April 2010 Archives   28 April 2010 Dan "Agron" Feuerriegel Writing A Spartacus Blog Dan Feuerriegel who is Agron on Spartacus Blood and Sand has posted the following on his facebook page: Currently In the process of writing a blog about my experience on SPARTACUS Season One. Any questions? Thoughts? Post away and I'll do my best to include. Much love peeps :) Submit your question     27 April 2010 Katrina Law Blog - The Thank You Blog 25 April 2010 Katrina has posted her final Spartacus Blog (but not her final blog) called The Thank You Blog: The Thank You Blog by Katrina Law Friday night seemed so empty without the usual Spartacus pandemonium we've all come to know and love. So until Spartacus Season 2 starts, and it will start, this will be my last blog for a while about Spartacus. I will, however, be blogging about other projects I have recently worked on, like Legend of the Seeker and The Resistance, so be sure to check back in every now and then. Read On (and view the pics of the Sparty Cast)     25 April 2010 New Lesley-Ann Brandt Blog Now Online Just added Lesley-Ann's new blog "A Lady of Many Colours" to AUSXIP Lesley-Ann Brandt News & Multimedia. L.A.B. Blog - A Lady of Many Colours! 25 April 2010 by Lesley-Ann Brandt My looks seem to have lots of you guessing. I've had numerous emails asking what my ethnicity is. You may know I'm South African, but what exactly does that mean? Read Blog     25 April 2010 Lucy In NZ Media RoundUp for 24-25 April 2010 Lucy has been featured in the New Zealand media this weekend about Spartacus and also Lucy's involvement in the Greepeace Anti-Mining Campaign currently underway in New Zealand. The New Zealand Herald 24 April 2010 has a brief mention of Lucy and Robyn with a nice pic. Screen stars protest 300ha National Park coal mine. Read Online article The Sunday Star Times 25 April 2010 has a brief mention of Lucy (and a promo pic of Lucy) and about Spartacus. The usual spin about the violence, sex and bloodshed. It mentioned that SBS is to be shown on NZ TV later this year (hopefully). The Herald on Sunday 25 April 2010 I Spy columnist Rachel has listed "The Celebrities Who Really Matter" and listed Lucy as #10. Rachel takes a look at A-List celebrities from New Zealand and why she finds them fascinating or worthy of being on that list. Unfortunately she didn't list why Lucy is on the list, just had her on the list.     24 April 2010 Ande "Duro" Cunnington Talks To Zap2It Ande Cunningham on the 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' prequel: 'I'd love to go back' The Season 1 finale of the new Starz show "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" saw Ande Cunningham's Duro, the younger of the two German Brothers, die in his brother Agron's (Daniel Feuerriegel) arms. "When it came time to play that scene when I die in his arms, it was unthinkably sad," Ande tells Zap2it. "And what [Agron] was going through, to lose your little brother when you're trying to protect him for so long. It was so sad, it was really a gift of a storyline." Despite being killed off in the season finale, Cunningham is still grateful for the part, which he received straight out of acting school. "It was kind of a dream job for me, a welcome change fom Shakespeare, although it's kind of Shakespearean in the language. To run around with the sword and to step on to the set ... your imagination just gets fired up, it's just so beautiful and so real. It's like you're in ancient Rome." "[Duro] was a terrific character to be offered because amongst these super human gladiators, he's the one that's very vulnerable," Cunningham continues. "He's young and inexperienced and thinks he's a lot stronger and a better fighter than he is. It really stood out to me." Read More     22 April 2010 Contacting Andy Whitfield AUSXIP Andy Whitfield / andywhitfield.net and andywhitfield.ausxip.com are not official in any shape or form. It was created as a tribute to Andy Whitfield and is a fan site. AUSXIP is not affiliated with Andy Whitfleld. This is a non profit fan run web site. AUSXIP Andy Whitfield is part of the AUSXIP Network of Sites run by MaryD (that would be me). PLEASE DO NOT ADDRESS MAIL TO ME FOR ANDY I DO NOT accept scripts, story ideas, referrals, mail or anything else for Andy. I CANNOT pass on your well wishes to Andy for a speedy recovery from cancer If you wish to contact me in regards to this site, please address your mail to maryd@ausxip.com     22 April 2010 New Andy Whitfield Press Page Added a new section to the AUSXIP Andy Whitfield site. You can now access articles and interviews with Andy via the Press Page Click here to view     21 April 2010 Katrina Interview On Rachel's TV Dramas Blog Katrina was interviewed on Rachel's TV Dramas Blog - check out the great interview! Over the years I have interviewed dozens of television celebrities and one common characteristic I have found is when asked how/when they developed an interest in acting, the majority have been involved in some form of artistic avenue since they were very young. Is it some sort of special gene they possess? Is it hereditary? Perhaps this is why so many great actors make it all look so easy. Katrina Law happens to be one of those actors who began singing and dancing at a very young age and spent years developing her talent. It wasn't until her college years that she realized that the acting gene was ready and waiting for her to take notice -- and once she did, there was no stopping her! After several guest starring roles on shows such as Third Watch and Chuck, Katrina landed a role in the hit Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. I had the pleasure of speaking with this incredibly sweet and enthusiastic actress about how she discovered her talent for acting, her new role and which shows she can't miss each week... Read Interview     21 April 2010 Edited Version of Spartacus Season 1 The following is interesting. Barbara Davies sent the following in which appears to be an edited version of Season 1. I'm not sure how they will achieve this; can you imagine what will happen to "Whore"? Opening credits, a very tight close up of Spartacus, closing credits <g> The site doesn't mention in which market this will be seen although Andy Whitfield did mention that Australia was getting an edited version. Channel 7 (7Two) will be airring Spartacus on Aussie TV. I'm going to speculate that they are going for the "Underbelly" viewers to snatch away from Channel 9. (Drama, 25x1 hr.) New for MIP-TV 2010 is an edited version of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” which retains the action, stunning visuals and rich storytelling but with some of the more graphic elements removed, all under the supervision of executive producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight, who also is head writer on the series. Source     20 April 2010 New Lesley-Ann Blog 20 April 2010 Lesley-Ann's Official Blog has been updated! L.A.B. Blog Update 20 April 2010 Hi Everyone! As the final episode aired, I was on set filming, thinking about the cast in LA attending the Spartacus finale party and those in NZ and Australia. Episode 13 was completely mind blowing!!! Actually, no, it was mind blasting, it literally blasted my mind! Everything from the action to the heartache of losing Duro, (I cried), to the massacre that unfolded frame by frame....I like so many of you was absolutely gobsmacked! Favourite scenes? Definitely Doctore confronting Ashur, they did a magnificent job. Crixus, FINALLY, deciding to Kill Them All, (I think I jumped up with my fist in the air), Spartacus and Crixus promising to fulfil each other's promise of either killing Batiatus or finding Naevia...I could go on and on. Continue Reading     20 April 2010 Ratings for Episode 13 Kill Them All tvbythenumbers.com have reported on the preliminary numbers for season finale "Kill Them All". Episode 12 "Revelation" generated the highest rating for all the season at 1.285 million. Episode 13 got a rating of 1.227 million (it did see highs with adults 18-49 with 769,000) That ends the ratings for Season 1. Steven DeKnight killed off the rumours of a Spartacus mini-series today by tweeting: A "younger" Spartacus story arc between season 1 & 2? Not true. Don't know how this rumor got started. Source     18 April 2010 Spartacus Season 2 News Update 18 April 2010 More season 2 news and speculation. As reported previously the show has put on hold until Andy undergoes treatment for his Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in New Zealand. Now that Season 1 has ended with quite a bang (read the AUSXIP review ), speculation on when filming for Season 2 will commence and/if there will be a mini-series to cover for Andy's ongoing treatment. Here's some updated news is from Staff writer Maurissa Tancharoe, who confirmed via Twitter: "The second season is still happening, however, it is on hold at the moment due to star Andy Whitfield's health problems." She repeated her sentiment later, assuring fans that the show has not been canceled. Read more Season 2 News     18 April 2010 Peter Mensah Interview iF Magazine 16 April 2010 Exclusive Interview: ACTOR PETER MENSAH CHANNELS HIS INNER WARRIOR FOR 'SPARTACUS: BLOOD & SAND' The actor talks about his gladiator-era green-screen gigs on the hit Starz series and in the films 'AVATAR' and '300' The gladiators who fight on Starz’s hit series SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND (which airs its season finale tonight) are tough, but Doctore, the man who trains them in combat, is tougher still. In an exclusive iF interview, actor Peter Mensah talks about playing one of the most formidable warriors in ancient Rome, plus his gigs in 300, as the messenger who gets “This is Sparta!” screamed in his face just before he’s kicked to his death, and AVATAR, in which he plays the leader of the Horse Clan. Read Interview     17 April 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Poll Did you enjoy Spartacus Season 1? QuestionsView Results spartacus.ausxip.com     17 April 2010 Spartacus Episode 13 Recap/Review by MaryD Spartacus Blood and Sand Episode 13 Recap / Review by MaryD Credits for this episode: Directed by Steven S. DeKnight and Jesse Warn Writing credits (in alphabetical order) Steven S. DeKnight (written by) Brent Fletcher (story editor), Aaron Helbing (staff writer), Todd Helbing (staff writer). Miranda Kwok (staff writer) Log Line Spartacus' fury culminates in the stunning season finale Favourite quote: "What would you do to hold your wife again, to feel the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips. How many men would you kill? A hundred? A thousand? - Spartacus to Batiatus Review Flashback to 22 November 2009 and my preview/review of Episode 2 I'm going to make another prediction - this will be a MEGA MONSTER HIT show. Guaranteed monster hit show. It has ALL the elements of a great show: great writing, excellent direction, wonderful characters, superb actors and a seriously good plot. Forget the media hype about the sex, nudity and violence; yes you have those but they are secondary to the actual story. I am NOT surprised that Starz is thrilled with this series. Not surprised at all. and now to Episode 13 Season Finale "Kill Them All" What an absolute MEGA MONSTER HIT this show has become! What incredible writing by Steven DeKnight. BRILLIANT doesn't cover it. From a writing standpoint it's just incredible. From an acting standpoint, I have NEVER seen a show with so many talented actors in one place. Usually you will get 2-3 standouts but to have an ensemble cast such as Spartacus and to have them ALL be incredible is just mind blowing. So what happens in Episode 13? The body count in this episode exceeds all the other 12 