4. Batiatus in Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
While an undeniable bastard, who becomes ever more indefensibly murderous as the show progresses, its hard not to feel a twinge of admiration for the drive and ambition of Batiatus, the ruthless gladiator trainer from Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The prequel, Gods of the Arena, is practically a showcase for his villainous virtues, as he connives and butchers his way to the top of the squalid pile in the Ancient Roman town of Capua, battering down the swarming problems that bar his ascent with wily schemes, a spectacularly aggressive temper, and imaginative swearing that would make Malcolm Tucker cringe. Coming from a long line of celebrated trainers, hes forever in the shadow of his father and grandfather, who produced some of the greatest gladiators in Capuas history; Batiatus Juniors desire to prove himself is something many could relate to, though most people dont literally climb over the bodies of their enemies to fulfil their ambitions. The man is like a foul-mouthed and brutal version of Ash, though with brawny, bloodthirsty men instead of Pokemon. Even as the successes of his gladiators sweep the audience up in the exhilaration of combat and victory, its hard to view the world of the gladiators as anything but cruel and bleak, as Batiatus and his insidious wife treat everyone around them as expendable pawns, building a fortune upon devastated lives. The end of the prequel sees Batiatus ascendant, but with stacks of corpses to show for it, and the arrival of a certain Spartacus will only add to the bloodshed