Missing Rome? Well, Spartacus: Blood and Sand is just what you need.
Coming to US telly screens in the New Year (no UK buyer yet, but it can only be a matter of time), this epic new historical drama mixes the sex and intrigue of the sadly axed series with the brutal body-chopping of the movie Gladiator.
As you’d expect, it tells the story of Spartacus, the betrayed Roman hero who was forced into slavery and the gladiatorial arena before leading a bloody uprising. So expect ultra violence and all sorts of sordid bed-hopping.
Starring British actor John Hannah, fantasy icon Lucy Lawless and a load of Aussies and Kiwis – and from the brains of Angel’s Steven S DeKnight and Spider-Man director Sam Raimi – the series has already been commissioned for a second run without the first episode even having been screened.
Here’s a taster…
I’ve seen the first 2 episodes of this and have to say that’s it’s actually not half bad….. It’s a complete and utter combination of Gladiator (story) & 300 (visuals) with a hell of a lot of nudity thrown in for good measure.
That said, there’s one HUGE issue I have with it – accents.
Considering where it’s supposed to be set, we have a combination of American, Australian and even Scottish accents throughout.
John Hannah as a Roman with a Scottish accent?! He doesn’t even attempt to hide it. It’s like watching Sean Connery….
To be honest who’s really that bothered about the accents? It’s the shows content, script, sets, special effects and acting ability we should be judging the show on. Other show’s don’t waste time on perfecting accents. This show has a melting pot of talent from New Zealand, Britain, Australia and America, I personally am glad to hear some new voices other than the same old American ones.
I’ve also seen the first two episodes and I was quite impressed. Though I think it always takes 3 or 4 episodes for everything to start to flow right on a new show. I say give this a chance.
When is it coming to the UK?
Hi Christian – it’s just been confirmed that Bravo have picked the series up in the UK. They’ll be airing it over the summer.
this show is very good,hope its not on bravo as this shud b watchd in hd like it is on starz
A hell of a series the best there`s ever been john hannah and mr withfield awesome evil what can you say romans.
Thanks starz for this violetly awesome tv sessions who like rome will love spartacus.
and kirk douglas will be forgotten sorry but the perfomance is just better and the special effects an characters are full bodied brothers in arms.
Wolf
I love spartacus blood and sand! http://spartacusbloodandsand.com/ is a must if you are desperate to find what it’s all about!
Sai I agree with you’re view that the varied accents are really quite refreshing! I’m sick of US accents dominating tv shows and added to that, what were they suppost to accent? Italian? Latin? haha
Glad to find there’s support for the show out there, I pray it doesn’t get axed. Lets hope Andy fully recovers