February 2010 Archives   28 February 2010 Lucy Interview Hollywood Confidential mp3 Lucy Hollywood Confidential Radio Interview Lucy was a guest on the Hollywood Confidential Radio Show with Leeza Gibbons 27 February 2010 mp3 created by Roger for AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Interview length: 6.34 minutes Click here to listen to the interview     28 February 2010 Season 1 Episode 7 Episode Promo Now Online Spartacus: Blood and Sand – Ep 107 ‘Great And Unfortunate Things’. Overcome by the pressure of Batiatus’ control, Spartacus must make a choice: leave his past behind and assume the mantle of a champion gladiator, or die.   Click here to view the episode promo Click here to view episode stills for this episode     27 February 2010 Episode 7 'Great And Unfortunate Things' Episode Stills Spartacus Blood and Sand Season 1 Episode 7: Great and Unfortunate Things Overcome by the pressure of Batiatus' control, Spartacus must make a choice: leave his past behind and assume the mantle of a champion gladiator, or die. Click here to view episode stills for this episode     27 February 2010 Official Lesley-Ann Brandt Site on AUSXIP I'm very pleased to announce the birth of a new site on AUSXIP. AUSXIP Lesley-Ann Brandt News & Multimedia. This time it's a little bit different from the norm. Lesley-Ann Brandt, Naevia, on Spartacus Blood and Sand has approved the site to become her official site. The site will feature news and multimedia - what you normally expect from an AUSXIP site but it will also have a blog by Lesley-Ann to keep you all updated about Spartacus and other projects. You can also send mail to Lesley-Ann through the fanmail web form and other goodies. Click here to view the new site and to read Lesley-Ann's Blog     27 February 2010 Andy and Lucy Photo from NY Post This is a cool pic which I haven't seen before from the NY Post (the article was posted while I was overseas). 'Spartacus' stars dish the naked truth Posted: 12:28 AM, January 23, 2010 'Spartacus" is this year's most notorious flesh-and-blood series. And you won't have to wait long for that; the flesh arrives six minutes into the first of the Starz drama's 13 episodes, which premiered last night. In the scene, Thracian he-man Spartacus, played by Welsh-born actor Andy Whitfield, is making love to his wife. The camera lovingly pans down their writhing naked bodies. Sex scenes, in fact, come at regular intervals in the series premiere, with full-frontal female nudity 18 minutes into the one-hour episode. In the drama, Spartacus becomes enslaved by the Capuan army and trains to be a gladiator in a school run by the sex-starved Lucretia, played by Lucy Lawless, so memorable from "Xena, Warrior Princess." Read more: New York Post     27 February 2010 Lucy Interview - Betty Confidential Feb 2010 The Betty Interview: Lucy Lawless The former Xena star opens up to BettyConfidential about loving being a brunette, hating Celine Dion and grinning and bearing it through all the sex scenes on her new series, Spartacus. Lucy Lawless is glad she’s gone back to the dark side again. The 41-year-old, best known for her career-defining role as a butt-kicking babe on Xena: Warrior Princess, was a blonde for a number of years. “I looked really good, but there are four billion other blonde people in Hollywood,” the New Zealand native tells BettyConfidential. “I just got used to it and going unrecognized was the norm to me and all of a sudden I colored my hair dark and — bang! — I’m totally famous again. It’s so weird.” On her new show, the Starz gladiator drama Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Lucy is more likely to be noticed for her character Lucretia’s wrath — as well as her rack. But that doesn’t exactly sit well with her. “For a Down Under person, it’s really hard to reconcile everyone’s body obsession,” Lucy admits. “It’s nice to feel sexy, but you never want to feel like just a piece of meat!” Read Interview     26 February 2010 Spartacus Character Video - Lucretia Lucretia - Wife of Batiatus and equal in cunning, Lucretia sees every angle and wields power behind the scenes. Lucy Lawless as Lucretia. “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” Fridays at 10 pm et/pt.   Click here to view video clip Submitted by Barbara Davies     26 February 2010 Lucy Venice Photoshoot and Article Hi Res Scans Added 4 scans from the Venice Magazine February 2010 Issue featuring Lucy. Also added scans / transcript of the article to Lucy's press page.           Click here to view article + images     25 February 2010 Antonio Te Maioha - The Gay Gladiator 'Spartacus' character proves to be an equal opportunity assassin At 6'4" tall, Antonio Te Maioha tends to standout in a crowd, even if that crowd is an equally impressive assortment of tall muscled men. Maioha plays the gladiator Barca in Spartacus: Blood and Sand, the new Starz original series set in ancient Italy under the Roman Empire. Barca, 'the Beast of Carthage' serves as bodyguard and occasional hitman to Batiatus (John Hannah). But his role in the show changes events early on the series' first season. A few episodes into the much-discussed series, Te Maiha's character begins a romantic relationship with slave boy Pietros (played by Eka Darville, who's also known for his role as Power Ranger Scott Truman) at Batiatus' gladiator school. In effect, Barca may be the first out gay gladiator in film history. Barca is a loyal servant to Batiatus, but