooden sword.
In ordinary drama this would be the high point of the episode. However the writers here are so good at their craft that this action charged scene is only one of the many highlights.
Excellent TV -- and Whitfield, who was just asserting his star power, will be sorely missed.