episodes combined. So instead of giving my usual running commentary on the episode, I've decided to showcase each character and what became of them in this episode. SPARTACUS (Andy Whitfield) What I wrote: Andy as Spartacus is a revelation. I will admit to have doubts about the actor chosen as the fierce warrior Spartacus but after having watched the first episode, those fears evaporated in seconds. Andy Whitfield is PERFECT for the role. I was very impressed with the way he brought Spartacus to life. Spartacus' love for his wife is very evident and every decision he makes is to defend his village and get back to Sura. Andy Whitfield is a mega star. He truly is. He has presence and is one hell of a great actor. He brought Spartacus to life and whilst I grieve with the man for the loss of his wife, I can't help by being unsettled by his one track mentality. There is no deviation for him. He has a goal and that is to avenge his wife's death. Indeed how many are to die because of this? Whilst Crixus was obsessed about being a gladiator and the champion of Capua, Spartacus is obsessed with revenge and hate. That can only lead to destruction. A complex character. Outcome: He avenges his wife's death by killing Batiatus and starts the slave rebellion Season 2: Absolutely (get well Andy!) QUINTUS LENTULUS BATIATUS (John Hannah) What an INCREDIBLE actor. My initial thoughts on the man were: The pairing of John as Batiatus and Lucy as Lucretia is an interesting one. He comes across as a weak man which is rather fascinating but he isn't a weak man... Batiatus was not a weak man but seriously underestimated one. I LOVED John's portrayal of the Dominus. Batiatus could be extremely clueless then in an instant be extremely ruthless as evidenced by his murder of the Magistrate. What proved to be his undoing was the murder of Sura. That was the turning point in his life and one which proved to be extremely deadly for Quintus Lentulus Batiatus. He crosses the wrong man and the outcome for him is the complete destruction of The House of Batiatus. The end of Batiatus was poetic justice, in my opinion. Spartacus confronts his Dominus, surrounded by other gladiators. I'll give the man some brownie points for being spunky against the odds. The sight of Batiatus holding off well trained gladiators was cool; he wasn't a coward. He knew his fate when Spartacus arrived and yet he continued to fight for his life. His will was diminished when Lucretia entered the picture and fell before him. Harking back to episode 2 Sacramentum Gladiatorum and the exchange between Dominos and Spartacus was repeated: Batiatus: What would you do to hold your wife again, to feel the warmth of her skin, to taste her lips, would you kill? Spartacus: Whoever stood between us. Batiatus: How many men? A hundred? A thousand? Spartacus: I would kill them all. This time it was Spartacus to Batiatus as Lucretia lay dying a few meters from Batiatus Spartacus: What would you do to hold your wife again, to feel the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips. How many men would you kill? A hundred? A thousand? Outcome: Spartacus avenges his wife's murder by killing her murderer. He slices Batiatus' throat. What I found extraordinary about this scene is that Batiatus stumbled and fell right next to his dying wife. I actually felt sorry for him for a nanosecond. At least he died with some sort of courage. Season 2: Sadly Batiatus' sliced throat was terminal and won't be back. LUCRETIA (Lucy Lawless) Lucy is so right for this role. For Xena fans...there is a nod to Xena fans (well I perceived it as a nod but I could be wrong and reading it all wrong but what the heck it was fun). I do not want to give too much away but I do love watching Lucy's very expressive face. She can convey so much without uttering a word. Fascinating. Lucy Lawless the incredible, amazing, absofrigginlutely perfect Lucretia. To say I'm biased would be an understatement. Lucy is the reason I was interested in the show from the moment it was announced. She was the reason I sat down to watch naked people romp around on screen and blood being poured out by the truckloads. She was the reason I created AUSXIP Spartacus. NO other actor would have got me interested in a show about sex, nudity and bloodshed. NO ONE. This show tested my resolve on many occasions and it crossed lines I never thought I would cross when it came to my viewing habits. I'll admit to being apprehensive about Lucy showing more than she had previously in any other role; it was something I didn't feel the need to see but when you are a fan, you will step across with them and see where it leads trusting that the person you admire knows what they are doing and why they are doing it. It's the reason you are a fan. Where it led to was watching this amazing actress take a role and transform into a character with so may layers from a woman aching to have a child, who loved her husband dearly but was willing to have an affair with a slave, who was conniving, manipulative and ruthless. I LOVED watching Lucy in this role; she does bad girl so beautifully. Lucretia also had softness about her (if you can call it that). She did indeed care for Naevia because she didn't kill her for loving Crixus even though she knew how much her Domina loved the gladiator. Lucretia also showed in this episode that she had courage. Instead of fleeing with the rest of the guests, she makes sure young Numerious is hidden along with Aurelia. She then heads back to be with her husband. For all her scheming and nasty ways...I do have a soft spot for Lucretia. I do love bad girls especially if they are played by one Lucy Lawless. Outcome: Crixus runs his sword through her belly. It was surprising that he walked away and had not finished Lucretia there and there. Does Crixus have a tiny sliver of something for Lucretia? I'm betting he doesn't but it was unusual. Season 2: Lucretia lay dying but there was movement in the pool of blood...She's coming back (Lucy revealed she had signed on for Season 2). I'm going to guess that Lucretia is going to be out of some Roman blood herself and her hatred for Spartacus will reach new levels. Illythia will be in the same Hate List for sure after what she did to her BFF. ILITHYA (Viva Bianca) What I wrote: Her character bio reads: The spoiled, selfish daughter of Senator Albinius, she is also the wife of Claudius Glaber. Young and impressionable, she finds herself alone and bored in Capua. Now this character is an absolute revelation. The one character I initially thought after reading the character info would be boring but she is anything but boring. VERY interesting. Watch this character...and the bio is a way off. I had popcorn at the ready, I had a comfy seat and I was waiting for the slice and dice to occur. Unfortunately the monstersandcritics site totally destroyed the enjoyment and revealed Ilithyia was not going to die. April MacIntyre from monstersandcritics... HAVE YOU NOT HEARD OF USING SPOILER WARNINGS?! Good grief. Boo Hiss. Spoilt it. Okay now that I've gotten that off my chest...we come to one of the acting finds...VIVA BIANCA. She's an Aussie and yet I had never heard of her. She took the role of someone I had initially thought would be completely boring and turned her into such a deliciously psychotic. I LOVE Ilithyia. She has one speed...psychotic mode. I suspect she loves her husband but is willing to share herself with others as evidenced by what she revealed to Lucretia in the final episode to get what she wants. She is also evil. She organised for the Roman guards to be "absent" and then shut herself away from the bloodshed. Did she know about the upcoming rebellion? It looks like she must have had some inkling of it which is rather odd or at the very least was hoping for some trouble. Xena fans will remember the absolutely wonderful Callisto (played by Hudson Leick). Beautiful, psychotic Callisto. Ilithyia is Callisto on steroids. She takes it to a whole new level. Deliciously evil and psychotic! What a great combination. Love characters like that and actors who can make you want to scream at the screen in delight because they take their character and make you feel, they are just priceless. Outcome: Lives to see the destruction of the House of Batiatus Season 2: Oh yeah she's coming back! DOCTORE (Peter Mensah) What I wrote: WARNING: Fan girl Moment #1 *sigh* <g> That's all I'm going to say about Doctore. *deep deep heavy sigh* Hehehe. I'm having a fan girl moment..just give me time..........okay I'm back...Memo to Rob: can I have a show with just Doctore Please? Pretty Please? <g> Peter Mensah is just one of the most gifted actors I've ever seen. He is a delight to watch. Oh goodness. Doctore. I wasn't sure what to make of Doctore from episode 2; he was a quiet character but he certainly came into his own. Doctore is a man of honour. Whilst everyone else was scheming and doing naughty things, Doctore was the only one to have shown honour at all times. He lived the code. One of my favourite characters and continues to be so. He showed in this episode that what he waned to be fair. He even let that snake, Ashur, have a half a chance. I simply loved the "battle" between him and Ashur. Doctore could have taken Ashur's head off quite easily and was playing with him. The fact that the weasel got away is not important. What's important is that Doctore is one of the most honourable of all the characters on this show. When it came to making his decision about who to back in the fight; Doctore chose honour and fought on the side of Spartacus. Whilst Spartacus was motivated by hate and revenge, Doctore was motivated by honour. He was deceived by Batiatus. Given the choice of being a free man and fighting with Batiatus, he chose to rebel. He was the voice of reason asking Spartacus when all this bloodshed would be enough. Outcome: Lives to see the start of the rebellion Season 2: Oh yes please! MORE Doctore! CRIXUS (Manu Bennett) What I wrote: I have forgotten how much I enjoyed Manu's acting (last saw him as Antony in the Season 5 Xena episode Antony and Cleopatra). He comes across as such a strong character. Manu once again proves what a powerhouse actor he is. All the way through this series, Manu made me want to explore Crixus' character. Crixus was a man being used and abused by his Dominos and by his Domina. It wasn't until he fell in love did the man start to feel. He was a killing machine and that's all he was. He lived for the battle and took pride in being The Champion of Capua. It wasn't until his heart was pierced by Naevia did he soften. He still talked about becoming the champion again but his focus shifted. Naevia was his kryptonite. Everything he did revolved around being with her and influenced his decisions. In the end Crixus chose to side with Spartacus in order to find Naevia. He finally understood why Spartacus was going to go after Batiatus and finally realised how much love Spartacus had for his wife. Took him long enough but Crixus got it. Did he care about Lucretia? I think he did. On some level I think he cared for his Domina. He ran his sword through her but he didn't slice and dice. I was expecting him to slit her throat but he didn't. I'm looking forward to the story of him going in search for Naevia. I just love a good love story. Outcome: Lives Season 2: In search for Naevia VARRO (Jai Courtney) and AURELIA (Brooke Williams) What I wrote: Varro is Spartacus' only friend in the Ludus; an interesting and very likable character. No, Varro is not in the season finale nor is he a flashback. Jai brought so much warmth to this character and Steven said in his recent Q&A: Here's a little tidbit to help balm the wound of Varro's passing: we originally planned to kill him