he secretly desires freedom. He mixes a mean temper with a softer side to present a conflicted character. Although a supporting character, his actions have a long-term effect in the show's plot. One of his more violent action scenes "pretty much took a whole day," said Maioha, who spoke via phone from New Zealand, where the show is produced. "We ended up with the shooting becoming a little more drawn out." Along with a weeks-long intensive weapons and training workshop undergone by all the gladiator actors, Maioha said he did some online research, and browsed books about gladiator culture provided by the costume design team. "Whatever else we came across, that helped," he said. Read More     25 February 2010 The Historical Spartacus The “Historical” Spartacus by Aaron Irvin, Historical Consultant, Spartacus: Blood and Sand The basic facts are these: between 73 and June of 71 BC, what began as a group of about 70-80 escaped gladiator slaves grew into a massive army that ravaged the Italian countryside. In two years, this group of rebel slaves and freemen defeated a total of six Roman armies, three Praetors, two Consuls, and finally the Gallic legion under a Roman governor. In the end, it took the combined force of almost 12 Roman legions under three Roman commanders to bring an end to the rebellion. The “leader” of this rebellion, a Thracian gladiator, has come down through the millennia as a legend, a symbol of revolution for the oppressed and the triumph of the ultimate underdog. Roman sources record this Thracian gladiator’s name as “Spartacus”, and it is on this point alone that our primary sources can be said to be in agreement. Plutarch states that the Thracian was from a nomadic tribe, possibly the Maedi, and had been brought to Rome with his wife, a priestess of Dionysus, and sold into slavery. Appian, on the other hand, states that while he had once served with Roman soldiers, he had become a prisoner and sold as a gladiator; it is Appian who writes the enigmatic phrase “his body was never found”, warning his readers that Spartacus may yet live to strike again. Florus presents the Thracian as a mercenary who had deserted from the Roman military and become a bandit, and then captured and sold as a gladiator. With Plutarch writing in the 1st century AD, almost 150 years after the rebellion, and Appian and Florus in the early to mid 2nd century AD, one might be struck by the fact that as more time passes, our Roman authors seem to become more and more informed on the background of this famous slave. Read More     24 February 2010 S1 E6 Episode Promos Delicate Things S1 E6 A New Champion Ep 106 ‘Delicate Things’ Batiatus relishes in Spartacus victory and plans future delights for the arena.   S1 E6 Delicate Things Ep 106 ‘Delicate Things’ – With the glory and riches reaped by Spartacus’ victory in the arena, it appears that his long desired reward will be granted when Batiatus informs him that he will be reunited with his wife. More Multimedia From This Episode Credits | Official Page | Episode Stills     24 February 2010 Spartacus Episode Promos Episode 5 Shadow Games S1 E5 Chosen For the Primus Ep 105 Shadow Games' Batiatus is cunningly maneuvered to commit his best men to fight Theokoles - The Shadow of Death.     S1 E5 Prove Yourselves Worthy Ep 105 'Shadow Games' Crixus, The Champion of Capua is appreciated as Doctore prepares him and Spartacus to face Theokoles     24 February 2010 Episode 6 Delicate Things Review - SPOILER FREE Before I start, I just wanted to thank Starz Entertainment once again for the screeners for these episodes. The following mini review contains NO SPOILERS. I wouldn't wish to spoil this great episode.   Season 1 Episode 6 Delicate Things With the glory and riches reaped by Spartacus' victory in the arena, it appears that his long desired reward will be granted when Batiatus informs him that he will be reunited with his wife. Now having watched this...I'm numb and in shock (a good shock). Absolute shock. This episode just surpasses EVERYTHING else before it. WOW! That is just mind blowing! JUST ABSOFRIGGINLUTELY mind blowing! Events started in Episode 5 have consequences in Episode 6 and beyond. Unbelievable. I can honestly say the revelations in this episode will leave you gasping in shock. This episode will move you and if you're not moved...well, check your pulse. More Episode Stills can be found here The video promo can be found here     24 February 2010 Andy Interviewed by Fox News Red Eye Fox News interviews Andy. Greg gets the lowdown on the new original series, ‘Spartacus’ click here to watch video     24 February 2010 Spartacus Shadow of Death Review I just found this review so hysterically funny. Reminded me of the ol' Television Without Pity reviews (or it might be them under a different name?) Anyway check this out! Spartacus: The Shadow Of Death The Olympics have made television viewing a bit of a coin toss for me. On a Friday night, do I watch shirtless hunkasaurs pummel each other or do I watch several hours of ice dancing? These are the G-cisions a boy has to make. On the spot, I chose the latter. In retrospect, I clearly chose poorly because, really, how can I take that precious time away from Spartacus? I don't want to sound culturally ignorant but, for one night, Spartacus' "Shadow Games" proved far superior to Vancouver's reindeer games. One word: Colossus. The drought's driven Doctore mad as a hatter, having sparring gladiators