Spartacus: Blood and Sand, "Delicate Things": treachery lurks there

Posted on Thursday, April 1, 2010, by Eric - TV Geek Army "Revered Leader"

Quick Take: Spartacus, "Delicate Things"
"I'll make a Roman of you yet!" - Batiatus

spartacus blood and sand

Review: Spartacus: Blood and Sand, "Delicate Things"
(S0106) So, our boy Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) is the new Champion of Capua now, after the defeat of the mythically beastly and nasty Theokoles, while former champ Crixus (Manu Bennett) lies beaten and bloodied. In other words, things have turned relatively upside down in Spartacus-land. So what's it going to be then, eh, as an old friend from real horrorshow times might ask?

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Batiatus (John Hannah) is happy for one, which is enough alone to make us unsettled, unburdened as he now is of debt, proclaiming "we're the toast of the f-ing city!" in the wake of Spartacus' bloody victory. In a rare benevolent mood, he teases Spartacus of news of his wife's whereabouts off in Syria. Even the rains have come, washing away an awful drought. Only Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) senses that things are not as they should be.

As the hour plays out, "Delicate Things" seems to refer to the ability to hold onto elements of humanity, compassion, and love in a world – particularly amongst the gladiator set – that often doesn’t respect the sanctity of life much at all. And it also refers to Machiavellian maneuvers, actions taken without use of sword to meet one's ends.

Speaking of which, Spartacus' plot to escape the Gladiator School dominates a good chunk of the episode, as does the yearnings for freedom of Barca and his lover, Pietros. Barca's involvement in the massacre of Batiatius' creditor/tormentor and the betrayal of Ashur (Nick Tarabay) spells his doom, and speaks to the lack of control that slaves (and even "nobles") have in this Roman universe.

And that small bit of control that can be meted played out in the final scenes, with the final "reunion" of Spartacus with his wife Sura (Erin Cummings). It seems that Lucretia had nothing to worry about for the time being, nothing to worry about at all.

More thoughts on "Delicate Things":

Each week seems to bring a "no they di'int" scene that tops one from the episode before it. This week's edition features Batiatus, uh, having his way with a slave girl while topless Lucretia, getting a spa treatment from equally topless slave girls, look on. As I feel more attached to the substance of the show each week, I find myself disappointed with the way over the top "they went there"-ness of these scenes. It's lusty, different times, different culture ancient Rome, we get it. I'd contrast that aspect with the more modern Mad Men, admittedly living on AMC, which portrays the lusty / different time / different culture aspect brilliantly well without the need to have an actor of John Hannah's standing fake humping a slave girl, you know?

The above said, the show does do a good job of portraying homosexuality as an accepted condition of the era. It is interesting to think about what has happened over the last few thousand years with regard to social mores and sexuality and sexual orientation.

Spartacus' daydream about escaping from the gladiator school and Capua with his reunited wife is the most overtly graphic novel-influenced scene in Spartacus yet. Again, I think as the plot tones and character studies turn more serious, these overtly over-the-top escapades are unnecessary and somewhat weaken the integrity of the show.

Video: Spartacus: Blood and Sand, "Delicate Things"
No footage from this episode available, so check out the show trailer. If you've never seen the show this will give you a feel for the vibe of Spartacus: Blood and Sand…

Recap: Spartacus: Blood and Sand, "Delicate Things"
With the glory and riches reaped by Spartacus' victory in the arena, it appears that his long desired reward will be granted when Batiatus informs him that he will be reunited with his wife

From Around the Web: Spartacus: Blood and Sand, "Delicate Things"

IGN: The scenes between Varro and Spartacus were actually quite funny. Spartacus would let his imagination get the better of him with thoughts of escape while Varro would continually thwart those majestic plans with reason. We've not seen enough Varro the last few weeks. He usually brings a little comic relief and a good laugh to the generally serious nature of the series.

Tags: spartacus blood and sand

By Eric - TV Geek Army "Revered Leader"

About the author

Eric is the publisher and revered leader of TV Geek Army… at least in his own mind. TV Geek Army is a place for serious TV reviews and news for serious fans of great television. Contact: eric-[at]-tvgeekarmy.com

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