Five Torches (Out of Five)
Warning: The following review contains spoilers for the “Shadow Games” episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
One would think that the formula of lots of gladiators training in an arena, Spartacus lamenting the loss of his wife, Batiatus and Lucretia scheming their respective schemes, and the plot leading up to a boss fight would be stale by the fifth episode, but Spartacus: Blood and Sand is still managing to keep things fresh. The latest episode gives us a much-needed insight into a character we’ve seen a lot of (nudity pun intended) but don’t really know that well: Crixus.
The hook of this episode is that the Magistrate is interested in using one of Batiatus’ men in the main event, or Primus, of his latest games. One fighter has already been chosen, belonging to Batiatus’ rival, Solonius.
Batiatus, naturally, chooses his best fighter, Crixus, but is distraught to learn that his man will be fighting Theocles, the “Shadow of Death.” (Although, unless my Greek is rustier than I thought, I think his name translates to “Glory of the gods,” but any brainiacs can feel free to correct me in the comments.)
Theocles is a villain of whom we’ve only heard tall tales referring to his gigantic height and invulnerability, and the only man who ever survived a fight with him was the trainer, Doctore.
Solonius, a mustache-twirling villain if ever there was one, suggests Crixus be joined by Spartacus, and Batiatus agrees. (Spartacus’ friend Varro teases him later about how they make a cute couple, so I’m copyrighting the name “Spartacrix” right now.) The problem? Crixus hates Spartacus somethin’ fierce.
But why does he hate him? Up until now we weren’t sure, other than he was a bully/antagonist, and so it’s his job to hate the main character. But as it turns out, there’s a bit of depth there.
In a review of a previous episode, I talked about how the gladiators talked big about how they were gods among men (with Crixus the most vocal), but we could tell that it was just a cover so they didn’t have to admit they were slaves. Well, once Spartacus and Crixus learn they have to work together, Crixus starts to go on the familiar tirade, and Spartacus calls him on it, saying they’re all just slaves. And naturally Crixus responds by attacking him.
This ep had an incredible character moment for Illyithia, a character who had so far been shown to be little more than a flighty airhead. She is the wife of Glaber, the main villain, and we caught a glimpse of the power she wields when she and Lucretia summon Spartacus and Crixus to their chamber for a private viewing.
As she stalks around Spartacus and tells him how she’ll delight in telling her husband of his death at the hands of Theocoles, she stops being flighty and starts being very dangerous. Then Spartacus leaves and she’s back to her old self. It’s a great moment, and it made me finally like Illyithia.
It should also be said this was definitely the sexiest episode so far, even though it didn’t boast the most sex scenes, and it was without a doubt the most homoerotic. The brief loving exchange between Barca and Pietros was far sexier with its chaste kiss than the full-on scene of carnality we saw last week, because with an emotional exchange, we’re starting to connect with their characters.
I mentioned earlier that Crixus attacks Spartacus, but I failed to mention this fight took place in the baths while they were both completely naked, and it has to go down as the most obviously homoerotic fight in the history of celluloid.
The power play between the genders is fascinating. We have a notion that in the ancient world, women were automatically subservient to men, but the scene in which Lucretia and Illyithia are ogling Crixus is interesting because even though he could kill them both with his bare hands in seconds, he has to do everything they say.
Illyithia commands him to take off his loincloth and stand there naked, and when he complies you see on his face how he’s fighting his feelings of humiliation. And of course Naevia, the slave he is in love with and who loves him in return, has to stand there and do nothing while all of this is going on. There are a lot of layers at play here.
The fight against Theocles was exciting, but the least interesting aspect of the plot, which means the writers are doing a great job populating this world with people we care about. (Although I was giddy to see the blood spatter effect return.)
One final thought: I was describing the series to a friend the other day, and for the first time I articulated something that I realize I should have said a while ago, regarding Lucy Lawless. There are iconic characters, and then there’s Xena, who stands mountains above the rest. But when viewing Spartacus, not once do I think, “Hey, it’s Xena!” I’m just wondering what mischief Lucretia will get up to next.
