New Season of 'Spartacus' Sparks Interest in Fans

The highly anticipated television series "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena", premiered on Starz January 21st, 2011. The series focuses on the story of Gannicus played by Dustin Clare, who is a highly respected gladiator serving under his master, Quintus Batiatus (John Hannah). The strong-willed gladiator is aspiring to earn the title "Champion of Capua."

According to Zap2it.com, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" tells the story of the Champion of the House of Batiatus in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival, when honor was just finding its way into the arena. Before making his way into the new arena, the house of Batiatus must earn respect from society, and the corrupt politicians. As the prequel begins, Batiatus' father is absent on a visit to Sicilia. However, Batiatus does not seem satisfied with just the thought of owning the Ludus. In the world of ancient Rome, Batiatus seeks political power in Capua.

In addition, this new series also explores the background of Crixus (Manu Bennett) . In the previous season "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", Crixus was the champion of the house of Batiatus. It also analyzes how Oenomaus (Peter Mensah), transitions from gladiator to Doctore, otherwise known as the gladiator's trainer. According to Post-Gazette, "Mr. DeKnight said many first-season characters, even minor ones, appear in the prequel, including Gnaeus." "He's the guy that Spartacus threw off the cliff," Mr. DeKnight said. "You even get
to know a little bit more about him. So we delve pretty deep into people's back stories and flesh them out."

You might also wonder why the series went backward instead of forward. Well, according to press releases, Andy Whitfield who played Spartacus in season one "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", had to undergo treatment for
non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Based on the unfortunate news, the directors decided to fill in the time by creating a prequel while Andy Whitfield is treated.

Furthermore, Zap2it also believes the previous season "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", was the highest rated show for the 18-49 demographic among all cable networks for 12 of the 13 Fridays on which it aired based on coverage rating. The hit franchise gained an audience of more than 2.3 million viewers across the U.S alone. The 10:00 PM season premiere and 11:00 PM repeat also broke global television records, with 1.9 million viewers.

This record-breaking series is truly an interesting story. It correctly depicts how life was in ancient Rome, and how difficult it was to earn respect. It is also an accurate portrayal of the difficult times past generations have dealt with. The "Spartacus" series along with Suzanne Collins's "Hunger Games" trilogy have both been dominating best-seller lists with its twisted gladiator theme, which suggests there is an appetite for stories of bloody warfare, fatalities, and treachery.