Spartacus (TV Series) Great and Unfortunate Things (2010) User Reviews

Refreshing writing, heavy character development, convincing acting, intriguing story, creative editing, inspiring but shallow love and smart controversial cliffhanger

[igoatabase · 9/10 · 8 March 2010]

With Barca and Sura dead the story could only be sad but tears quickly evaporate when they reach the burning ground so as expected our characters didn't have much time to mourn their loved ones. However Brent Fletcher and Steven S. DeKnight's writing was refreshing because they decided not to rush things and slowly develop the recurrent arcs. Action !

In fact this episode was quite heavy on character development even if it obviously focused on the Thracian Spartacus. For example even if I appreciated Varro's support in the past episodes I considered him as a one-dimensional character until now. Indeed someone visited him and it was the occasion to better understand why he ended up in the ludus. As expected Doctore was angry and his will could only collide with the protagonist. Peter Mensah already impressed me in Sacramentum Gladiatorum and this time I really enjoyed his numerous and investigative scenes. Moreover his peaceful and disciplined warrior spirit marvelously contrast with the bloody and unwise gladiators. As for Barca I could feel his soul all along so even if his body left the ludus forever he won't be forgotten. In fact his death was a major arc and I can't wait it to further unravel. But how can you separate the threads of a ball of wool when it's tainted with blood ?

As for the other elements the usual recipe was used but it doesn't matter because how could you get tired of it ? I don't know yet who is in charge of the creative editing but it was as good as in Legends, from the surreal transitions to the slow motions. Also for once the daydreams were replaced by flashbacks and they revealed some pivotal moments of the Thracian life. It should allow you to better understand his relationship with his wife and how they fell in love. Considering their complementary personalities their few scenes were delightful and quite inspiring in fact because the attention to the dialogs was excellent. They even reminded me of Dexter Morgan's father ghost appearances. He's dead and acts as his mentor in the show Dexter. Not to mix up with Ghost Whisperer even if I have nothing against gorgeous Jennifer Love Hewitt. It leads to Erin Cummings, his haunting muse, and the sex scenes. As much as I find her attractive and think her character Sura is interesting I'm a bit disappointed by the light representation of love. What Is love ? It may sound like a broken record but I'm surprised the female members of the show team haven't brought the matter to the attention of its creators. It's like if Spartacus and Sura only way to express their love was to have sex. I wish we saw them in their daily activities, like when Sura was picking fruits in a forbidden garden for instance. It would definitely bring some depth to their profiles and nourish the audience's empathy.

Last but not least the last part was crucial for the destiny of our hero. Indeed he had to make a hard choice and his decision should have a major influence on the upcoming story. Of course some fights occurred and even if I noted a few mistakes, like blocking a heavy bashing hammer with a sword and two sleepy hands, but overall it was good entertainment. However the strawberry on the shortcake was definitely the controversial relationship between the opponents. And the metaphora used to represent its complexity was just smart and should disturb most viewers. So as often behind the blood and sand curtain you should also perceive evil and lucky emotions like killing pain, miserable pity, hopeful joy or endless sorrow. It all depends of the way you feel about the show. And when you consider John Hannah probably seized the opportunity of a life time by playing the greedy and dual Batiatus you have to admit that the show is hard to resist.

John Hannah almost does a one-man show

[A_Different_Drummer · 8/10 · 4 January 2015]

This is a strange series even by the standards of modern TV.

The actions, the dress code, the values, all speak of a different age. As well they should, given that the intent is to recapture the age of Rome, an age which, it has been argued, has recently re-emerged in American culture.

And of course the series becomes that much more pointed by the tragedy which overcame its star shortly after filming stopped.

But even against this backdrop of astonishing things, I have been fascinated by the performance of John Hannah.

He usually plays weak and insignificant men. Look at the Mummy series, among other roles.

When he first appears in this series, we expect more of the same. But Hannah fools us. He shows us that weak bodies do not necessarily go hand in hand with weak men.

His scenes with Andy Whitfield have always been strong but here they reach a new level. I actually hit the rewind button more than once to note the ferocity on his face as he drops all pretence of equality, and man to man stuff, and finally tells Whitfield what he thinks of him.

Think about it -- this is an amazing character (he just killed Whitfield's wife in such a way that it would seem an accident, as well as butchered an entire Roman family, as well dispatched a gladiator whom the others think was released.) Yet with all that blood on his hands, he still manages an air of righteous indignation when Spartacus or anyone else dares get between him and his next profitable enterprise.

Amazing.