And that’s an accomplishment.
Similar Posts:
- SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Episode Review (1-8): Things are Gettin’ Real
- SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Episode Review (1-11): The Plot Totally Thickens
- SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Episode Review (1-6): Did That Just Happen?!
- SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Episode Review (1-2): First Day of (Gladiator) School!
- SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Episode Review (1-9): The Oldest Profession…
Oh come on, Brent, man NOW do you notice Lucy IS a big actress? Why did you witing so long? Spartacus is an interesting show because you can see how much miserable and deeply emotional the slave´s life could it be.
A slave was a property, and his/her sexual life was a part of this property, even their minds, hearts.. Thats because they had to rebel against that unfair roman system.
Paris Illythia and Lucretia were only using their properties for their needs.
Great review. I would have to disagree about the final fight with Theocoles - I don’t know how I eneded up at the edge of my bed at the end of that scene but - it was awesome! The best part was when Crixus nails Theo with the light reflected off his helmet. Great stuff!
I agree that with each episode this series gets stronger and stronger. The actors performances show the depth of the characters and the writing is stellar.
My favorite character (if I had to choose because really, they’re all wonderful) is Crixus much to my surprise. When we met him in episode 2 I thought he’d be the run of the mill, one dimensional bully/foil to Spartacus and in some ways he is. But in the last three episodes, his layers are definitely showing. I think he resents Spartacus for desperately trying to do something that he and the other gladiators have given up on, gain his freedom and be reunited with his wife. Crixus’s reluctance to continue as Lucretia’s sex slave is in direct correlation to how hard he’s fallen in love with Naevia. Kudos too for showing the gradual build up of those feelings. All of the Crixus/Naevia scenes have me riveted–especially when he first tries to woo her by explaining that it’s no easy task to sever a man’s head (awkward!) but then finally gets it right when he tells her that he’s tried with all his strength not to look at her that way, but he’s weak. Wow!
The blood and gore can be a bit surprising but it’s not terribly off putting. All of the characters are so interesting–Doctore, Varros, Barcas and Ashur. I’m fascinated by this series and can’t wait for the next episode.
Damn. And I thought last week was good. That was just … superb. Great characters, great character development, great action, great everything. I’m really enjoying learning more about the characters, especially Batty, Crixus, Doctore and of course the Ludicrousy Lovely Lucretia. The highlights for me this week were Batty and Lucretia.
The lengths to which Batty went to avenge the “slight” on his reputation was astounding and definitely a revelation for me. The lengths to which Lucretia went to spare Crixus’ life (even abstaining from having carnal relations when it may have been her only chance for a child) were very telling. Even all the little moments, like Ilythia learning about Lucretia’s infidelity speak volumes. I can’t wait for next week!
This is a nasty, nasty show. But I think I’m falling in love with it.
Sometimes, when it gets really bloody, I have to shut my eyes. I still watch it every week. I can’t help myself. And, how about the male objectification? That’s nice to see!
I pretty much agree with everything you said, yea.
One thing, I don’t know one way or another what Theocyles’ name means, but I didn’t get the impression that “The Shadow of Death” was meant to be a translation, just a title. Crixus’ name obviously doesn’t mean “The Undefeated Gaul”. Its just a gimmic to play on the fact that he is so huge his shadow falls over his victims.
Yeah, I got that. That was my weak stab at humor. ;)
Great review. I love how cruel Batiatus has become now that he’s so desperate to keep his ludus, when at first he seemed meek. I’d also like to point out that this week’s episode was directed by Michael Hurst (Hercules: TLJ’s Iolaus) which made me love it even more.
Yeah, he’s also getting work on Legend of the Seeker. He’s doing quite all right for himself.
I really, really agree with several points: that the (really cool) battles are the least interesting part of this ep; that Illyithia is really interesting (Lucy Lawless referred to her as “basically Paris Hilton); that Lucy is a much better actor that I thought; that the nudity isn’t just sexy, it’s really, really interesting; and that this is an amazing show!