[SPOILERS] I've been led to believe Spartacus improves from hereon in, and "Shadow Games" was strong evidence that might be the case. Undoubtedly the most entertaining installment so far, it felt like the characters have started to dictate the direction of the story, rather than be used as dolls in a bloodthirsty Gladiator-meets-300 rumpus...This week, Batiatus (John Hannah) uncovered who sent slaves to murder him, and exacted a surprisingly violent revenge on the nobleman responsible, before learning his long-standing rival Solonius (Craig Walsh Wrightson) was ultimately behind the deed; Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) visited a priestess to cure her infertility, at the behest of her friend Ilithyia (Viva Bianca); and Crixus (Manu Bennett) and Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) were ordered to work together as a two-man team against a legendary, undefeated gladiator Theokoles "The Shadow Of Death" (Reuben de Jong).
A triptych of simple stories, but "Shadow Games" worked because of the small moments at play within them. It was a shock to see the reasonable Batiatus engage in mass murder (even a little boy may have been a victim, although it was left ambiguous) and savagely beating a man for information. It was a welcome reminder that even the most civilized characters on the show have dark hearts, and this ancient world isn't the place for mercy and softness. It also effectively increased the Batiatus and Solonius rivalry, now we know both men aren't above committing murder to get what they want.
By far the most rewarding storyline was watching Crixus and Spartacus try to put their differences aside to fight a common enemy in the arena, which was easier said than done. If there's one thing the series has done well it's make the hatred between these two men palpable, yet deep down you know they'd be great friends in a different context. Having learned that Doctore (Peter Mensah) is the only man to have survived a fight with Theokoles, leaving him with terrible chest scarring, the two gladiators eventually came to realize they must fight as one, or die as two. I also liked the notion that Crixus has essentially forgotten his life before becoming a gladiator, or found a way to compartmentalize, so it's likely his appreciation for gladiatorial history and the need for "glory" is perhaps just a coping mechanism. And it feels like Spartacus is beginning to remind Crixus of the thing that's truly worth fighting for: love.
Indeed, Crixus probably has the most engaging storyline within the ludus walls, such as his unrequited love for slave girl Naevia (Lesley-Ann Brandt), which would likely be reciprocated were it not for the fact Naevia's mistress Lucretia uses Crixus for sex. It's actually a juicy love-triangle, and I've been surprised by Bennet's performance in this role. He's not going to be winning an Emmy anytime soon, but he has a command of the screen and his character's developing nicely -- the beginning of respect for Spartacus, and how it's now difficult Lucretia to arouse him because of his truer feelings for the ever-present Naevia.
Most episodes of Spartacus: Blood & Sand build up to a big fight scene, and "Shadow Games" was no exception. The mighty Theokoles was given nearly an hour's worth of hyperbole, making his arrival in the arena all the more exciting and dramatic. This blonde, battle-scarred giant was mildly comical in appearance, but once he got down to business and started swatting Crixus and Spartacus away like flies, he earned his notorious reputation. Anyone nicknamed The Shadow whose entrance causes clouds to blot the sun deserves some respect, right?
I also got a kick from Theokoles' easy "defeat" after a brief melee, only for him to rise up as Crixus and Spartacus celebrated their premature "win". The "second round" resulted in Crixus suffering near-fatal injuries (intestines poking out of his ripped stomach), but saved from death by a distraction from Spartacus, who went on to defeat "The Shadow" with a twin-sword decapitation -- a moment that heralded a downpour of rain across the arid land. Surely a moment of divine praise that will turn Spartacus into an even bigger legend than Theokoles.
Overall, this was a strong episode that balanced gruesome fights with decent character moments. For what's ultimately a weekly slice of violent thrills and homoerotic posturing, Spartacus is beginning to show some relative depth. It's easy to predict where this series is headed in general terms (Spartacus and Crixus leading a mutiny, Lucretia pregnant with Crixus' child?), but perhaps the writers have some tricks up their sleeves to keep us on our toes.
WRITER: Miranda Kwok
DIRECTOR: Michael Hurst
GUEST CAST: Viva Bianca, Peter Mensah, Manu Bennett, Jai Courtney, Antonio Te Maioho, Craig Walsh Wrightson, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Eka Darville, Matthew Chamberlain, John Bach, Janine Burchett, Matt Gillanders, Catherine Boniface, Lliam Powell, Reuben de Jong, Siaosi Fonua, Dylan Hopkins, David Austin & Tim Cronin
TRANSMISSION: 22 JUNE 2010 - BRAVO, 10PM