in episode 108. But we loved Jai's performance so much we held off until episode 110. Varro was such a beautiful character. I was so sad to see him killed. His storyline is taken up by his wife Aurelia played by Brooke Williams. Aurelia is in the Ludus because she is there to pay off Varro's debt. Unwilling to accept Spartacus' money or that of Batiatus, she is working it off. Quiet Aurelia...it's the quiet ones you have worry about. Aurelia felt Spartacus was to blame for her husband's death but she soon found out that it was Numerious who chose for Varro to die (well we know it wasn't just the teenager but Sparty doesn't know). NEVER be left alone with a grieving wife if you happen to be the one that killed her husband. Her grief takes over and transforms into a knife wielding avenger. Young Numerious sealed his fate by saying that Varro was nothing. Oh wrong thing to say young man. Aurelia saw red and young Numerious was sliced and diced. I felt somewhat sorry for the boy but such is life. Outcome: Aurelia lives Season 2: Probably ASHUR (Nick Tarabay) What I wrote: We first see Asher in the introduction to the Ludus with the newly arrived Gladiator newbies. That's not much of an impression, is it? Well I told you the quiet ones are the ones to watch. That sneaky weasel Ashur. Ashur is a survivor and he once again proves that survivors will do and say anything to live. He has been deceitful, conniving, a lying sack of potatoes and I'm seriously glad he didn't die <g> Ashur manages to escape the wrath of Doctore and hide with the dead bodies to avoid getting sliced. What will become of the Syrian snake? I would love to find out. Outcome: Lives Season 2: I sure hope so MIRA (Katrina Law) Mira, the slave who enabled Spartacus to start the rebellion by killing a guard and letting the gladiators run riot. Mira is an interesting character. Once again she wants Spartacus to love her. I suspect it's a one way thing here. In order to get some time with Mira to hatch his plan, Spartacus asks for some time to get some booty time. Not even the guards stuck around to watch Sparty and Mira get it on. Mira, being the clever girl that she is, demands Spartacus give her something in return for her help. I just had to smile at that. Mira finally got lucky although she knows how much Spartacus loved Sura. Katrina Law has been a revelation. Having not seen her in any other show, she's proved to be one of the most talented actors I've come across. She has presence and makes the role of Mira stand out. I sure hope we see lots more of her in Season 2. Outcome: Lives Season 2: Looks like it NAEVIA (Lesley-Ann Brandt) Missing in action for the season finale. Naevia has been banished off somewhere after her Domina got the major irrits with her. She's somewhere in Capua or nearby relieved she has missed the bloodbath. Naevia was such a revelation. Again a quiet character who blossomed into a major character toward the end of the season. The Crixus and Naevia storyline is beautifully done that I'm looking forward to seeing it blossom in Season 2. Crixus just has to find his girl! Lesley-Ann Brandt is an absolute pleasure to watch on screen and she has great chemistry with Manu Bennett! They play off each other so beautifully and she brings a spunk to the role of Naevia. I'm eagerly looking forward to watch Season 2 has in store for them both. Outcome: Lives Season 2: Looks like it HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Daniel Feuerriegel (Agron) and Ande Cunningham (Duro). You just knew one of them was going to die. Younger brother saving big brother; that was beautifully done. Rating: 10/10 Thus ends Season 1 of Spartacus Blood and Sand. A truly spectacular show and a mega monster hit. Wishing Andy a speedy recovery and the start of Season 2!     17 April 2010 Chicago Now Interviews Peter Mensah 16 April 2010 Peter Mensah: 'Spartacus' finale is best episode yet It's little wonder that Starz' freshman melodrama, "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has become a breakout hit for the cable network. Over the course of the sword-and-sandal epic's 12 episodes aired so far, Steven S. DeKnight and his team of writers have offered up twisted sexual liaisons, political intrigue and, most notably of all, blood-drenched action. They've created true destination TV, an addictive hour that appeals to both the intellect and, well, our more base needs. According to star Peter Mensah, the season finale airing at 9 p.m. Friday brings together all the best elements of the series. Read Interview     17 April 2010 Katrina Interviewed By MovieWeb 16 April 2010 Katrina Law Discusses Spartacus: Blood and Sand with MovieWeb in an exclusive interview: The pay-cable network Starz is certainly on a roll lately with its brand new original series Spartacus: Blood and Sand receiving critical raves, increasing ratings and also a second-season order on the network, which will likely debut in early 2011. One of the new faces on the series is the lovely Katrina Law, who first appeared as the enslaved Mira on the ninth episode of the season entitled Whore. She has since appeared in every episode of the series, including the season finale, Kill Them All, which airs tonight, April 16 at 10 PM ET on Starz. I had the chance to speak with this talented young actress over the phone about her character and overall experiences on the show. Here's what she had to say. Read Interview     16 April 2010 Boston Herald's 10 Most Shocking Moments on Spartacus The Boston Herald has an article that counts down the ten most shocking moments on Spartaucs...I'm surprised they stopped at 10! <g> The top 10 shockers - 16 April 2010 Betrayals and beheadings are commonplace in Starz’s “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” making for a show where surprises come at a furious pace. Here are the 10 most shocking moments from season one: Click here to read     16 April 2010 Boston Herald Reviews Kill Them All - SPOILERS! Mega Mega Spoilers in the Boston Herald newspaper for their review of "Kill Them All". Why can't reviewers just not give the game away? Since monstersandcritics just about ripped apart the episode for me and revealed mega spoilers (which I was silly enough to read even as I was trying to stay spoiler free), it's not a surprise any more. Memo to reviewers, can you at least put a SPOILER WARNING in your articles? I know it's a bit late now but just had to say it. Anyway if you want to read spoilers...this is a good article and a great write up about Lucy and the rest of the cast. Click here to read     16 April 2010 Upcoming Manu & Lesley-Ann Interview I'm going to be conducting a joint interview with Lesley-Ann Brandt (Naevia) and Manu Bennett (Crixus) the show's most romantic (and forbidden) couple. If you would like to ask a question please send your question to me at maryd@ausxip.com. I'll be collecting questions until the end of next week. Thanks muchly!     16 April 2010 Q&A with Steven DeKnight On the offical Starz Spartacus forum, Steven answers 10 questions from fans. Here are the questions. 10 Questions For Steven S. DeKnight 1. How much consultation, access, or input do you have from historians? I am curious about what kind of feedback about accuracy you may have gotten. 2. What made you boldly push the envelope with more and more full-frontal nudity and strong sexual acts in spite of today's political climate of censor groups and religious watchdogs? 3. Would you consider an alternative ending for the Spartacus story line than the historical account? 4. Would we see other major historical gladiators/Romans (ex: Leonidas, Alexander, Maximus, etc.) fight or make an appearance with Spartacus? 5. How are you planning to have more strong roles for actresses in that next phase of the show? 6. Why did you have to kill Varro so soon? Weren't there enough plot twists that could act as a catalyst for Sparty's rebellion and S2 focus on vengeance? More than any "death" to date, this one has turned the fanbase on its head! 7. Do any writers read these boards to get a feel of what the community is seeing in each episode and the direction of the characters? If the answer is yes, how much rewriting of the second season is/has taken place? If characters have been rewritten, which ones and why? 8. How is the storyline for a season developed? Do you start with the main characters and develop a plot line for them or a basic story outline and add in detail? Have you modified the story during the filming of the season after watching and testing the initial episodes or stick with the plan? 9. Will we see the series take a more mythological turn in the future, with monsters and such, like in 300? 10. Thank you so much for giving a non-monochromatic / heterogeneous view of the ancient world and its inhabitants. Will we continue to see a diverse cast as the series moves towards other locales and action? Read the answers on the official Starz Spartacus forum     16 April 2010 Spartacus Season Finale Episode Promos - SPOILERS! For those keeping spoiler free...don't watch. These are the final promo videos before the season finale "Kill Them All". S1 E13 - Final Confrontation Crixus (Manu Bennett) gets an opportunity to regain his title of “Champion of Capua” from Spartacus (Andy Whitfield). Watch Video   S1E13 – Aedile Batiatus With the patronage of Glaber (Craig Parker), Batiatus (John Hannah) makes a move for political office Watch Video     16 April 2010 Viva Interview Los Angeles Times 15 April 2010 "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" is, by the title of it, about the lives of gladiator slaves. But it's the women who wield the sword in this sexy, ultra-gory breakout hit for Starz. The season finale is Friday night. And yes, there will be blood. How do we know that? We won't give anything away, but the title of the episode is "Kill Them All." Wednesday, we spoke to Lucy Lawless, who stars as the society-climbing and scheming Lucretia. Now we chat with Viva Bianca, who plays Ilithyia. The way Ilithyia see it, her husband has been betrayed by Spartacus (in truth, her husband did the betraying), and she wants Spartacus dead. She plots every which way to hurt him -- including trying to have him killed in a most violent fashion -- but along the way reveals a side that audiences will find startling in a female character. Ilithyia's girlish, silly, princess facade gives way to a perverted lust for the violence of the gladiator's arena -- and the slaves who do the dirty work. In short, it all turns her on in a way that will have you reaching for the rewind button because it's so subtly disturbing. Other times, it's out in the open: At one point, she wheedles her way into a grand opportunity -- she gets to decide which freshly purchased slave to take on as her own personal gladiator. So she has all the slaves drop their loin cloths. And -- how do we say this delicately? -- she chooses the most impressive one and promptly puts him to work. Read The Interview     15 April 2010 Viva Bianca Interview with iF Magazine 15 April 2010 There are not alot of interviews with Viva, the deliciously psychotic Ilithyia on Spartacus. iF Magazine has a great interview with the hugely talented Viva Bianca. VIVA BIANCA IS ALL DRAMA IN 'SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND' SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND, has been a hit on the Starz network. The show has gained a degree of notoriety for its explicit use of sex and violence. Recent attention has been brought to the show since the announcement of leading man Andy Whitfield’s diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But perhaps lost in the glare of it’s in-your-face attitude and off camera developments is the story of the supporting cast members. Take Viva Bianca, for example, who plays the scheming Ilithyia. iF Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Bianca. Here’s what she had to say. Read More     15 April 2010 Kill Them All Speculation and Season 2 News - SPOILERS The following is from the Nashville Scene site. Contains minor spoilers for "KIll Them All" and some speculation about Season 2. 