change partners faster than a dormouse can sing Twinkle, Twinkle. Xena Lucretia Lohan has dyed her hair red again and delivers a candygram to a deliriously spinning Batiatus informing him that the town magistrate is having a Royal Rumble for the Gods in hopes it will bring rain. There's nothing that makes me the Gods cry more than seeing two meatballs beat each other to death for sport. When the magistrate arrives, along with the jeweler/fellow ludus owner Solonius, he reveals that Theokoles has been purchased by Solonius for the Royal Rumble. Theokoles has never been defeated, and the only man to survive fighting him was Doctore. To fight this undefeated mountain of fury, Batiatus, in his best MC Hammer-inspired robes, decides to send Crixus and Spartacus to fight as one. Crixus has a crazy-eyed silent fit because he's a lone wolf, a maverick, a ... you get the picture. Read More     24 February 2010 Lucy Interview People Magazine Feb 2010 There is a brief interview with Lucy about Spartacus in People Magazine 8 February 2010 The Xena: Warrior Princess star, 41, plays a gladiator training camp owner on Starz' new ancient-Rome drama Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Click here to read the article     24 February 2010 Spartacus Ratings Rebound After getting pummeled against the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics games on Friday February 12, viewing for Spartacus: Blood and Sand rebounded based on preliminary numbers for Friday February 19 when it averaged almost 850,000 viewers and a .4 rating with adults 18-49. I know we’re talking small numbers, but for Starz, it’s a pretty big deal… Date Net Show 18-49 Rating/Share Viewers (Millons) 22-Jan-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .3/1 0.659 29-Jan-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.773 5-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.858 12-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .3/1 0.662 19-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.846 Here’s some additional information from Starz comparing episode five to episode 4 (note, any ratings points below are coverage ratings, not national ratings, and the coverage for Starz is relatively small so they will look pretty big, but alas Friday’s episode had a .4 rating with adults 18-49 when compared with national numbers, and not a 1.7 adults 18-49 rating nationally): Spartacus Episode 105 Friday 2/19 10PM telecast: *Drew a 2.1 Live and 2.8 Live +SD HH rating *Ranked #1 among all premium programs for 2/19, doing so for the fifth consecutive Friday *Exceeded last week’s premiere total viewers by 28% *Exceeded season-to-date averages for HHs, P2+, A18-49, M18+ The combined Friday telecasts (10PM and 1:00AM): *Attracted more viewers (1.14 million P2+) than any previous episode’s Friday telecasts Read More     23 February 2010 Lucy Interview Suncoast Gazette Feb 2010 The following interview was conducted with Lucy whilst at the 2009 Comic Con by John Chambrone from the Suncoast Gazette in Florida. SAN DIEGO-For the past couple of years I have been able to report on San Diego Comic Con. Last year I was fortunate enough to score a few minutes with Lucy Lawless. The New Zealand born actress took the world by storm when she appeared on “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys,” opposite Kevin Sorbo, as “Xena, Warrior Princess.” That popular pairing led to her own spin off series of the same name. After ‘Xena,’ the actress has continued to keep busy, appearing in the revamped Sci fi hit “Battlestar Galactica,’ and more recently, “Spartacus.” While growing up, Lawless had a fondness for singing and decided she wanted to become an opera singer. That soon changed when she turned 16 and realized that to become an opera singer she would have to adhere to a strict diet and couldn’t stay out all night. In 1997, she was named one of People magazine’s 50 most beautiful people. The former warrior princess was on hand to promote, ‘Spartacus,’ which recently began on the Starz Channel. The network was so impressed by the first thirteen week series, that a second series was green lighted a month before the first series small screen debut. I want to say it brings me great joy to begin an interview by stating, “Hello. This is John Chambrone reporting live from Comic Con.” That said, here we go with my interview with the lovely Lucy Lawless. Read Interview Submitted by Barbara Davies     23 February 2010 Lucy Interviews Podcasts in Itunes There are 3 podcasts that pop up if you search for Lucy Lawless on iTunes. One is the Rod Ryan Show Podcast from 1-19-10, the other is Rude Awakening with Bulldog also from 1-19-10, and Daily Actor from the same date again. There's also a compilation album called Celebrity Tributes that has a song You Don't Wanna Mess with Lucy Lawless. These may be for US folks only. News submitted by Mesh     23 February 2010 Season 1 Episode 5 Shadow Games Review by IGN Crixus and Spartacus versus the Shadow of Death! by Chris Carabott for IGN US, February 22, 2010 - For a series that pretty much boils down to a bloody fight at the end of each episode there are a lot of intriguing story arcs going on behind the scenes. Crixus' love triangle is starting to heat up and affect him in battle, Batiatus continues to struggle as he desperately fights to pay off debts and rival groups oh and lets not forget Spartacus' quest for freedom and to be with his wife once again. "Shadow Games" weaves