Anyone watch the debut of this series? It's showing on both one of the Encore and Starz channels. I tried to watch the show, out of curiosity, and because Lucy Lawless is one of the stars. But I came in in the middle of a battle scene that frankly made me laugh and grown. Lawless in an interview I'd seen mentioned the show was modeled in part on "300". But what I saw was a bad imitation of "300": the same not-quite-real backgrounds, the now recognizable fast-slow-fast movements of the soldiers in battle, blue-grey backgrounds whose colors are splashed liberally with the blood flowing like wine in battle. Lots of close ups of decapitations, swords cleaving flesh to expose nasty cuts. it was all a bit too frenetic and artificial looking for me. And I gotta admit that title--"...Blood and Sand" already had me a bit leery. Granted, i didn't see anything but the battle. Maybe the actual acting is good and it's worth a look? Can anyone give a recommendation? ***************************************************************************
http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand . Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend. Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield ( McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah ( The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" an epic television event.