'Spartacus' sheaths his sword ...Friday's season finale at 9 p.m. is being billed as the ultimate slice-and-dice fest, and it bears the title "Kill Them All." It's also reportedly going to be a turning point in terms of the show's content, according to TV Guide. The second year is titled Spartacus: Vengeance and will focus more on the political fallout that results from the gradual buildup of the slave army challenging the Roman empire. Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) will sharpen his diplomatic skills and concentrate as much on strengthening his resources as he does in the first season's climatic episode on eliminating almost all his foes at the gladiator school. Meanwhile, look for perhaps the highest body count on any episodic show this season     15 April 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Review by Chicago Tribune 14 April 2010 The Chicago Tribune has a great article on the evolution of Spartacus Blood and Sand into a terrific show. CONTAINS NO SPOILERS for the season finale Chicago Tribune - 14 April 2010 As Season 1 ends, 'Spartacus' emerges as a gripping gladiator romp It's hard to say what's more impressive about the Season 1 finale of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" (9 p.m. Central Friday, Starz) -- the hour itself, which is an enormously enjoyable roller-coaster ride, or the way it artfully combines everything "Spartacus" does well. To give away even a scrap of what happens to the gladiator Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) and his wealthy owners, Batiatus (John Hannah) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) would be to ruin the finale's well-designed twists and turns. Suffice to say it left a lasting impression and will no doubt remain one of my favorite TV episodes of the year. For those who dismissed the show as a sex-obsessed "300" ripoff, think again. "Spartacus" turned out to be so much more than that, especially when it kicked into high gear midway through Season 1. Over the course of 13 hours, and especially in several well-paced recent episodes, this swords-and-togas saga became downright addictive, in part due to its distinctive dialogue, which mixes Shakespearean flourishes with "Sopranos"-esque profanity. Read Full Article     15 April 2010 John Hannah Interview USA Today 14 April 2010 USA Today has an article/interview with John Hannah and how this terrific actor mastered the role of Batiatus on Spartacus Blood and Sand John Hannah enjoys killer 'Spartacus' role on Starz - USA Today - 14 April 2010 With average-guy looks, thinning hair and slight build, John Hannah isn't as buff as the muscle-ripped actors that dominate Starz's Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Unassuming stature aside — Hannah jokes about wearing platform sandals for scenes with statuesque castmates — he has been the imposing emotional force on the sexually charged, gore-infused Roman Empire epic, which ends its first season Friday (10 ET/PT). "It was a little intimidating at first," says Hannah, 47, who stars as Batiatus, the manipulative gladiator-school owner whose thirst for wealth, social standing and political power is tied to the fighting prowess of slave Spartacus (Andy Whitfield). "All the guys were really fit. I exercise a bit, but I'm not that committed. And being the oldest guy on the set, I questioned where my youth went." Read More     15 April 2010 Spartacus Finale Sneak Peek at ChicagoNow The Chicago Now site has a video of a scene from the final episode "Kill Them Now" - no spoilers (we already knew about the events in this video at the end of Episode 12). They don't spoil the episode in their article either. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" wraps up its first season this week with a powerhouse episode called "Kill Them All." The folks at Starz gave me this exclusive sneak peek of the episode, airing at 9 p.m. Friday, to share with you. They're also providing five T-shirts for readers. To prove that you're a true Sparty fan who deserves a shirt, you'll have to post a comment that describes how you think Season 1 will end. Be as detailed as you can be considering what's happened in the 12 previous episodes. The first five people to respond with the closest description of what actually happens--yes, I've seen the episode and it is spar-tacular--will get a shirt. Be quick, you need to do this by 11 a.m. Thursday. View view and go in the running for the t-shirts News submitted by Barbara Davies     15 April 2010 Spartacus "Kill Them All" Review - MEGA SPOILERS! The Monstersandcritics site has a review of the season finale and if you SERIOUSLY don't want to be spoilt about who dies and who lives...don't go there. They have spoilt it and named names. You can also win a Spartacus t-shirt. So if you want to be spoilt for the finale..go and find out who lives and who dies. Read article     15 April 2010 Lucy Interview LA Times 14 April 2010 The LA Times has an interview with Lucy about her role on Lucretia leading up to the season finale and the coming bloodbath. I think my favourite Lucy quote is: You are 42. How do you stay in such great shape? I get them to airbrush every image. Really, I don't stress and I have been working out with a trainer. I am in better shape now than I was when I was 20. I gave up added sugar. My God, how that evens out your cravings. ROFL! She just cracks me up. Check out the interview: LA Times 'Spartacus': Lucy Lawless on gore, Roman sex and airbrushing April 14, 2010 | 8:15 am "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" has been a breakout hit for Starz, giving the premium cable channel newfound cachet. Audiences have been drawn in by the hyperstylized violence reminiscent of "300" and buckets of gore as "Spartacus" tells the story of a rebel slave who is forced into servitude as a gladiator-in-training to the society-climbing Lucretia, played by Lucy Lawless, and her husband, Batiatus, played by John Hannah. Read Interview     14 April 2010 Spartacus Mini-Series Rumours Continue The Chicago Tribune has an interesting article. It goes on to repeat the rumour from the NY Mag's Vulture Blog about a possible mini series to fill the gap left by the delayed Season 2. So far we haven't heard anything about a mini series from any official sources. Just speculation and alot of hope. The Chicago Tribune has this interesting bit that doesn't really say yes or no to the mini series but it does give you a little hope: Starz is considering a "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" prequel miniseries in order to have something "to fill their January hole." A source close to the show who asked not to be identified said that a possible prequel miniseries was just one of "multiple scenarios" that are being considered. The prequel miniseries "may happen and may not," the source said. Nothing has been decided, the source noted. That's not much to go on. It's an interesting rumour and for the moment, it remains a rumour. Read the Chicago Tribune article     13 April 2010 Spartacus Preview US Magazine 25 Jan 2010 US Magazine 25 January 2010   The following scan is from US Magazine 25 January 2010 about a new show that's been compared to 300 <g> Still can't believe we are nearing the end of the first season but here's some early previews of the show. Click on the thumbnail for the larger scan Click here to read other Spartacus related Articles       13 April 2010 Spartacus Revelations Highest Rating Season 1 Episode Spartacus Season 1 Episode 13 "Revelations" was the highest rating episode of Season 1 with 1.285 million viewers. Party Favors (Episode 10) was the previously highest rating episode with 1.265 million viewers. The full List including ratings for each episode can be found on the Spartacus Episode Guide TVBythenumbers.com reports the following about the ratings: The penultimate episode of the first season of Starz’ Spartacus: Blood and Sand rebounded from the Good Friday episode with a series high 1.285 million average viewers, edging out the 1.265 million viewers for the March 26 episode. The 725,000 adults 18-49 was not a series high, but second-best to the 760,000 for the March 26 episode. I calculate the rating right around a .55 so I have rounded it up to .6 to be consistent with the other data in the season one results in the table below. Read More     13 April 2010 Spartacus Blood and Sand Takes Battle Worldwide News Release Issued: April 12, 2010 1:30 PM EDT 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' Takes Battle Worldwide in Time for MIP-TV A Success in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, Starz' Series to Premiere in UK, Asia, Latin America and More BURBANK, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Proclaimed the "Champion of Capua," Spartacus is now taking on the rest of the world, with Starz Entertainment's original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" set to debut in high-profile markets around the world. Starz Worldwide Distribution, the sales unit of the premium entertainment company, is finalizing additional markets at the 2010 MIP-TV market (Starz is based at stand RSV-25 at MIP-TV). "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," a ratings over-achiever on Starz in the U.S., the Movie Network and Movie Central in Canada and RTL5 in the Netherlands since it premiered earlier this year, the 13-episode program has just launched or is launching soon on: * Bravo TV in the UK, premiering May 25; * LAPTV's MovieCity Pack in Latin America; * OCN in South Korea, where it premiered April 9; * HBO Central Europe in 14 territories across the region; * And on Star Channel in Japan. Additional distribution deals are near completion in the remaining major European markets including Spain, Germany, France and Italy. "We knew from the enthusiastic response that greeted the sneak screening of 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand,' for buyers only at MIPCOM this past October, that we had a winner on our hands. This is a bold series that appeals to an international audience, and that has been confirmed by the territories that have picked up the show so quickly," said Starz Media EVP, Worldwide Distribution, Gene George. "With the stellar launches we have already had, we are looking forward to locking in more broadcast partners to the dramatic and artistic experience of 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' during the upcoming MIP-TV market." 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 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. Spartacus (Andy Whitfield), a Thracian warrior captured by Romans, is enslaved into a gladiator training school owned by Batiatus (John Hannah) and his wife Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). He is forced to fight daily for his life against deadly foes, under the brutal whip of trainer Doctore (Peter Mensah). Against all odds, Spartacus' rebellious instincts, his intense love for his wife Sura (Erin Cummings) and his powerful fighting skills drive him to win a series of near-impossible battles. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" has shown consistent ratings growth since debuting Jan. 22 in the U.S. The 10th episode was the No. 1 show in all of cable TV in the U.S. for March 26, a title the series has held for numerous episode premieres this season. Each of the first 10 episodes, up through March 26, ranked No. 1 among all premium programming on the Friday it first aired.