all of these story lines into a great build up for a fight pitting Crixus and Spartacus against the so-called Shadow of Death who has never been defeated. With Spartacus' story being fairly cut and dry for now it appears that the writers have taken a lot of interest in developing the character of Crixus. When we first met the Hero of Capula he seemed like the typical Ludus brute who sought glory and battle above all else. As his story has progressed however we've discovered quite an interesting character who is now torn between two (and potentially three) lovers. Crixus has been fighting so long that he's forgotten what it means to be free and Spartacus is finally showing him that there is more to fight for than just glory in victory. While Crixus yearns to be with Naevia, his sexual relationship with Lucretia is starting to have its problems. The fact that he essentially couldn't "get it up" this week in her presence speaks volumes about the emotional turmoil he's going through and may have been in part the cause of his failure in battle. In another scene, Ilithyia requests an audience with Crixus and has him stripped nude while she admires his body. Both Naevia and Lucretia were forced to look on as the man they so desire is touched by another. It's a messed up situation to say the least and it is clearly starting to wear Crixus thin. Manu Bennett has been doing a great job in the role. Especially in conveying Crixus' emotional struggles with both Lucretia and Naevia. Read More     22 February 2010 Nick Tarabay Interview 21 Feb 2010 Starz Spartacus: Ashur emerges Friday, Feb. 26, Nick E. Tarabay interview "Their appetite is a great beast whose demands must be met"- Batiatus on Spartacus asking what more did the crowds want of him, after he slayed the great beast Theokoles - episode 6, "Delicate Things" "You provided...an end to my shame..." - Doctore on Spartacus' defeating Theokoles - episode 6, "Delicate Things" Spartacus Fans (I know who you all are, thanks to Facebook) have turned a page with the death of Theokoles and the rise of Spartacus, as Crixus lay critically wounded. Our conniving Batiatus (John Hannah) is swelling with pride as his equal in sordid machinations department - wife Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) - secretly wishes the battered body with the Medicus (David Austin) was that of our Thracian, and not of her lover Crixus (Manu Bennett). And that most evil and duplicitous creature we spoke of earlier, more heartless than Theokoles? She's sill lurking about the Ludus as well. How can the Spartacus writers and actors top the cracking good episode 5, you ask? As was written before, brace yourself as the series is now on a rocket ride to the unbelievable finale, as the next episode 106, "Delicate Things," sees the cunning Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) flex his thespian chops and shows us what his hobbled character is made of, and where his allegiances really are. Hint: Not with Ludus boys. Tarabay was the reason Starz original series "Crash" shined so brightly for season one. Read more     22 February 2010 Lawless Beauty, Blood and Sand Venice Magazine Feb 2010 LAWLESS Beauty, Blood and Sand - Venice Magazine February 2010 Lucy Lawless is a very different kind of beautiful. Her power is front and center, with her broad smile and straight talk cutting to the chase and giving the distinct impression that she doesn't suffer fools. The sultry star has earned a singular place in the public eye as an image of strength, whose characters focus a piercing fire toward such ends as kindness, justice, and vicious retribution. As Lucretia, the fair lady of the house of Batiatus on the Starz original series, "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," Lawless stops at nothing to regain the former wealth of her husband's ludus, where gladiators are trained to kill and die in the arena. Set in ancient Rome, "Spartacus" sees Lawless's seductive matriarch use everyone within reach to ingratiate herself and her husband, Lentulus Batiatus (John Hannah), with those of higher station. Her performance is a sly study in greed, betrayal, and ruthless pursuit of socio-financial ascension. Before she embarked on this reimagined tale of Spartacus [played by Andy Whitfield], the enslaved gladiator who dares to challenge the Roman supremacy, Lawless achieved stardom as the title character on "Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995-2001). The sword-wielding heroine on the first-run syndicated series quickly developed a devoted following of admirers, who reveled in Lawless' portrayal of kick-ass, hack-'n'-slash fearlessness, which guarded a tender core of warmth and femininity. With her faithful companion, Gabrielle (Renée O'Connor), at her side, and her knife-edged "chakram" disc always at the ready, Xena took her place among the pantheon of indelible television heroes. And while tearing through the adventure, which was shot in her native New Zealand, Lawless also found herself a family -- as she married Rob Tapert, co-creator of the fantasy saga, and they have two children together. Tapert currently co-produces "Spartacus," along with Sam Raimi, Josh Donen, and Steven S. DeKnight. Amid the priorities of motherhood, which included dedication to her first daughter, Daisy, from a previous marriage, Lawless found time for numerous post-"Xena" projects. The statuesque thespian appeared on "The X-Files," "Veronica Mars," "Burn