- Spartacus gets a chance for vengeance when a prominent Roman is captured, but will he satisfy desire at the cost of the greater good? The intrigue amongst Glaber and the women surrounding him heats up.
- Crixus enjoys training Naevia and the other recruits. Spartacus decides against revenge for his late wife on her murderer Glaber's Ilythia, whom Gannicus captured, even before she makes a credible claim that he's her unborn child's biological father. She pleads with temple host Lucius Caelius to ask restitution of Sulla's confiscation and help from praetor Glaber, but his hatred wins out. Seppia now acts virtually as Glaber's wife. Ashur enjoys plundering, torture-questioning and, even more, treating discredited Lucretia as his sex slave.—KGF Vissers
- To everyone's surprise, Gannicus returns to the camp, offering Ilithyia's head on a silver platter. As conflicted Spartacus finds himself torn between murderous desire and duty, Mira wants to do the right thing, and Lucius plays a pivotal role in a dangerous game by delivering a clear but urgent message to Glaber. In the meantime, devious Seppia enjoys her elevated new status, unaware that Lucretia has an ace up her sleeve, even though she is still under Ashur's thumb. Nevertheless, the fate of Spartacus and his men is hanging by a thread. What will it take to even the odds?—Nick Riganas
- Spartacus: Vengeance: "Balance" - March 16, 2012
Gannicus is dragging Ilythia through the forest when they are met by hunters who mention that Spartacus set upon a wagon and killed some people. Gannicus claims Ilithyia is his wife, but she balks and spills the truth so he is forced to kill them as she runs. When he retrieves her, she says Glabur will pay for her return. He says he doesn't see it forthcoming but that her life is not his to take.
Mira and Spartacus flirt in the woods as they hunt. They make out. She says she knows him well and digs him. He says she wouldn't have dug him so much when he was younger. She asks what tamed him and then realizes it was his wife and apologizes. Gannicus appears and tells Spartacus to take the life of Glabur's woman.
Lucretia is saying the kidnapping is all her fault since she slipped and told Gannicus she was on the road. Glabur says all that matters now is that Gannicus has his wife and child. Lucretia says Glabur's men must scour the forest or ask Rome for help. Glabur says word of this can not reach Rome and have people whispering about him in the Senate. Seppia agrees. Lucretia pleads that she must be found. Ashur reports that all traces of Ilythia's disappearance have been covered, and threatens Lucretia that she better hold her tongue with Glabur. He assures her he will protect her as long as he enjoys her company.
Back at the temple everyone practices fighting and Crixus is impressed with Naevia's progress as they battle. Then they kiss. She is getting some of her power back. She wants to fight again and they do. As do the new German recruits under the supervision of Oenemaus.
Spartacus arrives with Ilythia and Gannicus. He swears she will see a proper end. Spartacus drags her into the temple as Oenemaus and Gannicus trades glances. Lucius tries to stop Spartacus but he won't listen.
People at the brothel are going about their normal business when Ashur and Glabur arrives. Glabur asks about the whereabouts of Gannicus. The brothel owner says he's not there. Glabur questions the whores and patrons. None come forward. One whore is grabbed by the neck when the owner says the one woman who did talk to him was crucified. Glabur cuts his throat and approaches the one woman and wipes the owner's blood on her. He says Gannicus has taken something from him and he will see it returned.
Ilythia pleads for her life. Spartacus says his wife probably pleaded too. She says her hands are unstained and argues for her child. He is unyielding to this line of pleading until she blurts out that the child is his. He calls her a liar. She says it is true. We flashback to their intimate encounter. She takes his hand in the present. He is aghast. He kneels and wipes her tears and then says he remembers his hands on her throat. She says to see to finishing that job then but his wife will be very disappointed when see sees him the afterlife.
The pretty, coarse blond German woman asks Agron about Gannicus, she's taken a shine to him. Agron laughs. Oenemaus and Gannicus share another menaingful stare. Crixus joins Gannicus and says he's amazed to see him. He says he knows that Gannicus and Oenemaus were friends once and hopes they can be again. Gannicus says he'd do anything. Crixus says capturing Ilythia is a good start and good for the cause. Gannicus says he seeks only to end it.