* *Source: Nielsen NPower based on HH Coverage Ratings. About Starz Entertainment Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands with approximately 16.9 million and 30.6 million subscribers, respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies and new original series every month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Encore HD, Starz On Demand, Encore On Demand, MoviePlex On Demand, Starz HD On Demand, Encore HD On Demand, MoviePlex HD On Demand, and Starz Play. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, and is attributed to Liberty Starz (Nasdaq: LSTZA), a tracking stock group of Liberty Media Corporation. SOURCE Starz Entertainment, LLC     13 April 2010 Spartacus Character Video - Crixus Meet the ringleader of the ravenous pack of dogs that is the gladiators, Crixus. Manu Bennett as Crixus. “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” premieres on Starz, January 22, 2010 at 10 pm et/pt. Watch Video     13 April 2010 Spartacus Character Video - Ashur A former gladiator, with a bum leg, he is the resident bookie and jack-of-all-trades of the ludus. Ashur can get just about anything for anyone but he doesnt endear himself and is never far from Batiatuss ear. Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur. Watch Video     12 April 2010 Spartacus The Mini-Series? Could we have a Spartacus Mini-Series in the works while we are waiting for Season 2? It seems there is a rumour floating about that this is true. Interesting. Barbara Davies sent in the following information from the NY Magazine site that has the following rumour: PostVulture Exclusive: Starz Developing a Spartacus: Blood and Sand Prequel Vulture has learned that Starz is developing a six-episode miniseries prequel to its freshman hit, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, in order to keep the series' momentum after its star, Andy Whitfield, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a month ago and production on a second season was indefinitely postponed. The series (the finale of which airs next week) has been Starz's first original-series hit, averaging a million episodes each week; the network green-lighted season 2 a month before it even premiered, but now, with Whitfield in treatment, Starz finds itself with empty sets, actors, producers, and writers very expensively standing by. A prequel (Gladiator Babies, perhaps?) would keep the sets and creative staff productive, while holding on to the original show's fans. Network execs are now in Cannes at the annual MIP TV international programming marketplace, looking at other options, but this spin-off is looking like a tempting bet to fill their January hole. More as this story develops. Source     11 April 2010 Lesley-Ann Brandt Blog 11 April 2010 Lesley-Ann has posted a new blog tonight about Episode 12 and other interesting things: Hi Everyone! What an epic episode!!! And you thought Old Navy was going to die! Nope, but got a "my Domina just whipped my ass" haircut! I see it catching on this year, I bet next time I'm stateside everyone will be rocking it! :) Read More     11 April 2010 Katrina Law New Blog - The Path To Addiction Katrina has written a brand new blog and she's looking into why we (actors and public alike) have fallen in love with this show. Why we want some characters dead and some to thrive. Check out her fantastic blog! The Path To Addiction by Katrina Law Somewhere in California there is dark room filled with HD plasma TVs and computer screens all over the walls. Every episode of Spartacus is being played simultaneously while Twitter feeds, message boards, magazine and newspaper articles scroll from the bottom of one monitor to another like the code in the Matrix. A lone messenger pigeon flutters anxiously on the floor eager for his many brothers to return with news from afar about the show. There is a red crushed velvet winged back chair in the middle of the room on top of a bear skin rug; probably an endangered bear. And in that chair sits Steven DeKnight, sipping blood red wine from a goblet and twirling his fingers in delight while he laughs maniacally at the madness he has created; a madness that we all call Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Read More     11 April 2010 Crixus and Naevia Music Video I just love these two. Here is a great music video dedicated to Crixus and Naevia and their love for each other. Beautiful work.     10 April 2010 Spartacus Episode 13 Video Promo & Episode Stills - SPOILERS! We are going to see the final episode of Spartacus next week - Number 13. It's called Kill Them All - That doesn't give away any spoilers now does it? <g> Click here to view the episode promo with some spoilers according to the promo.   Things are not looking good for the House of Batiatus...they are a looking very deadly. Click here to view the episode stills     10 April 2010 Spartacus Episode 12 Recap/Review by MaryD Spartacus Blood and Sand Episode Recap / Review Season 1 Episode 12 Revelations by MaryD Lucretia and Batiatus await the arrival of Glaber with the intentions to receive his patronage, while Spartacus focuses his attention on his plan for revenge. Friday, 4/9 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. Favourite Quote: "I will win my freedom, I will not rest until I find you..." Crixus to Naevia When we last saw Solonios, the poor man was silly enough to trust Ashur. Not so smart Solonios. Ashur played him and Solonios found himself holding a dagger and a very dead Magistrate. To make matters even worse (can they be even worse?) young Numerious, the Magistrate's son found Solonios with dead dad. Go straight to the Arena, do not pass go and collect the out of jail card for Solonios. The episode opens with Crixus fighting the arena and down below waiting to die is Solonios who gets a visit from Batiatus The Ruthless One. Checkmate Solonios...what a nasty man that Batiatus and how brilliant is John Hannah? Poor Sol...ah well. Back to the Arena and Solonios walks out to meet his end and he does it with dignity. He also shows a little humour in the way he speaks to Spartacus about maybe getting out alive. Spartacus holds back a little much to Numerious' disgust until he starts to slice and dice. Just before Spartacus delivers the final blow he gives Solonios a gift. The knowledge that Batiatus will be joining him in the afterlife soon. That news makes the soon-to-be dead Solonios a very happy man. I bet he's going to be planning Batiatus' welcoming party! The look on Spartacus' face as he gazes up at Batiatus while holding Solonios' head on the tip of his sword was chilling. Even more chilling that seeing Solonios' head, the blood dripping down the sword. I suspect Batiatus thinks there is something seriously wrong because you could see him wondering what the heck is going on...soon, Batty, soon! Back at the Ludus and Batiatus is rewarding Ashur with his gift for being so loyal. I have a love/hate relationship with Ashur. I love the character because he is evil and I hate the character because he's so deliciously evil. Batiatus rewards him with newer digs - the villa. Much to Ashur's surprise. It was genuine surprise and one that saw Ashur's dirty brain go into action. Spartacus is visited by Mira who is getting quite frustrated with his reaction to her touch. She reminds him that she has done a lot for him..oh like stand guard while he murdered the driver; simple things like that and yet he doesn't want her. Mira is running out of patience with Spartacus. Spartacus reveals his mind is on other things...retribution is far stronger than sex. Instead of walking away and leaving a brooding gladiator in her wake, Mira sits and talks. She has patience; she will get what she wants in time. For now she listens and counsels Spartacus. She is shocked when he reveals that Batiatus killed Sura and he plans revenge. Instead of her jumping up and down and urging him to retaliate like any good slave wound...she reminds him that a lot more lives are at stake than just his. She reminds him of Roman law "If one slave spills the blood of his master, ALL are put to death." Hmm. Slight flaw in Spartacus' plan but Spartacus doesn't care. He basically tells her she's on her own. Wow. Nice one Sparty. Don't give a toss for anyone else except yourself. Mira showed a lot of restraint in not hitting him for being such a self centered DUMB man. Meanwhile elsewhere in the Ludus, Crixus and Naevia are enjoying each other's company. Naevia has a nice tattoo I hadn't noticed before and Crixus is a happy man. Crixus is still feeling a little cheated by Naevia's absence during his defeat of Pericles in the previous episode. Aren't we a little obsessed with our own greatness, Crixus? While Naevia is trying to reassure Crixus she will show up at every game..er.battle, her Domina calls. Oh not good. Good thing Lucretia took her time in coming down the stairs because Crixus took his time in getting out of there. Naevia is in big doodoo...in fact she's got trouble of the Ashur kind. Ashur, evil man that he is wants Naevia as his lady love. That's just downright nasty to take away the one thing Crixus loves...Naevia finds she is the object of Ashur's lust. Ick Ick Ick! Poor Naevia. Even Lucretia is disgusted by this move! Yeay Lucretia! She can't believe Ashur got Naevia. Yeah I agree with Lucretia...f*cking Ashur! Lucretia is truly saddened by Batiatus' decision. Lucretia does indeed care for Naevia. That was a surprise; didn't think Lucretia had it in her to even care for a slave. Spartacus and Crixus share some thoughts. Sparty dreams of revenge and Crixus, being Crixus, dreams of Sparty's blood on the sands. Talk about a one track mind! I could see the mental eye roll directed at Crixus The Clueless. Sparty FINALLY gets a clue that his actions will have consequences on every other slave at the Ludus when he realises that Aurelia, Varro's wife, is now a slave. Batiatus reveals that Aurelia didn't want Spartacus' money and is willing to work to pay off Varro's debt. How's that for a spanner in the works, eh Spartacus? Now what are you going to do? Think of yourself? Nope. Varro was his friend and he is already responsible for his friend's death. Does he want Aurelia's death on his hands? Nope. Change of plan. Thank the Gods for Aurelia. The look on Mira's face is priceless. Mira is angry with Spartacus and lets him know. GO Mira! She reminds Spartacus that the previous evening he didn't care if he put everyone at risk and now all of a sudden he does. Sparty reminds her that Varro was like a brother. Blah blah blah. Mira, to her absolute credit reminds Spartacus that it was Spartacus who killed Varro. I cheered. Hit him where it hurts, Mira. Love Mira. She's quiet feisty when she's extremely angry and Spartacus is now a little less self centered yobbo. Ashur is leaving the Gladiator dorm and heading to the big house but he just needs to do one thing and that is to bid goodbye to Crixus. It seems Crixus was the opponent who did the damage to his leg and for that, he has a lot to thank Crixus for. Without Crixus, Ashur would have died like any ol' Gladiator and the world would have been a better place. Now, thanks to Crixus, he's got digs at a better place, has Naevia and a great big ol' nasty smile. Life's not fair, is it Crixus? Nope. Ilithyia is back; I missed not seeing the Seducer of Teenagers and Psycho Goddess. She is in fine form. I guess the killing of her frenemy is long gone and is a distant memory in that frazzled mind of hers. What a great character. Ilithyia and Ashur are two corrupt souls meant for each other. Too bad Ashur's taste in women doesn't