Media MindField

On 1/22/10 the Starz cable network debuted one of the best entries in a cable TV. series…EVER, Blowing past H.B.O and Showtime with a concept not new, but fresh. The series I’m talking about is “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”, yes the same Spartacus made famous by the legendary Kirk Douglas but waaaaaaay more “untamed”.

How can it be better than H.B.O’s Rome? you may ask, well let me tell you how. First it’s shot exquisitely, with the same look and feel as “300″. Second, the violence…some of the most disturbing yet beautiful violence I have ever seen on T.V. Slow-mo is applied masterfully as you see fresh cuts open up and spew blood ever so freely and again, beautifully. The action is tightly executed,  believable and again, well shot.

The series has a great pedigree for this type of sword and sandals epic, It’s produced by Rob Tappert (Xena:Warrior Princess) and Sam Raimi  (Evil Dead series, Spiderman etc.), amongst others. Steven S. DeKnight will be a name to remember I, so far his direction is DOPE! (very good).This had it all, betrayal, intrigue, full frontal nudity, naked roman orgies, thwarted rape scenes & gladiator fights all happening in the first episode. I’m hooked; I don’t crave Emmy winning performances or long existential monologues (not that they aren’t here, just not yet) what the show dose have makes for a very entertaining hour.

Modern dialogue and cussin’ might put off purists but again I don’t care, THIS is compelling viewing. Can’t wait to get 3 or 4 episodes in to see if I feel the same way. Watch this series now, if you don’t have Starz this alone may be the reason to purchase it. Did I mention nudity?, Lucy Lawless co-stars in this and she gets naked the 2nd episode, that should be enough to make any red-blooded male want to watch and the pretty “Shogun Assassin”- like violence for the action junkies. Oh and the story of a captured slave fighting up the ranks to nobility gladiator-style is good too, really. Check this one out immediately. A 9.

Rating: (9/10)

Smite All Cornballs

Sir M.

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