Sunday 23 May 2010

"Jupiter's Cock!"



Basic cable packagers rejoice! Bravo begins broadcasting Starz network's delightfully venal take on socialist superstar Spartacus this week. Spartacus: Blood and Sand is everything you could ever want from a pre-Christian potboiler; it's avowedly anti-classical, brimming with endless body destruction, and incessant period cussing. Season 1 has concentrated largely on Spartacus's time as a commodity, his owned life consists of endless gladiatorial drilling, brief spells in lethal arenas, and occasionally being put out to stud for Rome's wealthy. This is where the series excels, after a few eye-catch episodes full of insane gore and non-stop fucking, the focus narrows to a portrait of brimming revolt. Spartacus's world balances on whims; slave masters emulate their bloated, petulant Gods for larks, shagging and destroying their perceived inferiors for parlour play.

Season 2 is a bit up in the air at this time, show lead Andy Whitfield was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Production has shifted to a six part prequel series, shooting this summer to air early 2011 in the United States. Disaster Year wishes Mr Whitfield a speedy recovery.

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