turn to blondes. Back to the two BFFs - it seems Ilithyia doesn't want to stay with Lucretia and tells her she is to return to Rome to be with Glaber. Lucretia is not happy at the news but Ilithyia tells her she will have fond memories of their times together and kisses a sad Lucretia. Yes how could one forget murdering someone; that was so much fun. The fun has to stop because she wants to be with her husband and not her best friend. Lucretia is losing her best friend. Domina is not having a good day. Enter the Legatus, who is his usual pompous self. Hasn't he heard that if you disrespect Batiatus these days, you might find yourself in a very nasty place? I guess the news hasn't travelled all the way to Rome. Batiatus is none too happy with the Roman. Meanwhile back at the Ludus, Naevia tells Crixus is over between them and then Lucretia greets Crixus. It's too much for the poor guy who doesn't know what to do. He is saved from explaining why he isn't happy to see his Domina when Lucretia collapses...hmm I wonder if she has a stomach bug or something? Hell no! She's pregnant! About time all that playtime with Crixus paid off...took long enough. Batiatus is mighty happy to be a daddy. Let's hope the baby looks like Lucretia and has her beautiful blue eyes. Glaber is none too happy about getting word on where Licinia disappeared to and Illythia, being the dutiful wife, suggests that Licinia was doing naughty things. Tsk such talk! Glaber's not going to be very happy when he finds out the truth missy! We then have Spartacus fight Glaber's men for his amusement. No contest. He disables and bloodies their noses much to Glaber's surprise. To win favour for the house of Batiatus, Spartacus bows before Glaber. EVERYONE was aware how much effort that took from Spartacus, even clueless Crixus. That lovely moment is spoilt when Ashur decides now is the perfect time to go and nuzzle Naevia. The man has serious timing issues. Naturally Crixus sees red and wants Ashur's blood. Nice try but he is held back and Ashur, the weasel, reveals that Naevia isn't as pure as she was advertised. Lucretia is shocked and then enraged. Mount Lucretia blows up again. Doesn't she know that getting so worked up is not good for the baby? Apparently not. Poor Naevia gets beaten up but she gives a little back by telling her Domina that Crixus never loved Lucretia! Ooh not a good move because Mount Lucretia gets that look in her eye...you know the one that means you are in bigger doodoo than you were before! She orders Mira to bring her a knife...a little Naevia slicing and dicing? Meanwhile back with Glaber who is going off at Batiatus for such a terrible time he has been having and basically disrespects Batiatus' hospitality. We all know what happened the last time that happened at the House of Batiatus. The tables are turned on Glaber who doesn't think that anything Batiatus offers him will make any difference. Ah not so fast Roman...we have something special for you. He is given a box and what do you know, it's.... The Hand of Licinia! I was expecting her head instead but I guess that was mashed up too much. Her hand will do. Poor Ilithyia. She really didn't learn the first time not to mess with Lucretia. Now here's the second lesson. DON'T MESS WITH LUCRETIA AND BATIATUS. Good grief will the woman never learn! Should have felt sorry for her...should have but didn't. Heh. I did enjoy that more than I should have. Glaber is now being blackmailed, Ilithyia is going to stay at the House of Batiatus. Now that really is having a horror of a day isn't it? Batiatus is not a happy man even after that blackmailing treat with Glaber. He has Hector, the poor guard, who lost the key beheaded, Crixus is whipped for his troubles and the big reveal is that Batiatus is not the clueless man I thought he was in relation to Lucretia & Crixus. He knew all along that Lucretia was fornicating with Crixus but let her do it because it made her happy. No more. Lucretia is to behave and they will have their child to look after. Naevia lives! A little beaten up but she lives and she goes to Crixus. Crixus finally shows the love he has for her; forgets about fighting for the glory and all that nonsense. He wants to win his freedom and find Naevia. NOW that is common sense. Doctore once again shows what a great man he is by allowing them this special moment together before Naevia is taken away. She has been sold to another and is leaving the Ludus. Naevia begs Doctore not to let Crixus follow his wish of freedom like Barca did because it won't end well. She reveals what we already knew; Barca was killed by Batiatus. No more secrets. All has been revealed. Let the bloodbath begin! 9/10 On the next (and final) episode of Season 1 - Kill Them All Spartacus recruits an unlikely ally in his quest for revenge We are going to see the final episode of Spartacus next week - Number 13. It's called Kill Them All - That doesn't give away any spoilers now does it? <g> Click here to view the episode promo with some spoilers according to the promo.   Things are not looking good for the House of Batiatus...they are a looking very deadly. Click here to view the episode stills       10 April 2010 The Women of Spartacus TV Who's That Girl? Who’s That Girl? Meet the Sexy (And Usually Naked) Women of “Spartacus” If you’ve been watching the Starz network’s addictive gladiator series Spartacus: Blood and Sand on Friday nights, you already know the most important thing about the beautiful actresses Erin Cummings, Viva Bianca, Lesley-Ann Brandt, and Katrina Law: They all get naked. Like, really, really naked. But now that you’ve seen them in their bare brilliance, get to know them a little bit. Think of it as pillow talk after a one-night stand. Read on below to find out who the hot women on Spartacus: Blood and Sand are… Erin Cumming Katrina Law Lesley-Ann Brandt Viva Bianca Read More     10 April 2010 Spartacus Cast Nominated For Awards 2010 Monte-Carlo Television Festival Lucy, Andy, John and the show have been been nominated for Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Drama for Spartacus in the Monte-Carlo TV Festival Awards. Spartacus has been nominated for best dramatic tv series, Andy and John go up against each other for best actor. Barbara Davies sent the following news about these awards: The nominations regarding comedy and dramatic TV series have been announced for the 2010 Monte-Carlo Television Festival. As always, Canada and the USA are both part of the competion. Furthermore, the festival will be held from June 6 to 10. American dramatic TV series: Speaking about American dramatic TV series, Dexter, Lost, Mad Men and Spartacus: Blood and Sand will try to make Uncle Sam's voice heard. In the category of best actor(s), Michael C. Hall and John Lithgow will represent Dexter and Jon Hamm, Mad Men. Andy Whitfield and John Hannah will compete for Spartacus: Blood and Sand. As for the men of Lost, there will be Naveen Andrews, Nestor Carbonell, Jeff Fahey, Michael Emerson, Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Leung and Terry O'Quinn. For the ladies, the nominees will be: Julie Benz and Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter); Emilie de Ravin, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly and Zuleikha Robinson (Lost); January Jones and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men); and finally Lucy Lawless (Spartacus: Blood and Sand). Full nomination list here pdf nomination list here     9 April 2010 More Episode 12 Promo Videos - SPOILERS! I can't believe we are nearing the end of the season for this amazing show. Wow. You know the drill...if you are keeping spoiler free (still? Really?) don't watch. Okay here are two promos for Episode 12. Poor Solonios. I do feel sorry for him. Glaber returns...wonder if he knows what his wife has been up to (other than seducing a 15 year old boy and killing one of her "friends"). S1E12 – Glaber Demands a Demonstration Ep 112 Revelations Glaber intends to test Spartacus with unfair odds. Friday, 4/9 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. Watch Video   S1E12 – Farewell Solonios Oh poor Solonios. He goes bye bye at the end of a sword in the Arena in Season 1 Episode 12. Nasty man that Batiatus… Watch Video     9 April 2010 Interview with Joe LoDuca Examiner Exclusive Interview: Composer Joseph LoDuca on the music of LEVERAGE and SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND  - Examiner.com Jumping in with both feet in 1982, he became involved with the trio of Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert, and actor Bruce Campbell for the iconic splat-stick horror film Evil Dead. He developed such a strong bond with them that whenever any of them would request his services, he would jump at the chance. After paying his dues in the horror film circuit, the team graduated into epic television franchises, first with Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and then to greater success with Xena: Warrior Princess. Although there have been low points as well as highs, LoDuca attacks each project with equal enthusiasm. He eventually added producer/director Dean Devlin and actor-turned-director Jonathan Frakes to his list of working partners, and his career exploded into more feature film and high-profile television work. Currently, LoDuca is writing music for two popular television series simultaneously, Leverage for TNT and Spartacus: Blood and Sand for Starz. Until it was cast aside indefinitely in early March by Disney/ABC Television, he was also working on the Emmy-winning fantasy series Legend of the Seeker. Read on, as we sit down and discuss the manic, musical world of Joseph LoDuca! Read Full Interview Continue reading Interview with Joe LoDuca Examiner.     8 April 2010 Press Release Paradox Entertainment Worldwide Licencing Agent PARADOX ENTERTAINMENT SELECTED BY STARZ ENTERTAINMENT AS ”SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND” LICENSING AGENT Beverly Hills, CA (April 1, 2010) – Starz Entertainment has named Paradox Entertainment as the worldwide licensing agent for their original series hit “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” Fredrik Malmberg, President and CEO of Paradox Entertainment says, “We are very excited to be working with Starz on this unique series. The subject, style and cast of ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ are ideal for licensed product.” “Even before it premiered in January, ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ generated passionate viewer reaction, with our audience responding to the series’ compelling story, strong characters and distinctive look and feel,” added Starz Entertainment Senior Vice President, Marketing, Ferrell McDonald. “The ratings have been very strong to-date and there is fan interest to match. We want to reward their interest with a range of products that please the fans and support the brand.” Paradox Entertainment will be seeking to fill a broad range of product categories with quality manufacturers. All categories are currently open. About Paradox Entertainment Inc. PEI and its subsidiaries own, develop and license mainly character-based properties. The companies control the rights to stories and characters created by pulp author Robert E. Howard, including Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn and Solomon Kane. Leading licensing partners in a wide variety of industries work with PEI and its subsidiaries to develop their intellectual properties for film, television, publishing, videogame, and various consumer products. PEI is based in Beverly Hills, California and is owned by Paradox Entertainment AB, a Swedish public company traded on the NASDAQ OMX-run First North Premier list (PDXE, SE0000598054). For more information, visit www.paradoxent.com.     8 April 2010 Spartacus Episode 13 Preview TV Guide Scan - SPOILERS! Lori just sent me the scan from the US TV Guide 12-18 April 2010 issue which has spoilers for Episode 13. Okay a warning for those who want to keep spoiler free...DO NOT FOLLOW THE LINK to the TV Guide scan. It has MASSIVE spoilers. You have been warned. Click here to read     8 April 2010 Excellent Jai Courtney Fan Site This is such a great fan site for Jai Courtney(Varro). It's called The Jai Courtney Fansite and it's run by Meg. Check it out     7 April 2010 Diplomatic Immunity with Lesley-Ann Brandt & Craig Parker Diplomatic Immunity - Series 1 features Lesley-Ann Brandt (Naevia in Spartacus Blood and Sand) and Craig Parker (Glaber in Spartacus and Darken Rahl in Legend of the Seeker). It's now available on DVD (Region 4). Diplomatic Immunity - Series 1 A bold, quirky and politically incorrect comedy that follows the misadventures at the consulate of The Most Royal Kingdom of Fe'ausi and the fallen New Zealand Foreign Affairs high-flier who's been sent in to straighten out the consulate staff. Diplomatic Immunity is a comedy series about the goings on at the consulate of the Most Royal Kingdom of Fe'ausi, a scattering of islands and atolls in the South Pacific ocean. Sent in to straighten out the consulate staff is a fallen New Zealand Foreign Affairs high-flier. His attempts to teach them right from wrong are more than countered by their efforts to get him to remove the stick from his butt, and see the world in a more 'relaxed' fashion. Diplomatic Immunity was created by James Griffin (Sione's Wedding, Outrageous Fortune, Serial Killers) and produced by Chris Hampson for South Pacific Pictures. DVD Special features include: Audio commentary with actors David Fane and Craig Parker, creator James Griffin and director Murray Keane; behind the scenes; photo gallery. Release Date: 1st March 2010 Run Time: 301 minutes Number of Discs: 2 Format: PAL Aspect: 16:9 Cast: Dave Fane, Craig Parker, Lesley Ann Brandt, John Leigh, Mario Gaoa, Kayte Ferguson, Hannah Marshall Publisher: Roadshow Entertainment UPC: 9415600112496 Click here to order the DVD from fishpond.com.au     7 April 2010 Spartacus Audience Growing While Others Drop The Hollywood Reporter posted an article about the ratings for various shows and made a very interesting observation that the audience for Starz series is growing while other shows are seeing a drop. 'Spartacus' bucking cable ratings trend Several of cable's big-ticket midseason shows are getting a lukewarm response from viewers, but there's at least one new series demonstrating growth potential. Among the current field of major scripted projects on cable -- including Syfy's "Caprica," AMC's "Breaking Bad" and TNT's "Southland" -- it's the ratings for Starz's "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" that buck the trend. Though the drama has a modest audience base compared to other cable hits, "Spartacus" has grown nearly substantially since its January debut. "Spartacus" opened at a mere 659,000 viewers and has since expanded its army of viewers to recently hit 1.3 million -- a 97% increase during the course of its season. This is particularly impressive since Starz, unlike its grown-up rivals HBO and Showtime, is a fledgling entrant into scripted programming. A second season of "Spartacus" has been ordered, though the show's production is on hiatus as star Andy Whitfield is undergoing treatment for cancer. Read More     7 April 2010 Spartacus To Start on UK Bravo Next Month? Barbara Davies reports in with this news article from Mirror.co.uk site: Spartacus starts on Bravo in the UK 'next month'? The Bravo site says "soon" This picture of serenity is actually taken from Spartacus, which arrives on Bravo next month in a gory riot of severed limbs and fountains of blood. John Hannah and Xena star Lucy Lawless (pictured) play husband and wife Batiatus and Lucretia, owners of slave Spartacus who’s played by Welsh hunk Andy Whitfield. Source     6 April 2010 New Lucretia and Batiatus Artwork by Calli Calli has sent in two gorgeous wallpapers. One is Lucretia and the other is of Batiatus         Click on the smaller images to get to Calli's Spartacus Gallery     6 April 2010 Spartacus Episode Ratings for Episode 11 The ratings for Season 1 Episode 11 "Old Wounds" has been released. The episode generated 1.13 million overall. There was a drop in the 18-49 year old range from 760 (episode 10) to 581 (episode 11).   The ratings for episodes 1-10 are: 22-Jan-10 Episode #01 .3/1 0.659 29-Jan-10 Episode #02 .4/1 0.773 05-Feb-10 Episode #03 .4/1 0.858 12-Feb-10 Episode #04 .3/1 0.662 19-Feb-10 Episode #05 .4/1 0.846 26-Feb-10 Episode #06 .4/1 1.078 05-Mar-10 Episode #07 .4/1 0.974 12-Mar-10 Episode #08 .4/1 0.875 19-Mar-10 Episode #09 .4/1 1.109 26-Mar-10 Episode #10 .6/2 1.265     6 April 2010 Behind The Scenes on The Spartacus Workout I was reading one of my favourite fitness sites and came across this article. My interests collide <g> Check out this article Does It Work? Behind the Scenes of the Spartacus Workout! - www.thatsfit.com Readers at That's Fit are asking questions about the Spartacus workout -- a training regime that was created by fitness experts Adam Campbell and Rachel Cosgrove to help the cast of Starz' TV show "Spartacus" get into rock-hard shape. It's proof our readers (that's you!) are in touch with what's up-and-coming when it comes to new and imaginative workout programs -- and we're happy to share what makes this simple, yet creative workout so effective. The Spartacus workout is basically a circuit routine of 10 exercises that work every part of your body [to see the exercises, check out Men's Health's web site for both pictures and exercise descriptions for each move.]. To do it, you perform one set of each exercise -- or "station" -- in succession for a total of 60 seconds, doing as many reps as you can with perfect form. If you can't exercise for the entire 60 seconds, exercisers are encouraged to go as long as they can, rest for a few seconds, then continue until the minute is up. After that, you move on to the next station, resting 15 seconds in between. After you've completed the entire 10-move circuit, rest for two minutes, then repeat the circuit twice more for a total of three times. The workout is repeated three times a week, resting a day in between each workout. Read More     4 April 2010 New Spartacus Promo Image - Mira & Naevia Check out the latest Promo from Spartacus Blood and Sand Lesley-Ann Brandt as Naevia & Katrina Law as Mira.       Click on the thumbnail for the larger scan     4 April 2010 Spartacus S1 E11 Episode Review by MaryD SPOILERS! Spartacus Episode Review Season 1 Episode 11 - Old Wounds Written by MaryD Spartacus struggles with a fellow gladiator's death. The Magistrate is declared missing as Batiatus and Numerius begin the search for him Favourite Quote: "He will be remembered as a husband, a father and a friend amongst enemies..." Spartacus to Doctore Spartacus is mourning the death of Varro in a big way. Varro's body is delivered to his mourning wife and Spartacus can't focus on anything. The wound to his side is worrying him and Crixus taunts him. Meanwhile other plans are afoot. We had Batiatus The Clueless last episode and this episode we get Batiatus The Ruthless..he's baaacck! I do love ruthless Batty. John Hannah is INCREDIBLE. Batiatus the clueless drives me crazy. Batiatus the Ruthless makes me cheer (something is very wrong here but who cares, I love this show!) You had to wonder since the last episode when the Magistrate basically ignored the first rule of hospitality...don't diss the friend who invited you to their home and don't kill their gladiators (there is a list like that right? If there isn't, there should be). He basically ate, drank and allowed his son to kill. Not a nice thing to do at someone's home. Oh you can bet your last Roman coin that Batty doesn't give a flying toss if Varro is dead. Nope that's not what he got so worked up about. Varro was a gladiator and that's all he was. He was a slave. Batiatus doesn't care about slaves; you just had to see the way he ruthlessly killed Barca. No this was much more personal. The Magistrate, poor sod, did something more injurious than just kill a gladiator. He hurt poor Batty's pride. As Batiatus took great delight in repeating the Magistrate's words back to him; the very words that sealed the poor guy's fate: "Leave politics to the men who have the breeding for it..." You know by this stage the Magistrate should steal a clue that he is not coming out of this in a healthy state but noooo he continues to dig a big hole for himself when he says... "I only thought to spare you further humiliation!" Oh man, are you in serious poop or what?! He rightly gets his head kicked in by an enraged Batiatus. In all of the violence directed at the man, there is a tiny bit of humour that did indeed made me chuckle and it was delivered by none other than Ashur Good Twin. Suggesting that the Magistrate would be able to reply to Batiatus' accusations if he took his foot off the man's throat...well that does usually allow someone to talk <g> Okay back to Ruthless Batiatus without Ashur's comic relief... Okay so now you've had the crap beaten out of you, what do you do? You try and make nice with the bully who beat you right? Of course you do. What does the silly magistrate do? He insults Batiatus...man, stop digging, you're going to end up in China! Seriously now, stop digging! Too late. What's really surprising about this scene is Ashur. Remember ruthless, evil Ashur? Well someone must have slipped him something because he suddenly has a heart and tries to get Batiatus to show mercy?! This must be Ashur's good twin because it's the same dude who ruthlessly sold out Barca. Someone send out a search party for Ashur The Evil Twin...good twin is boring. Batiatus tells him "We're committed". Yeah. Right. Wow Batiatus is totally off the rails here...wounded pride and all. Meanwhile back at the Ludus Spartacus is going a little crazy. His grief over Varro's death brings some unusual visions. It's not surprising he would be in mourning for his friend. As he said to Doctore "He will be remembered as a husband, a father and a friend amongst enemies..." Varro was more than Sparty's friend. He was a brother. That wound is deep and I don't see it being healed any time soon. Spartacus is out of commission due to his injury being infected which leads Batiatus to give Crixus a chance to prove himself once again. I'm not sure if a 2x4 across the back of the head would give Crixus a real clue that he is second choice to fight Pericles and only fights because Spartacus is out of commission. I did enjoy the chat between Naevia and Crixus. She does the long suffering girlfriend so well <g> I love Naevia's spunk; I do. Crixus needs someone like her in his life. Crixus on this occasion actually stops puffing out his chest long enough to show her some gentleness and soothes her worried mind. Awww. There is hope yet. Away from the love birds...Ashur Evil Twin has been found! Yeay! Oh Solonios you poor Sod #2...run man, run! I wonder if Solonios realises that he is meeting with Ashur Evil Twin? Probably not..ah well. We next go back to the Ludus where Spartacus is in the middle of a fever and some very strange things happen likes money coming out his wound....very disturbing imagery...with Varro saying "This is what you are to him..." Next is a woman coming out of the water with a mask with blood coming out of her eyes and mouth...Sura. Poor dying Sura. Back to the Arena where Crixus is getting a welcome from the crowd that he didn't expect. Aww poor Crixus. He