Spartacus 1x13 (season finale)
You know, I sometimes feel a twinge of guilt over my mean early reviews of this show. Almost. It really was pretty terrible at the outset, so I cope. But now? OMFG, how did this show turn into something so completely awesome?? I'm at a loss.
Every character had some significant growth or resolution here; the storylines played out perfectly!! For the plotlines to move forward, several things had to happen: Crixus and Spartacus had to align with one another; Spartacus and Crixus had to achieve revenge of some sort for their grief; Batiatus and Lucretia had to get what was coming to them; ditto Ashur; and the slaves had to achieve some buy-in and agency.
WOW, did it all pay off.
First of all, I absolutely love Doctore. Like Spartacus, he has a hidden name, one which we finally heard in the context of impending freedom. How ironic that a long-time slave would potentially be made master over those he has shared slavery with, and find triumph in it. I loved the parallels with Spartacus, tho: one actively plotting to overthrow the status quo, one going deeper into it; one who has given up his name to a new identity in slavery, and one who was about to reclaim his name in freedom. Doctore of course saw rebellion as dishonorable, but I sort of view that as both something to admire, and horrible brainwashing. Freedom at all costs, right?
That bit with him stopping Spartacus from killing Batiatus on the balcony, by snagging his arm with the whip? Awesome. As was Crixus's cutting the whip. And then he threw his sword and saved Crixus, which was AMAZING. Ugh, I LOVE HIM.
Also, I love Mira. I love her quiet grace, her strength, the way she makes up her own mind, the way she protects the others (even those not under her care), the fact that she's smart and capable, and how much she cares for Spartacus. She's amazing. I love her and Spartacus together. I also love that she honors Sura's memory, and isn't trying to push her aside. Just...so much love for her, I'm speechless.
Crixus!! Fine fighting form, I must say. The developing relationship with Spartacus is so gorgeous - that chat on the bench, when Crixus told him in another life, they would have been as brothers. Of course, that's *this* life, tho he didn't know it just then; that's what's so lovely about it. When he decided to follow Spartacus, everything fell into place as if they had been comrades in arms all their lives, and Spartacus instantly understood where Crixus was headed with the shield. WOW. And then, finally, that chilling scene with Lucretia, where he knew he would get nothing out of her, and he just casually stabbed her through the womb, eliminating the possibility of any child of his being raised as a Roman, and a carbon copy of either Batiatus or Lucretia. That scene made me shiver. But it was fantastic.
He was so completely eloquent in his speech to Doctore, and utterly convincing as well. Once that switch was flipped for him, he really went there all the way. I want him to find Naevia and be happy. I also want him to hook up with Spartacus. I can't help it. That's how I'm wired. *g*
ASHUR. As kuwdora says frequently, I do pretty much want him to DIAF, but he's basically a cockroach, and he has proven he can survive almost any disaster. He managed to get away from one of the best gladiators who has ever lived, and lives to slither another day. THAT was frustrating. But I love to hate him, so it'll be interesting to see where he pops up next.
Batiatus and Lucretia...HOLY SHIT. I really did not think they would be killed off at the end of season 1! But it sort of had to happen, I guess; no way would the gladiators let them live. The whole point was Spartacus's revenge, of course, and that was very satisfying. But you have to sort of admire how they did actually love each other, and that was no act. At least they died together. And at least Batiatus turned out to be pretty good with the sword, and was able to fight, and didn't give up until the very end. I do love a villain with backbone.
Ilithyia...she is one cold bitch, and in the end, she had her revenge on everyone who wronged her, didn't she? She engineered Varro's death, she managed to ensure the deaths of her blackmailers, and now she's out there, loose and dangerous. Boy, did her experiences at the ludus turn her into one crazy, scheming, calculating, dangerous bitch. YIKES.
Varro's wife stabbing that pretentious little twit who ordered Varro's death was pretty awesome. Opportunity presented itself, and she snagged it.
Now we have a long, long wait for season 2, since Andy Whitfield is in treatment for cancer. There is some news that Starz is considering a prequel miniseries to debut in January, to sort of pass the time until they can get season 2 up and running. I want both! But mostly I want Andy Whitfield to be okay. Good thoughts all around in that department. And hopes for a new season soon!