He goes to chat with Spartacus where he is informed that Ilythia is still alive. Gannicus can't believe it, that he declared himself an enemy of Rome only to see Spartacus wuss out. Spartacus says he's not Glabur and he won't punish a woman for his crimes and admits he has some "misgivings." Gannicus tells him about the crucifixions in Capua and says if he takes her life he can end it all now instead of seeing countless more fall for his cause.
Lucretia tries to chat up Seppia. She is less successful with her Gods-talk with Seppia and tries to get her to have Varinius come from Rome. Seppia points out that Gaius wants no one to know. Seppia isn't having it and wants to go bang Glabur again. Lucretia says it's beneath her and the Gods will not look favorably upon it. Seppia says it's quite the opposite since the Gods led her to Glabur and removed Ilythia from her path.
Lucius Caelius (Peter McCauley) tends to Ilythia at the temple and tells her not to get too excited about his help as he's an "animal" like the rest of them. He offers her a drink. She notices he has no brand and is a free man. She is surprised he stands for Spartacus. He says he stands for justice, and explains his family was slaughtered and his land and possessions taken by Rome. She asks him to lift her burden. He laughs at her. She says Glabur will pay ransom. He tells her to save it for more important ears. She says he doesn't want to free her just to carry a message and what was taken from him can be restored by Glabur. He says the sum of his loss is no small thing. He thinks about it.
Spartacus tells Mira about the possibility that the baby might be his. She's mad he didn't tell her but he didn't see the purpose. She says it's true but there's no reason for it to matter now. He is clearly torn. Mira says to see Ilythia to her grave. He says he wants to but wonders if his vengeance won't make him just like Glabur, and won't that make him a man his dead wife would turn from?
Glabur and Seppia get it on and this time they aren't interrupted. He seems very satisfied. She hopes it took his mind from unfortunate events. He says the fate of his heir does weigh heavily but he's less concerned about his wife. She wonders if the bonds of marriage are so cold. He says there was a time when things were rosier between them but the bloom came off. She says she'll treat him as he deserves to be treated. He admits Albinius and the senate don't hold him in much esteem. She says when he offers up Spartacus' head their estimation will soar. He expresses sadness for her loss. She says it's getting better and he's helping.
Ashur's treasure chest grows. Lucretia comes to him. She asks after Ilythia. He wonders why Glabur didn't fill her in. She says he's getting busy with Seppia. He points out it's no wonder Glabur prefers the feel of Seppia's young tongue as opposed to the sound of Lucretia's old one. She says her bloom will wither when Ilythia returns, but he says that seems unlikely. She can't believe they haven't found the path to Gannicus. He says they made a noble effort and we see them moving from place to place and ruthlessly murdering the people they questioned. Lucretia says she will entreat the Gods for a response. Ashur wants to "pray" together. She tries to escape and he grabs he and mocks her Gods. She slaps him and immediately regrets it. She tries to leave and throws her to the ground. She apologizes. He questions her sincerity and makes her apologize again and again as he rapes her. She sees the serpent bracelet he stole from Seppia and which has tumbled from his treasure chest.
Spartacus is working out his angst in the yard and flashes back to the brutal taking of his wife and his crying over her body. Lucius tries to sneak off but Spartacus decides to walk with him and "break" words.
Gannicus finally chats with Oenemaus. He says he doesn't want to see more fall to the cause especially his brother. Oenemaus says he can't call himself that anymore and they can't mend their fences. Gannicus says he'd give his life. Oenemaus says he would take it. Then Gannicus wonders what stays his hand and basically says he and Spartacus are weak when it comes to the business of vengeance. Oenemaus says killing him wouldn't bring back his lady, rather it would just lift Gannicus' own guilt. Gannicus says he stands condemned then. Oenemaus corrects him and says he stands for nothing as he always has.
Agron and his boy toy start getting it on even though they are standing guard. Mira catches them and they all giggle. She tells them to hit the hay and she will stand watch other Ilythia. Agron thanks her. Mira approaches and Ilythia asks for more water. Mira says "It's a terrible thing to live and want in fear. isn't it? That's what life is like for a slave." Ilythia begs, for her child. Mira asks if it's true if the baby is by Spartacus. She swears it is and if he takes Ilythia's life he will bear the stain of his own child on his hands. Mira says Spartacus is a good man and she won't let this destroy him. Ilythia is excited thinking Mira is going to help her. Mira says yes, she's going to help her out of this world and starts to choke her. Spartacus stops her. She says she was trying to spare him. He says she doesn't know his heart. She is sad. Spartacus pulls out his blade and says her time here is at an end.
