I AM SPARTACUS!

Readers,

I am Spartacus! Oh dear, has there ever been a series so unique and phenomenal? 4 seasons of authentic, period based drama, action and comedy! This show really put us watchers in the Roman world we have no become so familiar so much so that instead of responding ‘Thanks’ to an offering, a part of you is thinking of saying ‘gratitude’!

The series finale was perhaps the best I’ve ever seen on television, very few rivalling its standard (Lost, 24)... and it was the perfect end to the legend of Spartacus as well as a tribute to the cast, the show, the battles, the blood and sand, and the gladiatorial arts! Many people struggled with this show, criticizing it for its excessive use of vulgar language, the gross amounts of blood portrayed as well as the ever present sex scenes. However, with a period drama, particularly one based in that era, it helped certify and authenticate the series as an accurate showcasing of the gladiatorial era. If you can look beyond that, you find a phenomenal story of a tortured soul that leads a fight for freedom and touches the life of so many. You can’t help but be moved by his plight, determination and will to do what is ultimately right!

It’s still quite early and therefore will refrain from giving too much away in the manner of detailed spoilers. However, some performances were extremely nuanced and deserve critical acclaim. As much as I loved Andy Whitfield as Spartacus, and mourn his unfortunate and untimely loss, Liam McIntyre has been phenomenal as Spartacus particularly in this final season, which was undoubtedly the best of the bunch! He really did become ‘Spartacus’ and was convincing in every scene! His performance was terrific and he did in fact embody the true leader that the legend beholds. Dustin Claire as Gannicus never disappointed, and I was happy to see him become the leader he was destined to be. A Big shout out has to go to Caesar and Crassus; as far as villains on television go, particularly with regard to Spartacus, they were most definitely the best. Of course, we all still remember how brilliant Batiatus was, however there was a manipulative and calculative quality that these characters had that was unmatched- so much so, a spinoff series that focuses on their lives would definitely be most welcome!

The Finale did bring an incredible feeling of nostalgia, as the faces of all the lives lost throughout the seasons of Spartacus were shown, and you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with sadness that the show had reached its end. God Knows we’ll miss Mira, Varro, Onaemus, Ashur-The Bastard that he was, Lucretia, Ilithya, Batiatus, Gaia, The Wife of Onaemus whose name escapes me.. and ofcourse all those who survived till the final season and as expected, and like the legend told met their end!!

The Finale is definitely a 10/10, and the Series a strong 9/10! Absolutely phenomenal