"There is but one place, for an animal without honour."
I am not sure how much time I have (and seriously, now that I have resolved to write this my time will almost certainly and suddenly expire), but I am going to attempt to write a reaction post for the first three episodes of the new season of Spartacus, 'Spartacus: Vengeance'. I have not seen episode four yet, I know it has aired, do not judge me or spoil me >:I
For anyone unfamiliar with Spartacus (yet for some reason still reading), it's a Starz original currently airing it's second season. There has also been a six episode prequel, necessitated by exterior circumstances but very valuable in its own right. Really, 'Gods of the Arena' was an absolute dream for me in regards to expansion of my favourite characters, but that is not what this is about.
Spartacus is graphic to the point of absurdity. It's that very intentional sort of outlandishness where you either have to accept the erupting intestines and hacked off faces or else back away - it is always going to be there. It's also pretty softcore in terms of how much nudity and sexuality is shown, and again, that is always going to be there. I can easily understand why people wouldn't want to watch (I can't really argue with anyone calling it gratuitous), and it is absolutely true that I first started watching it with mockery in mind. It looked (and still looks!) completely ridiculous, and I wanted to laugh at that. At first, I did! Sometimes I still do! But somewhere along the line the dialogue started getting through to me. And hell, to the credit of the writers, it didn't actually take very long.
The plot of this series is tight, and it plays the long game. It's not purely episodic, storylines carry over and over, ticking and evolving, just the way proper writing should. Okay, well, that is completely unfair to say ("proper writing" indeed), but episodic writing generally doesn't catch my heart the way this sort of storytelling does. Nothing is to be taken for granted, you never know what might come back to haunt any certain character. No action is wasted, it's all building into ongoing relations or building momentum. I'll admit that the fight scenes are where the show slows down for me, because that's the sort of fan I am - I've come to both accept and honestly enjoy the physicality of the programme, but it's the dialogue and interaction that gets my heart taut. This is probably why the new light-hearted fan division of Romans and Rebels has seen me quite firmly ensconced with the former.
The plot is tight. The characters are each their own person, with their own reasons. No one is just bad, no one is just an antagonist for the purpose of being an antagonist (possibly excluding Cossutius who is just plain not nice). Nothing is presented as wholly just or unjust, or at least not outside the gaze of those characters taking action. There are few characters I don't find engaging on some level, and those I'm less fond of have very dedicated fans proving that it's a matter of preference (yes I am talking about Crixus no one who knows me is surprised).
I did not intend this preamble (THIS IS STILL THE PREAMBLE) to get so long. Spartacus is a series of passions, whether that be through violent action, bitter deed or encapsulating love. Whether it be desire or venom that spurs one character toward another, it's a series laced through with complicated fantastic relationships. If the Bechdel Test is something you rate, it passes pretty smoothly.
So, 'Spartacus: Vengeance'! I am three episodes in, here are some feelings I have so far...!
Episode 2.1 was a little weak, but that is somewhat expected now from this series. 1.1 was the weakest of the first season as well, and... well, GotA had the advantage of launching into an established setting I suppose, didn't have anything like as much setting up to perform. Or else I am forever GotA biased, I am willing to accept that charge. Three episodes in now and I'm involved - not that I ever wasn't! But let's see...
Spartacus himself. I'm a little bit impatient with Spartacus this season! I don't dislike him - never have, though he's never ever going to be my favourite either. But at the moment I'm really not thrilled with his behaviour toward Mira. Now, I know Mira is a grown adult and it's not as thought he hasn't been upfront about the state of their relationship, but I feel like they both know full well that her feelings toward him are far greater than his toward her, and I sort of wish he'd back off. It helps that Mira is growing on me a great deal this season (she never quite had the chance to shine in season one, due mostly to her late introduction), and I would like to see her devotion more fairly matched. Again, not that Spartacus would ever do intentionally wrong by her - he'd certainly die for her - but it will always be about Sura in the end.
Otherwise though, he's about the same as ever for me. Crixus is about the same as well - a little more tolerable, I'll actually admit, but still my least favourite major cast member. He just does not hold my interest when he's at his best, and quite infuriates me when he's at his worst. Clear off, Crixus.
