Spartacus Blood and Sand (R.I.P. Andy Whitfield) {Late but nevertheless}
***** (5/5)
I am nearly 2 months late for the praise of Andy Whitfield; and 1.5 years late for a review of series 1 of Spartacus; but I thought “…might as well do it now than never…”
I decided to watch all of Spartacus Blood and Sand during Easter, and I must say it is one of the best shows I have ever seen - Highly Entertaining..!! It is like watching 300, Gladiator, the Last King of Scotland, (a small part) the Notebook, Hung, True Blood and Sex and the City all at once. The result, a dramatic and dark story line; somewhat relate-able characters; and impressive plot twist that will keep you emotionally attached.
The acting maybe identified as stiff/wooden (by others), however this “stiffness” could be a result of the portrayal of ‘manliness’ and the ‘separation of emotions’ which is in conjunction with the ‘Gladiator’ aura. Furthermore the death of Sura (Spartacus’ wife) evidently contradicts this identification, as a result of the emotional emission of love and loss pronounced at this point. In addition, the negative comments by reviewers proclaiming the programme is merely violence and of sexual content, is a perception from persons who (a) may not understand the (somewhat) historic inspiration, and (b) are most probably from a more conservative nature [which is no insult].
The significant episodes are 6 (Delicate Things), 7 (Great and Unfortunate Things), and COMPELLINGLY EPISODE 13 (The Season Finale, “Kill Them All”). The finale was a roller-coaster; it was undoubtedly intense, vigorous, powerful and a great result from the incremental tension built up since episode 1. To the furthest extent, it fulfilled the incommunicable vacuum sufficiently formed by anticipation and the desire for “Thracian Revenge.”
The most notable contribution/characteristic is Whitfield’s performance which is a major drive for the programmes success (in addition to the Directors, Writers, and other Actors). Whitfield seemed fully committed, even to the physical extent; and his performance is an indescribable, extraordinary form of perfection. He was able to characterize and interpret determination, anger, love, mournfulness, rage, as well as the happiness derived from companionship and achievements…
It was extremely a time of sorrow when it became known that Andy was suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and even more so when he died on September 11, 2011. He is truly a praised actor and will be missed. Prayers go out to his family… he will be remembered throughout the continuing new series’… R.I.P …
Liam McIntyre truly has some GIANT shoes to fill for Spartacus: Vengeance; but I am sure we (as an audience) will not be let down (commencing January 2012)..
