Vitals
- Products: Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
- Genres: Drama
- Cast Members: Andy Whitfield, John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah
- Air Date: January 22, 2010
- Associated Luminaries: Sam Raimi
- Notable Characters: Spartacus
- Network: Starz
Man, these cable networks are rapidly evolving when it comes to making intelligent programming decisions. Faced with the classic dilema of a hit series with a star whose ability to continue in the capacity of lead comes into question, Starz came up with the perfect solution.
As huge fans of Starz' Spartacus: Blood and Sand, we were naturally concerned about the future of the sexy, blood drenched gladitorial drama (as well as the health of its titular star, Andy Whitfield) when news broke the Welsh actor was battling cancer.
With a second season ordered before the pilot even hit the air, Starz clearly has a lot invested in building and maintaining the series' fanbase. So pushing back the sophmore season, titled "Vengence," is the last thing the premium cable upstart would want to do. But when you've got a series with a terrific ensemble cast, including genre golden girl Lucy Lawless and the superb John Hannah, there's potential spin-off options to bide some time for your lead to return to the set.
But wait, Lucretia and Batiatus are dead. No problem. Starz has announced pre-production on a prequel focusing on the pre-Spartacus days of Lucretia and Batiatus. Pre-tty awesome, eh'? Sorry, had to. It'll be a real treat to get some more insight into the way this slightly sociopathic couple kept their marriage - and ludus alive. Another fluffer scene please!
We'll also meet the man who held the title of champion of the House of Batiatus before schoolyard bully, Crixus rose to the top of the class at the Ludus. The six-part series is set to air in January of next year. I can already taste the bloody sand.