Blah blah rebels, Agron is my rebel star at the moment. He has such a hysterical face, really thuggish and pouting at the same time. He's a real pitbull, haha. He's kind of quick-wittedly sassy and kind of abrupt at the same, and his flourishing friendship/relationship with Nasir is good fun indeed. I am enjoying both of them a fair bit, in fact, and if they do become a canonical relationship relationship it would be nice if they actually survived for a while, haha. (Really, which relationships have done well in Spartacus? Crixus and Naevia are both alive and still in love, but they've sure damn suffered for it. Illythia and Glaber are both alive at least, but hardly a good example for doing well. All other examples can think of involve one or both partners removed from this world. Dear oh dear.)
ROMANS, far more interesting. Glaber is growing on me a lot this sense, though he still persists in reminding me of Arnold J. Rimmer. The face shape! The way he enunciates! The ambitious nature! The unfortunate fact he's not very well received! I'm liking Glaber a lot, though, and was very (pleasantly?) surprised that he started the series in a position of overall unconcern with regards to Spartacus. I would have thought he'd have been on the front line from the outset, but instead he was more than happy to have someone else deal with the problem, and was dispatched rather against his will. I'm with you, Glaber. Stay home and play politics.
His relationship with Illythia is so tense right now, haha, I'm really enjoying them both at the moment and love having them in scenes together more frequently. I just love Illythia all the time, though, she is fantastic as ever. As is Lucretia of course, and I just. Illythia and Lucretia, Lucretia and Illythia, I will never tire of them. I was a bit worried about Lucretia's presence in this season at first, because I love her with Batiatus so darn much and it was sad to me that one of them should have survived where the other fell - that she witnessed it, lay bleeding at his side, but was then saved where he couldn't be. Much like Spartacus will always be about Sura, I believe that Lucretia will always be about Batiatus, wherever her scheming and desire for revenge will take her.
Man, I hope it takes her to outright dastardly places, though. I wasn't sure at first how much of her new Oracle persona was just that - a persona - and how much of it was actually sincere. But hearing her talk to Ashur in this third episode, I'm convinced it's a ruse that means something to them both. There's some sort of code or underlying plan in what she was saying to him, those two are playing a careful game this season and I can't wait to see it come to fruition. OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I THINK IS HAPPENING, watch as Ashur dies in the next episode and Lucretia ascends to the heavens on a cock chariot or something.
I think she is playing it up, although I do of course accept that her experience was genuinely pretty wrenching as well. I think she's been deeply affected by what happened - how couldn't she be? But she is definitely scheming, and can I just mention how thrilled I am that Lucretia and Ashur are a thing now? Like, an actual combo? Two of my most favourite characters are now co-conspirators! Batiatus is there in spirit u gaiz.
Ashur, crumbs. On the subject of favourites, Ashur Ashur Ashur. I could just gush forever about him really, though a lot of it is basically there in the above paragraphs, all the same principles. I can't wait to see where he ends up this season. I'm a horrible fan and would have Ashur standing triumphant on a hill of skulls come the very end. ... well, I don't know, but at the very least, I will die in despair if Crixus gets the final word on Ashur's fate. If Ashur has the final word on Crixus that is fine! I'd love that. I am so sympathetic to Ashur it is ridiculous. Every time people call him evil my head ends up in my hands. I saw someone complaining that he's too black and white and needs some grey and I just... are we even watching the same series? There isn't a more grey character than Ashur...! Everything he does, cruel and vicious and brilliant as it inevitably is, everything comes from his desperation to have been accepted into something and the brutal destruction of those hopes. Yes, his engineering of Barca's death was terrible, but if you somehow came out of that thinking it was SOLELY about gambling, I do not know what to say to you.
BUT ANYWAY, Ashur. Ashur wins, show ends. /very serious prediction :|
Oenomaus is just breaking my heart this season though. I mean, he is always difficult because he is... so about personal honour, he is so steeped in his sense of what is loyal and right and just, and it has all been wrenched away from him so utterly. It isn't only that he no longer has those things, but the fact that he has been made aware of the corruption of those things, that he existed alongside and within that growing corruption and didn't realise the extent of it until far too late. That he finally contributed to the demise of those physical things around which he based his honour, his life. In the destruction of the House of Batiatus, Oenomaus destroyed the foundations upon which he became who he is. The world that gave him meaning twisted away from him, and although he had some distant role in that final ending of the monster it had become, the action have him no release and absolutely no joy.