Notice," and "CSI: Miami," as well as in Spider-Man (2002) and a hilariously deviant vignette in Eurotrip (2004). She also offered her voice talent to the animated releases, Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight as Goldmoon, and Justice League: The New Frontier as Wonder Woman. And after lending her pipes to the FOX reality show, "Celebrity Duets," in 2006, she took to the road for a series of sold-out live performances in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and London. As her first long-term project in some time, Lawless recently took on the role of D'Anna Biers, a reporter with a wicked secret on "Battlestar Galactica." And in a playful turn, the vivacious Kiwi showed up as the Prime Minister's assistant on HBO's New Zealand-spawned hit comedy, "Flight of the Conchords." The actor-chanteuse, who grew up with six siblings in the Auckland suburb of Mount Albert, where her father was mayor, also enjoyed a stint on Broadway in 1997, as the rough-and tumble Rizzo in "Grease." We meet with Lawless for brunch at Pane e Vino on Beverly Boulevard. The renowned performer proves a consummate conversationalist, who eschews the trivial and rolls herm eyes when you call her an icon. Here's what transpired: Read Full Interview News submitted by Barbara Bruno     21 February 2010 Season 1 Ep 6 Delicate Things Video & Episode Stills On the next episode of Spartacus Blood and Sand Season 1 Episode 6 Delicate Things Episode Stills | Episode Promo With the glory and riches reaped by Spartacus’ victory in the arena, it appears that his long desired reward will be granted when Batiatus informs him that he will be reunited with his wife.     21 February 2010 Spartacus Mention Chicago Tribune 19 Feb 2010 What to do if you're not in the mood to watch the Olympics? Below are a few programs you may want to check out if you aren't obsessed by the doings in Vancouver. Actually, regardless of the Olympics, these are just a few overlooked gems (and one revitalized veteran) you may find entertaining: 4. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," 9 p.m. Central Fridays, Starz: When I tell people who've seen the "Spartacus" pilot that I'm enjoying this Starz gladiator drama, they look at me as if I might be insane. But I contend that people who bailed after the pilot are missing out on a pretty enjoyable swords-and-sandals melodrama, one that is not nearly as derivative and clunky as the show's first couple of episodes. Yes, it's violent, sex-drenched and looks a lot like a budget version of "300," but "Spartacus" is also a sexy, canny soap about the travails of Batiatus (the wonderful John Hannah), the desperate but cunning owner of the gladiator school, and his scheming wife, Lucretia (the always enjoyable Lucy Lawless). Spartydown It may all be an escapist romp about naughty Romans and fierce warriors, but it's an increasingly well-written and assured romp. My favorite character may actually be the fearsome Doctore (Peter Mensah), the head instructor of the gladiator school, but star Andy Whitfield is doing a credible job as the title character, who has a quiet nobility, not just rippling abs. Source     20 February 2010 More Official Lucretia Merchandise! Gold Label, the Official Merchandise Store, has posted some new items to purchase Lucretia goodies in addition the previous items Lawless Lucretia Fitted T-Shirt Lawless Lucretia Light T-Shirt Lawless Lucretia Hooded Sweatshirt Lawless Lucretia Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Lawless Lucretia Jr. Ringer T-Shirt Lawless Lucretia Jr. Spaghetti Tank Lawless Lucretia Tote Bag Lawless Lucretia Mug Lawless Lucretia Sigg Water Bottle 1.0L Click here to view / purchase Items available include: Lucretia T-Shirt Lucretia Hooded Sweatshirt Lucretia Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Lucretia Jr. Raglan Lucretia Jr. Spaghetti Tank Lucretia Tote Bag Lucretia Rectangle Magnet Lucretia Postcards (Package of 8) Lucretia Mini Poster Print Lucretia Journal Lucretia Mug Lucretia Sigg Water Bottle 1.0L Lucretia Sticker (Rectangle) Click here to view / purchase Submitted by Barbara Davies     19 February 2010 Roman Era Tests Lawless - 19 February 2010 Roman era tests Lawless Mekeisha Madden Toby / Detroit News Television Writer In her "Xena" days, actress Lucy Lawless played a fearless lady warrior intent on defeating evil. Well, these days, the New Zealand native is playing another intrepid type, named Lucretia, but this lady is anything but warrior-like, and her weapon of choice is her wanton sexuality on the violent and oversexed Starz epic "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." The addictive and entertaining Friday night drama, which has given the premium cable network its best ratings for an original series, is set in Roman times. The show follows an enslaved Everyman named Spartacus (Andy Whitfield), who is fighting as a gladiator to win his freedom and find his missing wife. It's "Rome" meets "300." Lawless' Lucretia and her husband, Batiatus (John Hannah, "The Mummy" movies and "Four Weddings and a Funeral"), own Spartacus. While Lucretia and Batiatus have yet to involve Spartacus in their bedroom games, the couple often solicits their slaves to, um, help keep things titillating. Seemingly insatiable, Lucretia even has a lover, a slave gladiator named Crixus (Manu Bennett).... Read More -  The Detroit News Submitted by Barbara Davies     19 February 2010 Peter Mensah Interview The TorchOnline 18 Feb 2010 Interview: Peter Mensah Stands Tall in SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Posted on 18 February 2010 by Brent Hartinger, Editor It hard not to be a little taken by Peter Mensah, the striking 6? 