All three seasons of Starz! Network’s smash hit sword-and-sandals epic series are on sale in Amazon’s Instant Video store this month! Note that the series features graphic violence and adult content, and should be considered as rated R.
In season one, Blood and Sand (5/5 stars, currently priced at $1.99 to purchase each episode and $21.99 to buy all 13 episodes in this season) we meet the captured Thracian warrior, portrayed by the late Andy Whitfield, who succumbed to cancer just as his star was on the rise. Lucy Lawless, John Hannah and Peter Mensah co-star in this bloody, sexy and action-packed series. From IMDB:
The inspiration behind this series is the Thracian Gladiator Spartacus, who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The Thracians had been persuaded by Claudius Glaber to serve as auxiliaries in the Roman legions in a campaign against the Getae, who had often plundered Thracian lands. However after Glaber reneges on the deal and switches his attentions from the Getae to attack Mithridates in Asia Minor, the Thracians feel betrayed and mutiny. Captured by Glaber, Spartacus is condemned to death as a Gladiator, whilst his wife Sura is condemned to slavery. Spartacus, however, proves to be a formidable gladiator, and defeats the four gladiators tasked with executing him. He becomes a favorite of the crowd, leading Senator Albinius to commute his death sentence to a life of slavery. Spartacus is purchased by Batiatus for gladiator training, who promises to help him find Sura if he proves himself in training…Written by WellardRockard
Following season one, the show’s producers released a mini-season in the form of Gods of the Arena (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $1.99 to purchase each episode and $9.99 to buy all 6 episodes in this mini-season). From IMDB:
Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed though the gates onto the sand.’Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’ tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus, in a more ruthless time before Spartacus’ arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena.
For season two, Vengeance (no ratings yet, currently priced at $1.99 to purchase each episode and $19.88 to buy all 10 episodes and four featurettes in this season), Liam McIntyre fills the role originated by Andy Whitfield in season one. From Amazon:
Spartacus discovers the grave responsibilities and costs involved in his new role as a leader of freed slaves. Claudius Glaber’s arrival in Capua forces Spartacus to keep his rebellious band intact.
Glaber and Spartacus circle one another warily throughout the season, leading to a tense and inevitable confrontation by season’s end.