He's just so deeply utterly wounded. When he was ragged and bleeding in the Pits, and asking if the next man would be capable of killing him, if not send the man who can, fghdjsk god. god god god. (by the by, he will be
shinsengumi's favourite, if she can actually stand the show at all should she ever watch. OR HE'LL BE ONE OF THEM, IDK, I get scared speaking in absolutes HAHAHA. But I will be very sad and very surprised if this is not so.)
So I am not sure what his future holds for him now, especially with Ashur (lowest of fucking mortals!) putting thoughts unkind into his head. Oh Ashur, these things you do. And Gannicus is due back any time now! Things are going to reach some sort of head, and it is not going to be anything kind for Oenomaus I do not think. Ahhh Oenomaus....
And I'm going to wrap this up somewhat here. I could have talked about how 2.3 felt a bit strange to me toward the end (was that capture really unavoidable?), but I have spent so long on this post I am just not sure I can stand it any more. I love how this was 'how I feel about the series!' and basically it's just gushing about characters. (By the way, Aurelia. I don't have it in me to get into this, but. this is my very unhappy face you guys.)
So, Seppia and Seppius. How about them, huh? I am really loving the pair of them, for all that they have not been featured quite enough yet. We've plainly got more in store, though, and I think they're both delightful. I was under the impression that Seppius was going to be a lot more stern and stoical than he is, though he's plainly a little less flighty than his sister. I have really high hopes for Seppia, though - after all, there was a time when Illythia was 'that giggling one'. Also, there is no damn way they aren't incest siblings. I absolutely swear it is so. Canon may not ever verify it, but it will be my headcanon forever and gosh I hope it comes true.
On that note, I stumbled on a shiny Spinarak in VDex, so I caught it & a regular (well, second-frame HGSS) Spinarak and named them for Seppia and Seppius, hahaha. AND THUS IT IS SO. And now this pointless post is done.
This entry was originally posted @ aestivalis, with
comments.
For anyone unfamiliar with Spartacus (yet for some reason still reading), it's a Starz original currently airing it's second season. There has also been a six episode prequel, necessitated by exterior circumstances but very valuable in its own right. Really, 'Gods of the Arena' was an absolute dream for me in regards to expansion of my favourite characters, but that is not what this is about.
Spartacus is graphic to the point of absurdity. It's that very intentional sort of outlandishness where you either have to accept the erupting intestines and hacked off faces or else back away - it is always going to be there. It's also pretty softcore in terms of how much nudity and sexuality is shown, and again, that is always going to be there. I can easily understand why people wouldn't want to watch (I can't really argue with anyone calling it gratuitous), and it is absolutely true that I first started watching it with mockery in mind. It looked (and still looks!) completely ridiculous, and I wanted to laugh at that. At first, I did! Sometimes I still do! But somewhere along the line the dialogue started getting through to me. And hell, to the credit of the writers, it didn't actually take very long.
The plot of this series is tight, and it plays the long game. It's not purely episodic, storylines carry over and over, ticking and evolving, just the way proper writing should. Okay, well, that is completely unfair to say ("proper writing" indeed), but episodic writing generally doesn't catch my heart the way this sort of storytelling does. Nothing is to be taken for granted, you never know what might come back to haunt any certain character. No action is wasted, it's all building into ongoing relations or building momentum. I'll admit that the fight scenes are where the show slows down for me, because that's the sort of fan I am - I've come to both accept and honestly enjoy the physicality of the programme, but it's the dialogue and interaction that gets my heart taut. This is probably why the new light-hearted fan division of Romans and Rebels has seen me quite firmly ensconced with the former.
The plot is tight. The characters are each their own person, with their own reasons. No one is just bad, no one is just an antagonist for the purpose of being an antagonist (possibly excluding Cossutius who is just plain not nice). Nothing is presented as wholly just or unjust, or at least not outside the gaze of those characters taking action. There are few characters I don't find engaging on some level, and those I'm less fond of have very dedicated fans proving that it's a matter of preference (yes I am talking about Crixus no one who knows me is surprised).