is getting booed and rotten fruit is thrown at him much to Lucretia and Naevia's disgust. I think I've figured out Doctore as well. Does he believe Crixus is the true champion of Capua or does he think that by playing to Crixus' pride that he would get the best out of him? I believe the latter. Smart (and extremely cute) man that Doctore. Young Numerious seems to want Crixus to kill Pericles; what a departure from the last episode but then his birthday present must be a distant memory by now..she's gone back to Rome. Lucretia and Naevia have near heart attacks during Crixus' battle with Pericles...Lucretia mysteriously nearly falls over as she goes to stand to cheer for Crixus...hmm I wonder if all her baby making activities has finally paid off. Interesting. It's either that, too much wine or a very big red herring from wicked Steven <g> Crixus gives Pericles a gut wrenching send off (sorry, I couldn't resist). He is disappointed when he looks up and doesn't see Naevia but a kill is a kill, right Crixus? He is once again the victor and going to be insufferable once he gets over Naevia not watching the disembowelment of poor Pericles. Batiatus stops gloating long enough to set his plan in motion for the poor Magistrate. Off he goes in search for the missing Magistrate with Numerious by his side. Meanwhile Ashur Evil Twin goes to Solonios to tell him about Batiatus' treachery. Oh dear. Ashur leads Solonios to where the Magistrate is being kept... Meanwhile back at the Ludus, Spartacus is in one of his fever dreams...and this time Spartacus sees himself dead. The same self (that sounds odd) he killed in the Arena in episode 7 "Great and Unfortunate Things" where he decided to lay down his resistance and stop being a Thracian to being Spartacus, Gladiator. Creepy. He then sees Sura where she asks "Why did you kill him?" "A man must accept his fate..." Spartacus "or be destroyed by it..." Sura "You have always been destined for great and unfortunate things..." Sura again. We next see Sura dying in Spartacus' arms again...and Varro telling him he must tend to the wound...he sees the driver telling Batiatus about the attack, we then see the blood on his hands and a wound, Figment Varro as a Roman soldier pushes him into the room where the driver is enjoying the pleasures of the women and Sura...who says...tend to the wound... Spartacus has an epiphany (and his fever breaks)! The driver has no wound..he wasn't attacked..oh dear...Spartacus asks Mira to release him. I fear for the driver's health. Ashur Evil Twin and Solonios is on their way to finding the Magistrate to free him before Batiatus can kill him. Just as they arrive Ashur gets an attack of the scaredy cat about him and flees. Solonios you silly silly man. He discovers that the Magistrate is dead...way way dead with his throat cut. Unfortunately for Solonious he is holding a dagger...slit throat, dagger...Numerous coming round the corner and finding his dead father.. oh dear Solonios just booked his debut in the Arena. Ashur Evil Twin is right beside Batiatus with an evil smirk on his face. That was shifty, nasty and just plain evil. Deliciously evil. Back at the Ludus Spartacus kills the driver but not before the driver tells him what we all knew...Batiatus The Ruthless Version killed his wife. Mira helps Spartacus cover up the death. Batiatus believes the driver died of his wounds and Sparty is off the hook. Batiatus sees a very healthy Spartacus and asks him if he is well. "Yes Dominos, I am my self again." Oh yeah the Thracian is back! Rating: 8/10 -- On the next episode of Spartacus Blood and Sand: Spartacus Season 1 Episode 12 "Revelations" Lucretia and Batiatus await the arrival of Glaber with the intentions to receive his patronage, while Spartacus focuses his attention on his plan for revenge. Friday, 4/9 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. View Episode Stills | Watch Episode Promo     4 April 2010 A Show Is Only Good As It's Villains Here's the latest blog entry by Katrina Law where she looks at the villains on Spartacus Blood and Sand and they are a juicy lot! A SHOW IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS VILLAINS by Katrina Law I was having a chat with one of the producers of Spartacus last week and she said a very interesting thing: “A show is only as good as its Villains.” And this got me thinking… Using that comment as a measuring stick, after the events which occurred in episode 10, I think Spartacus just might be the best show on Earth, especially when you consider the reaction so many had to the events in last week’s episode, “Party Favors.” There was a HUGE outcry over the death of Varro... Read More     3 April 2010 Viva In New Australian Movie - X The following is from The Australian newspaper: THE key cast of Jon Hewitt's X has emerged. Apparently Viva Bianca, the latest Australian actress to find steady work in the US (on the US series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand) will star opposite Hanna Mangan-Lawrence, who Hewitt directed in Acolytes. Lizzette Atkins will produce the film with Hewitt, who wrote it with his partner, actress Belinda McClory. Here's more news about the movie: Circle Films Heads Up Jon Hewitt's Stylish Underworld Thriller 'X' March 24, 2010 14:10 Moving toward a four-week Kings Cross shoot beginning April 7, X – the new feature film by maverick writer/director Jon Hewitt (ACOLYTES, DARKLOVESTORY, REDBALL, BLOODLUST) & actress/writer Belinda McClory (ACOLYTES, THE MATRIX) – is, in the words of Hewitt, “a sizzling adults-only thriller set in the twilight zone of sex-for-sale.” A roller-coaster ride through a lurid red-light world of high-class escorts, hookers and bent cops, X chronicles a chance encounter on the mean streets of Kings Cross that changes the course of two women’s lives. Leading the cast are two of Australia’s most exciting young actors. Viva Bianca, star of the hit US series SPARTACUS, plays Holly, an elegant high-class call girl. In demand teen star Hanna Mangan-Lawrence (ACOLYTES, THE SQUARE, THIRST, LUCKY COUNTRY) plays fledgling hooker Shay. Producer Lizzette Atkins of Circe Films says: “When Belinda and Jon came to me with their script at Cannes last year, I knew I had to be involved. It’s erotic, fearless, action packed, intensely psychological. It has international appeal and two amazing lead roles for women.” For director Hewitt the appeal of the story lies in its heroines. “We’ve got two women on screen for the entire film – complex female characters who are individual, fully formed. That makes us different from the get go.” Executive Producer and distributor, Peter Castaldi, sums it up: “My distribution company, The Pack, prides itself on seeking out and supporting Australian features that are daring, fresh and international; X is just such a film.”     3 April 2010 Spartacus S1 E12 Episode Stills Spartacus Season 1 Episode 12 "Revelations" Lucretia and Batiatus await the arrival of Glaber with the intentions to receive his patronage, while Spartacus focuses his attention on his plan for revenge. Friday, 4/9 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. View Episode Stills | Watch Episode Promo     3 April 2010 Spartacus S1 E12 Episode Promo Ep 112 “Revelations” – Lucretia and Batiatus await the arrival of Glaber with the intentions to receive his patronage, while Spartacus focuses his attention on his plan for revenge. Friday, 4/9 at 10pm et/pt on Starz.   Watch Video     3 April 2010 iF Magazine Interviews Andy Whitfield April 2010 Exclusive Interview: ANDY WHITFIELD BARES IT ALL IN 'SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND' The actor reflects on the making of the hit Starz action-drama As SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND nears the end of its inaugural season, iF Magazine thought this would be a fine time to talk with the man himself, Andy Whitfield. In case you haven’t seen the newest Starz drama, SPARTACUS chronicles the story of the legendary gladiator. Stretched out over thirteen episodes, SPARTACUS has gained a reputation for being heavy on the gore and heavy on the sex. Whitfield has taken the time to answer a few questions about filming the first season, and dealing with life onstage in a loincloth. [Editor's Note: This interview took place before the recent announcement that Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will be undergoing treatment before Season Two starts shooting]. Read Interview     2 April 2010 Lucy Interview Instinct Magazine 31 March 2010 Lucy Lets Loose - Instinct Magazine Written by Jeff Katz | Wednesday, 31 March 2010 The lovely Lucy Lawless already schooled you on her Green ways on our April Soapbox, but you didn’t think we’d only talk eco with her, did you? After all, she is starring in one of the sexiest new shows on TV, Starz’ Spartacus. Check out what she had to say about the envelope-pushing scenes and why some network execs are a little afraid of her. Read Interview Submitted by: Barbara Davies     1 April 2010 Spartacus S1 E11 Episode Video Promos S1E11 - An Exchange of Secrets Ep 111 'Old Wounds' Solonius warns Ashur; the house of Batiatus will fall. Friday, 4/2 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. Watch Video S1E11 - I Will Take My Title Oh dear Crixus is going to give Naevia headaches...p 111 'Old Wounds' Crixus and Naevia share a stolen moment. Friday, 4/2 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. Watch Video       S1E11 -Crixus Returns To the Arena Ep 111 'Old Wounds' Crixus faces Pericles The Titan of Pompeii in the Primus. Friday, 4/2 at 10pm et/pt on Starz. Watch Video     1 April 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode Guide Updated The Spartacus Season 1 Episode Guide has been updated - latest ratings for episodes 7, 8, 9 and 10. - Screencapture links removed - Log lines for episodes 10 and 11 added Click here to view     1 April 2010 Season 2 News from Steven Hollywood Reporter SPOILERS Don't read if you don't want to be spoilt - Season 2 News from Steven's interview with The Hollywood Reporter: THR: What's the plan for Season 2, are we getting out of the Ludus? DeKnight: There will be new sets, old sets. It will be a mixture of old and new faces. A lot of people have wondered if we going to follow history, or is the entire show going to lead up to rebellion. We are going to be telling the story of the slave revolt and will hit all the major points in the slave rebellion. Read Full Interview     1 April 2010 Q&A with Steven DeKnight Hollywood Reporter SPOILERS The Hollywood Reporter has an interview with Steven about the remainder of Season 1 and what's coming up in Season 2. If you want to remain spoiler free...don't read! Q&A: 'Spartacus' producer talks finale Spartacus_blood_and_sand_screengrab From the rampant use of "Jupiter's cock!" as an expletive to its CGI-on-meth production values, there is no other series like "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" on TV. Yet while ratings for the drama continue to climb as its first season finale approaches, production on Season 2 has been postponed by star Andy Whitfield entering treatment for cancer. Below executive producer Steven S. DeKnight talks to THR about what's next for the series and viewer reaction to the show's explicit content. Read Interview     1 April 2010 Steven Q&A Last Call For Questions The following message was sent via twitter about Steven's Q&A from Starz: Reminder: Last call to post a question for Steven S. DeKnight, Executive Producer and Head Writer. Please post your questions in reply on the Spartacus Message Board. We will choose the 10 best for Steven to answer. The deadline to submit questions is today at 5pm MST. Click here to ask your question     Read More Archives