Lucretia calls on Seppia again saying she glows like the morning sun. Seppia says she won't allow Lucretia to threaten her. Lucretia says she hasn't come to threaten her but to warn her about Glabur. Seppia doesn't want to hear it. Lucretia says she has something to show her but just then Lucius arrives to spread the word that the rebels hold Ilythia. He says he's no rebel, and is just a tired old man. Glabur says there will be a reward. Lucius says Ilythia told him Glabur could return his land. Glabur tells him that he can make that happen. Then things turn dark and Lucius approaches and asks what of his wife and children slaughtered in the name of Rome? Glabur goes for his sword. Lucius says if they lay a hand on him, his wife dies and any attempts to follow him and she dies. Glabur asks what Spartacus wants. Glabur is to enter a city with three men and Spartacus will hold the same. Ilythia will be returned in exchange for a wagon weighted with weapons, armor and supplies. Glabur scoffs, but Lucius says that's the deal! And if his troops are seen on the road, Ilythia and his child will be lost to him forever. He departs unarmed. Seppia says she doesn't trust them. Ashur agrees they can't aid the enemy. Glabur says he doesn't trust them either but he doesn't know what else to do and Spartacus leaves but one path and he must travel upon it.
Lucius returns and gives Spartacus the news. The assembled thinks this means they'll get weapons and Spartacus will kill Glabur. But Spartacus says he has to honor his word. Agron, Crixus, and Oenemaus volunteer to be his three. Spartacus says Oenemaus is not yet well enough for that and Gannicus offers to stand in his place, because Oenemaus believes in the cause and one day he might believe too. Mira says it's madness to trust Glabur. Spartacus says it's not Glabur he trusts but the strength of those he takes with him and that will carry them to victory.
They meet at the appointed hour and place, each with their three men. Spartacus offers up a swatch of Ilythia's dress. Spartacus again talks about his dead wife and says unlike Glabur he won't strike down a woman because of her husband's deeds. Glabur basically calls him a wuss. Spartacus tells him to just wait, he'll get his revenge. Glabur says he has many regrets since meeting Spartacus and he hopes this isn't one of them. Spartacus says Glabur will see Ilythia again but everytime he looks at his heir Spartacus' memory will be staring back at him. Glabur says they are different. Spartacus would do anything for his wife, turns out Glabur won't. As Crixus, Agron, and Gannicus approach the wagon that's supposed to be weighted with armor it turns out it carries a very different cargo: Ashur and his brutish crew.
A massive fight ensues. The gladiators are kicking ass but he posse is getting in licks of its own. Mira shoots Glabur and strikes him in the shoulder with an arrow. Lucius and Mira continue shooting. A soldier sounds his horn and more troops appear on the horizon. Lucius saves Crixus and the gang takes off. Lucius says he'll cover their retreat. He keeps shooting. He finally quickly dispatched by the mad Egyptian. Lucius is glad that it wasn't a Roman that did him in right before the silent giant chops off his head.
Lucretia is livid but Seppia is proud as Glabur gets his wounds tended too. Lucretia argues that Ilythia must return to this house, the Gods demand it. Glabur dismisses her talk of "the Gods." He says he'll mourn his wife and child but he'll get over it. Seppia says she'll help. He says he's off to the baths and Seppia says she can help with that too.
Lucretia goes to Seppia and shows her the bracelet and says it came from Ashur's treasure and connects the dots for Seppia that Glabur ordered her beloved brother killed. Seppia is justifiably enraged at this realization. In the bath with Glabur she quietly seethes as he talks about how they found their way to each others arms.
Spartacus takes Ilythia to the woods. He asks if she knows what it feels like to love and be loved and filled with light and hope. He says that is what Glabur took from him. He says he would take the same from him except Glabur decided vengeance on Spartacus was more important than his wife's life and therefore taking her life would balance nothing since Glabur does not love her as he loved his wife. He leaves her alone in the woods. She's surprised he's letting her live. He tells her not to consider it a kindness.
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