I did not intend this preamble (THIS IS STILL THE PREAMBLE) to get so long. Spartacus is a series of passions, whether that be through violent action, bitter deed or encapsulating love. Whether it be desire or venom that spurs one character toward another, it's a series laced through with complicated fantastic relationships. If the Bechdel Test is something you rate, it passes pretty smoothly.
So, 'Spartacus: Vengeance'! I am three episodes in, here are some feelings I have so far...!
Episode 2.1 was a little weak, but that is somewhat expected now from this series. 1.1 was the weakest of the first season as well, and... well, GotA had the advantage of launching into an established setting I suppose, didn't have anything like as much setting up to perform. Or else I am forever GotA biased, I am willing to accept that charge. Three episodes in now and I'm involved - not that I ever wasn't! But let's see...
Spartacus himself. I'm a little bit impatient with Spartacus this season! I don't dislike him - never have, though he's never ever going to be my favourite either. But at the moment I'm really not thrilled with his behaviour toward Mira. Now, I know Mira is a grown adult and it's not as thought he hasn't been upfront about the state of their relationship, but I feel like they both know full well that her feelings toward him are far greater than his toward her, and I sort of wish he'd back off. It helps that Mira is growing on me a great deal this season (she never quite had the chance to shine in season one, due mostly to her late introduction), and I would like to see her devotion more fairly matched. Again, not that Spartacus would ever do intentionally wrong by her - he'd certainly die for her - but it will always be about Sura in the end.
Otherwise though, he's about the same as ever for me. Crixus is about the same as well - a little more tolerable, I'll actually admit, but still my least favourite major cast member. He just does not hold my interest when he's at his best, and quite infuriates me when he's at his worst. Clear off, Crixus.
Blah blah rebels, Agron is my rebel star at the moment. He has such a hysterical face, really thuggish and pouting at the same time. He's a real pitbull, haha. He's kind of quick-wittedly sassy and kind of abrupt at the same, and his flourishing friendship/relationship with Nasir is good fun indeed. I am enjoying both of them a fair bit, in fact, and if they do become a canonical relationship relationship it would be nice if they actually survived for a while, haha. (Really, which relationships have done well in Spartacus? Crixus and Naevia are both alive and still in love, but they've sure damn suffered for it. Illythia and Glaber are both alive at least, but hardly a good example for doing well. All other examples can think of involve one or both partners removed from this world. Dear oh dear.)
ROMANS, far more interesting. Glaber is growing on me a lot this sense, though he still persists in reminding me of Arnold J. Rimmer. The face shape! The way he enunciates! The ambitious nature! The unfortunate fact he's not very well received! I'm liking Glaber a lot, though, and was very (pleasantly?) surprised that he started the series in a position of overall unconcern with regards to Spartacus. I would have thought he'd have been on the front line from the outset, but instead he was more than happy to have someone else deal with the problem, and was dispatched rather against his will. I'm with you, Glaber. Stay home and play politics.
His relationship with Illythia is so tense right now, haha, I'm really enjoying them both at the moment and love having them in scenes together more frequently. I just love Illythia all the time, though, she is fantastic as ever. As is Lucretia of course, and I just. Illythia and Lucretia, Lucretia and Illythia, I will never tire of them. I was a bit worried about Lucretia's presence in this season at first, because I love her with Batiatus so darn much and it was sad to me that one of them should have survived where the other fell - that she witnessed it, lay bleeding at his side, but was then saved where he couldn't be. Much like Spartacus will always be about Sura, I believe that Lucretia will always be about Batiatus, wherever her scheming and desire for revenge will take her.
Man, I hope it takes her to outright dastardly places, though. I wasn't sure at first how much of her new Oracle persona was just that - a persona - and how much of it was actually sincere. But hearing her talk to Ashur in this third episode, I'm convinced it's a ruse that means something to them both. There's some sort of code or underlying plan in what she was saying to him, those two are playing a careful game this season and I can't wait to see it come to fruition. OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I THINK IS HAPPENING, watch as Ashur dies in the next episode and Lucretia ascends to the heavens on a cock chariot or something.