3 1/2? actor who was born in Ghana and raised in Britain and Canada. Not surprisingly, he is frequently cast as someone authoritative, like the military officers he played in The Incredible Hulk and Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles. Now he’s in perhaps his highest-profile role yet, that of Doctore, the kick-ass, but mysterious trainer at the gladiator school in Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Last summer, at a press event promoting the series, I ran into Mensah. I hadn’t yet seen any of the finished product, but I couldn’t resist pulling him aside for a few questions. Read Interview     19 February 2010 Rob Tapert Interview Film Review Online 18 Feb 2010 Spartacus: Blood and Sand – Creator Rob Tapert on Andy and his lovely body More than a month before Spartacus: Blood and Sand premiered on the Starz Network, it was renewed for a second season. I guess the executives knew how positively the public would respond to violence, gore, nudity and sex… and they were right. The series features newcomer Andy Whitfield as the title character, a Thracian fighting to return to his wife after being sold into slavery at a gladiatorial school, run by the deceptive Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) and her power-hungry husband Batiatus (John Hannah). Rob Talpert, who along with Sam Raimi produced the cult hit Xena: Warrior Princess (which also starred his wife, Lucy Lawless) spoke with us about his new venture into ancient Rome. Read Interview     18 February 2010 Lucy on Leeza Gibbons Radio Show Looks like Leeza Gibbons has interviewed Lucy for her syndicated radio show Hollywood Confidential according the following tweet. It looks like another round of Sparty PR (Erin and Jai are doing some PR work in Vegas/Phoenix as well) Http://twitter.com/LeezaGibbons/statuses/9246239024 Talked to Lucy Lawless whos gone from Xena to Lucretial, her sexually voracious character on @Spartacus_Starz. A little violent, a lot sexy! about 2 hours ago from web LeezaGibbons Leeza Gibbons News submitted by Adi and Barbara Davies     18 February 2010 Jai and Erin on Spartacus PR Duties The absolutely adorable Jai and Erin are on Sparty PR duty. Erin and Jai are doing some publicity at Cox Cable location in Vegas/Phoenix this week. Erin tweeted the following info: RT @Stormyiz Photo of @erinlcummings and Jai Courtney from @Spartacus_Starz here at work..they were very sweet http://twitpic.com/13ua38     17 February 2010 Spartacus Ratings Over 4 Weeks Friday night’s fourth episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand averaged .66 million viewers and a .3 rating with adults 18-49, seeing its first ratings decreases. The drop isn’t exactly a surprise since it aired against the opening ceremonies for the winter Olympics in Vancouver which averaged over 32 million viewers for the night. I don’t think there’s any cause for concern over the results. The episode did as well as the premiere on January 22, but the premiere was widely available before its initial telecast on Starz and was also simulcast on Encore. Here’s the run-down of the first four episodes in their initial airings on Starz: Date Net Show 18-49 Rating/Share Viewers (Millons) 22-Jan-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .3/1 0.659 29-Jan-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.773 5-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.858 12-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .3/1 0.662 Source     17 February 2010 Spartacus Episodes on Fancast Khemarin from Fancast sent me a note to say they now have full episodes of Spartacus on their site. Now I'm not sure if they will continue to post these (episodes 1 and 2 are up on the site which were available for free for everyone from the Starz site)   Please note: these are only for US fans. Click here to view     16 February 2010 Upcoming Lucy Interview - Celeb Life Magazine The following was posted on twitter from the Celeb Life Magazine tweets: Http://twitter.com/CelebLifeMag/statuses/9159811044 If you're a fan of Spartacus on @starz_channel, be sure to check out star Lucy Lawless in our March/April issue, out soon about 8 hours ago from web celeblifemag Celeb Life Magazine News submitted by Barbara Davies     16 February 2010 Spartacus Episode 5 Video Promo & Episode Stills Season 1 Episode 5 episode promo has now been uploaded. Batiatus is presented with a gladiatorial opportunity of a lifetime. Spartacus and Crixus must overcome their mutual hostility to fight as a team against a legendary and unbeaten opponent. Click here to view the video Click here to view the episode stills from this episode     16 February 2010 Erin Interview Muscle & Fitness Magazine April 2010 Muscle & Fitness Magazine (US) in the April 2010 issue has a fantastic interview with Erin including a great photoshoot. Click here to view the scans   Additional images from the photoshoot can be found on the Muscle & Fitness website. These are just a sample of them.         