If you are of a sensitive nature, then give this, the latest in the 'Spartacus' TV series, the body-swerve. But if you enjoy lots of chiselled male bodies, plenty of both gender nudity, lots of CG gore and aren't offended by some of the bawdiest language ever put into a TV programme, then Spartacus; Gods of the arena, is for you. Neatly tied in carefully with a brief intro (the finale of the last series, Spartacus, Blood and sand) the story whisks us straight into the early days of the house of Bateatus as the scheming Roman builds his gladiatorial house against all the politicking and sexual shenanigans of the vicious and cut-throat world around him. There can't be many sentences where 'cock' is not used, and f**k is thrown about liberally too - as I say, not for the easily shocked, but Chaucerian in its vulgarity! And the reference to Shakespeare? There can equally be few TV programmes where characters say lines like, "He arrives. Let us end discussion and set mind to purpose..." Straight out of Shakespeare for fifth year! So, yes, an eminently suitable successor to Blood and Sand, and will not disappoint the same audience. I feel a need to give it a thumbs up - and let it live for longer to carry on the games!
Review of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