I think she is playing it up, although I do of course accept that her experience was genuinely pretty wrenching as well. I think she's been deeply affected by what happened - how couldn't she be? But she is definitely scheming, and can I just mention how thrilled I am that Lucretia and Ashur are a thing now? Like, an actual combo? Two of my most favourite characters are now co-conspirators! Batiatus is there in spirit u gaiz.
Ashur, crumbs. On the subject of favourites, Ashur Ashur Ashur. I could just gush forever about him really, though a lot of it is basically there in the above paragraphs, all the same principles. I can't wait to see where he ends up this season. I'm a horrible fan and would have Ashur standing triumphant on a hill of skulls come the very end. ... well, I don't know, but at the very least, I will die in despair if Crixus gets the final word on Ashur's fate. If Ashur has the final word on Crixus that is fine! I'd love that. I am so sympathetic to Ashur it is ridiculous. Every time people call him evil my head ends up in my hands. I saw someone complaining that he's too black and white and needs some grey and I just... are we even watching the same series? There isn't a more grey character than Ashur...! Everything he does, cruel and vicious and brilliant as it inevitably is, everything comes from his desperation to have been accepted into something and the brutal destruction of those hopes. Yes, his engineering of Barca's death was terrible, but if you somehow came out of that thinking it was SOLELY about gambling, I do not know what to say to you.
BUT ANYWAY, Ashur. Ashur wins, show ends. /very serious prediction :|
Oenomaus is just breaking my heart this season though. I mean, he is always difficult because he is... so about personal honour, he is so steeped in his sense of what is loyal and right and just, and it has all been wrenched away from him so utterly. It isn't only that he no longer has those things, but the fact that he has been made aware of the corruption of those things, that he existed alongside and within that growing corruption and didn't realise the extent of it until far too late. That he finally contributed to the demise of those physical things around which he based his honour, his life. In the destruction of the House of Batiatus, Oenomaus destroyed the foundations upon which he became who he is. The world that gave him meaning twisted away from him, and although he had some distant role in that final ending of the monster it had become, the action have him no release and absolutely no joy.
He's just so deeply utterly wounded. When he was ragged and bleeding in the Pits, and asking if the next man would be capable of killing him, if not send the man who can, fghdjsk god. god god god. (by the by, he will be
shinsengumi's favourite, if she can actually stand the show at all should she ever watch. OR HE'LL BE ONE OF THEM, IDK, I get scared speaking in absolutes HAHAHA. But I will be very sad and very surprised if this is not so.)
So I am not sure what his future holds for him now, especially with Ashur (lowest of fucking mortals!) putting thoughts unkind into his head. Oh Ashur, these things you do. And Gannicus is due back any time now! Things are going to reach some sort of head, and it is not going to be anything kind for Oenomaus I do not think. Ahhh Oenomaus....
And I'm going to wrap this up somewhat here. I could have talked about how 2.3 felt a bit strange to me toward the end (was that capture really unavoidable?), but I have spent so long on this post I am just not sure I can stand it any more. I love how this was 'how I feel about the series!' and basically it's just gushing about characters. (By the way, Aurelia. I don't have it in me to get into this, but. this is my very unhappy face you guys.)
So, Seppia and Seppius. How about them, huh? I am really loving the pair of them, for all that they have not been featured quite enough yet. We've plainly got more in store, though, and I think they're both delightful. I was under the impression that Seppius was going to be a lot more stern and stoical than he is, though he's plainly a little less flighty than his sister. I have really high hopes for Seppia, though - after all, there was a time when Illythia was 'that giggling one'. Also, there is no damn way they aren't incest siblings. I absolutely swear it is so. Canon may not ever verify it, but it will be my headcanon forever and gosh I hope it comes true.
On that note, I stumbled on a shiny Spinarak in VDex, so I caught it & a regular (well, second-frame HGSS) Spinarak and named them for Seppia and Seppius, hahaha. AND THUS IT IS SO. And now this pointless post is done.
This entry was originally posted @ aestivalis, with
comments.