You can view them on the Muscle & Fitness website Scans submitted by Lori Boyles     14 February 2010 Brothers of the Sword, Titans Of the Arena - Out Magazine The Sparty boys are featured in the Feb Issue of Out Magazine BROTHERS OF THE SWORD, TITANS OF THE ARENA Be it for fame, wealth or freedom, behold the gladiators who fight to the death in the Starz Original Series Spartacus: Blood and Sand SPARTACUS Andy Whitfield plays the legendary Thracian soldier who is betrayed by the Romans and sentenced to die in the arena. Gladiators featured are: Spartacus Doctore Crixus Ashur Barca Varro You can purchase this magazine from Zinio for $5     14 February 2010 New Official Spartacus Merchandise - Lucretia GoldLabel has released new Official Spartacus Merchandise with Lucy as Lucretia on them. Items available include: Lucretia T-Shirt Lucretia Hooded Sweatshirt Lucretia Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Lucretia Jr. Raglan Lucretia Jr. Spaghetti Tank Lucretia Tote Bag Lucretia Rectangle Magnet Lucretia Postcards (Package of 8) Lucretia Mini Poster Print Lucretia Journal Lucretia Mug Lucretia Sigg Water Bottle 1.0L Lucretia Sticker (Rectangle) and lots more Spartacus related items Click here to view News submitted by Barbara Davies     14 February 2010 Spartacus Episode 4 Review - TheTorchOnline Having seen this episode a few weeks ago as part of the screeners previews, I totally agree with the following review of the episode. This is one absolutely riveting episode. SPOILERS BELOW! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Episode Review: Spartacus vs. Leatherface! by Posted on 12 February 2010 by Tim O'Leary, Associate Editor The Thing In the Pit Depending on your point of view, the latest episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand will either be your favorite episode so far, or you will want to take a nail to your corneas in an attempt to scratch the images out of your body. I’m kind of in the second camp. Read More News submitted by Barbara Davies     13 February 2010 Spartacus Season 1 DVD & Blu Ray Pre-Order Spartacus: Blood and Sand DVD - Season 1 Pre-Order Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend. Pre-Order DVD Pre-Order Blu-Ray     13 February 2010 Spartacus Episode 4 The Thing In the Pit The Thing In the Pit is tonight's episode. Spartacus learns a lesson in not being so sure of himself in tonight's episode "The Thing In the Pit". Having performed shamefully in the arena against Crixus, Spartacus is forced to fight in the Pits. Batiatus, determined to profit from Spartacus, may be at risk if his debts aren’t repaid. Credits | Official Page | Episode Stills | Promo Video #1 #2 #3 | Episode Recap (SPOILERS)     13 February 2010 Spartacus Season 2 News Section Steven updated his twitter page with the following news about Season 2 @stevendeknight: Spartacus: Vengeance is underway! Episode one is broken! On to ep 2! Action? Intrigue? Blood? Sex? Check x 4! Starz has officially announced Season 2 of the show. Since this is highly unusual, news about Season 2 will be filtering through this section has been created to keep all Season 2 news in one place until Season 2 starts airring and then it will be merged into the main news section. You can keep updated on Season 2 with the new AUSXIP Spartacus Season 2 News Page     12 February 2010 Erin Cummings Interview on GamerLive.TV From Erin's Twitter: For the gamers: http://www.gamerlive.tv/ Scroll down to see the video of me talking about the new @Spartacus_Starz iPhone game. News submitted by Lori Boyles.     9 February 2010 Steven S. DeKnight Discusses Authenticity on Spartacus From ChicagoNow. If you watched last week's episode of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," you probably asked the same question I did: "Did Romans really use fluffers?" Executive producer Steven S. DeKnight didn't directly answer the question when I asked during a recent conference call, but did explain that the writers consult two PhD candidates at UCLA, Aaron Irving and Jeffery Stevens, to give them details about ancient Rome. "They were fantastic with their details," DeKnight said. "When we were breaking a story, we'd send them a question and 10 minutes later, we'd get a four-page response because they have all this information at their fingertips ... They were completely invaluable." One of those details viewers can see in the upcoming episode, called "Legends," which premieres at 9 p.m. Friday on Starz. (I've added 4 video clips and the episode description below.) In once scene, the gladiators wash themselves after a day of training. "Originally we had written the gladiators are in the bath, and [Irving and Jeffrey] said, 'No, actually they would get oiled up and scraped down,'" DeKnight said. "And I thought, 'Well, that's great. I hadn't seen that, let's do that.'" Read the full interview. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     9 February 2010 Batiatus Profile & John Hannah, Rob Tapert Interview Owner of a Roman gladiatorial school in Capua. John Hannah as Batiatus. Interview with John Hannah, Andy Whitfield, Steven S. DeKnight & Rob Tapert. The video shows scenes from the episodes, including John's scenes with Lucy Lawless. Click here to watch the video. