News for Spartacus: Blood and Sand fans: The new prequel, titled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, premieres on the Starz cable network this coming Friday (January 21st) at 10pm.

John Hannah and Lucy Lawless are back as Batiatus and Lucretia, as we are shown in this prequel series how they rose to power in their BS ("Before Spartacus") years.

First episode of this series is titled "Past Transgressions," in which "a younger Batiatus finds himself newly in control of his father’s gladiator school. He uses his most skilled fighter to win favor with a cunning nobleman behind the building of the new arena."

You can watch a preview here.

-- Nephele

"BS years", HA!

I can't wait!!! More Lucy = happy Wolfie! ^_^

I am sad that Andy Whitfield is still having to battle his cancer.

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena

Admittedly I thought I would have no interest in watching another television show with Lucy Lawless (aka Xena: Warrior Princess), but boy howdy was I ever wrong!

The effects are admittedly cheap due to the budget restraints of a tv series, but there is a ton of sex and gore in this one. So much so I daresay it rivals my favorite tv series of all time - HBOs Rome which is no more I am afraid.

Spartacus is about the Gladiators of the arena and is fantastic in all of it's blood-stained glory. The story is compelling as it follows the family that owns the gladiators as well as the gladiators themselves.

Season 1 is already over, but they just started up with a 6 part prequel miniseries. As I understand it, this was due to the lead actor becoming ill and having to leave the show for medical reasons. I don't know what they plan to do for season 2 as they haven't announced plans yet.

That being said, the first season ends so spectacularly that I recommend it even if they never make another season.

~spidey

Spidey, did you catch the original series: Spartacus: Blood and Sand? If not, it's out on DVD now.

A great thing about this new prequel series is that you can watch it independently of the original series, without a real need to "catch up" on the story. But having seen the original series first does add to the enjoyment of the prequel series, because just about all of the characters from the original series are back again.

Plus, there are some interesting relationships between a few characters in the prequel series, that make you wonder what's going to happen as the story unfolds in subsequent episodes, for them to have reached the sort of relationship they had in the original series.

Such as... Surprisingly, Batiatus and Solonius are good friends in this prequel! Which makes me eager to see what caused their friendship to go sour, with them becoming such vicious rivals (as depicted in the original series). Also, I was disappointed to see that Varro wasn't back, but I'm wondering whether he'll make his appearance in subsequent episodes with more of his background story revealed (wife Aurelia, why he sold himself into slavery, etc.)

This is the only thing I watch on teevee, it's that good. In fact, I renewed my subscription to Starz only the day before S:GotA premiered.

Oh, and of course I loved HBO's Rome, too!

-- Nephele

Matt picked up the first season and we watched it over two days which is what got me hooked. The prequel is sucking me in as well. Too bad Spartacus won't be back next season, but they have plenty of eye candy left to keep me watching.

I think the episodes directed by Michael Hurst (remember Iolaus from Hercules and Xena?) are the best of the original series. I hope they got Michael Hurst back to direct some episodes in this prequel series. Sadly, there will be just six episodes. I think people will be demanding more prequel!

-- Nephele

I am sad to hear that this won't be a longer series. I love anything with Lucy Lawless in it. She's the best actress out right now, as far as I'm concerned.

I just started watching this, I haven't seen the show this is a prequel to, but given how much I'm enjoying this, I'm sure I'll pick it up when this is over.
*Leaves to watch episode 3*

Here's a rather sad piece of information for you all...Read me!

I read that last night, got drunk and forgot to post it. Thank you, Lach.

It is very sad news, indeed.

Oh no. Andy Whitfield will be dearly missed. Thanks for letting us know, Lachry.

-- Nephele

For me, the only Spartacus is Kirk Douglas.