The second episode for the season sees the introduction of new character Julius Caesar into the mix to the side of Marcus Crassus. While Spartacus aims to take control of a Roman city where you watch him infiltrate within the walls to enable himself and Gannicus to open the city’s gates in order to let enter his slave rebellion (army) and lay waste the city. Below the trailer should reveal a suitable glimpse into the episodes tale.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjyEdFwtJck[/youtube]
What’s different about this episode is that it introduces a few new characters to the show one being Julius Caesar played by Todd Lasance who is such a large well known historical figure in Roman history which is interesting to see how they brought this portrayal in Spartacus. While portrayals of the past of Caesar show him much older in his years such as that in HBO’s Rome. In this series it show’s him in his youth. Something that’s not often seen in a series if ever before done. It makes Caesar a much different type of person to watch and what Spartacus does well is portray the soldier side of Caesar. In his battles throughout history Caesar was often known to be a person to fight in the front lines along with his soldiers. While in a show like HBO’s Rome he was more a political character Spartacus shows a side to him that is more brutal and physical. This is good in many ways as it does fit the show perfectly there is only one problem I have with it and it’s that in Caesar in my imagination is a Roman (Italian) but in Spartacus he is with long blonde hair almost like Gannicus (the Celt). It’s just a minor thing but there is much change to be made if he is to be anywhere similar to say Caesar of Rome (the dictator) which he is most known for (in his future). Caesar is less refined but not without intelligence something Crassus can see as valuable and would probably like in his own son Tiberius.
While much historians would know of the relationship with the triumvirates between Caesar and Crassus in the future it’s interesting to see the two characters interact at a younger age and as for the characterisation for the show I do think Caesar is a good fit as a rough and ready to fight soldier against Spartacus and his Gladiators.
Another character introduced is that of Laeta played by Anna Hutchison who interacts with Spartacus while and during he takes the city. For the most part her interactions help show that the Spartacus in this season has changed quite a lot in his moral choices through the decisions he has to make now that he is the general of his rebellion. No longer are things as clear and easy as his time in the Ludus he now stands the decision maker. Without spoiling it towards the end this change is shown through a decision he must make and it makes one wonder what future decisions and actions Spartacus may need to make.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttDhOjeGpQo[/youtube]
Overall the episode was well done as always is with this show, blood levels are high and an army has been amassed something is going to happen soon and tensions are beginning to show on both sides.
Good review as always! So much blood this season but I think those rebels have it coming this year