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     9 February 2010 Andy Battles Giant Cockroaches - Spartacus Video Whitfield and co-star Jai Courtney dealt with something scarier than getting beat up in "Legends," which airs at 9 p.m. Feb. 5 on Starz. "Giant cockroaches," Whitfield said. "It was hideous." In the scene Spartacus and his gladiator-in-training buddy Varro (Courtney) are thrown into the "hole"--a sewage pit--by their trainer, Doctore (Peter Mensah). Watch the video to see Whitfield explain how the scene was shot with himself, Courtney and a cameraman in a real pit--about 9 feet in diameter and very deep, the same as the restaurant booth in which the video above was filmed. (Excuse my bad camera skills.) It was filled with fake sheep's heads and other bones, trash, fake sewage and all kinds of nasty stuff--and those cockroaches. Click here to watch the video. Source. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     9 February 2010 S1E4 "The Thing in the Pit" - Pluto's Prisoner Video Ep 104 "The Thing in the Pit". Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) plunges into Capua's underworld. Click here to watch the video. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     9 February 2010 S1E4 "The Thing in the Pit" - A Sincere Fight Video Ep 104 "The Thing in the Pit". In exchange for his wife's freedom, Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) will sacrifice his life. Click here to watch the video. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     9 February 2010 S1E4 "The Thing in the Pit" - Where He Belongs Video Ep 104 "The Thing in the Pit". Varro (Jai Courtney) discovers the fate of his comrade, Spartacus (Andy Whitfield). Click here to watch the video. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     8 February 2010 Andy Whitfield TV Guide Magazine Interview TVGuide.com posted an interview with Andy Whitfield about the series and working with Lucy Lawless. "The sexy, violent gladiator series Spartacus: Blood and Sand smashed Starz viewing records when it premiered on January 22. Some of those eyeballs were no doubt focused on the buff, blue-eyed Aussie (by way of Wales) star Andy Whitfield. Whitfield paid a visit to the TV Guide Magazine offices to talk about playing the hero, going full Monty and getting in arena-fighting shape." Click here to read the interview. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     7 February 2010 Spartacus Panel at 2010 Xena Convention What a fun day! I've been having a fun time. I went into fangirl mode today (I get these moments maybe once a century) with the Spartacus panel...Peter Mensah was 3 feet away from me and frankly you may have a slight indication from the photos I took of where my focus was :) GORGEOUS man. Erin Cummings is one Hel of a gorgeous woman. The rest of the panel was Stephen DeKnight, Rick Jacobson and someone whose name I have forgotten (and I'm so sorry but I will correct this problem soon!) More photos to come shortly but here are the ones I have taken! Spartacus Panel at Xena Con - Photos by MaryD     5 February 2010 Andy Whitfield On The Chelsea Lately Show Andy Whitfield stopped by to chat with late night talk show host Chelsea Handler on the Chelsea Lately Show. Click here to watch the video. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     5 February 2010 Lucy Podcast Of Kramp & Adler Interview You can now listen to Lucy's interview with Kramp & Adler on the show's website. Click here and select Lucy's link on the right hand side of the window. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     4 February 2010 Erin Cummings Hollywood 411 Interview SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND star Erin Cummings chats up the show with Hollywood 411's Chris Harrison. Erin talks about getting discovered in a small Texas town and going to gladiator camp with the cast. Click here to see the video. News submitted by Lori Boyles, Barbara Davies.     3 February 2010 Coffee With Lucy & Andy WJZ Interview A good interview with Lucy & Andy on the WJZ morning show. From the website: "On Feb. 2, Marty and Don talked to Lucy Lawless and Andy Whitfield about "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," an original television series that airs on Starz." Click here to see the video. News submitted by Barbara Davies.     2 February 2010 Upcoming Andy Interview on Chelsea Lately Andy will be on Chelsea Lately on E! Entertainment TV - the following was sent by Spartacus PR: Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Time: 11:00p.m. EST (New York City)* / 9:00p.m. MST (Denver)*/11:00p.m. PST (Los Angeles)* *Please check your local listings* Show/Outlet: "Chelsea Lately" on E! Entertainment TV Featuring: Interview with Andy Whitfield of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand"     2 February 2010 Images From Spartacus Episode #3 "Legends" Check out the stills from this Friday's episode in the Spartacus Episode Stills Gallery.   Click here to see the images.     1 February 2010 Spartacus Episode 2 Ratings The second episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand averaged a 0.4 adults 18-49 rating and .773 million viewers. This was an increase from the premiere episode which drew 553,000 viewers on Starz, then gathered another 460,000 on Encore. Click here to read more about the season premiere ratings     1 February 2010 Spartacus Episode Video Promos Starz released a set of promos for the upcoming episode airing Friday, February 5. Spend Coin to Receive Coin - Batiatus and Lucretia discuss finances and politics. - Click here to watch the video. Let Them Fight - Spartacus Attacks Crixus. - Click here to watch the video. No Easy Task - Crixus tries to court Naevia. - Click here to watch the video. We Are Gladiators - Doctore Inspires the Men. - Click here to watch the video. News submitted by Adi.     Read More Archives