5. You Can Tell Everyone Involved Is Giving Their All
A throwaway comment on the DVD commentary for one episode reveal that the production guys responsible for laying down the blood splashes go above and beyond, making sure that every smear and spatter is in its proper place. That ethos can easily be ascribed to the entire cast. Filming must be extremely demanding on the actors, as the men portraying the gladiators power through one fight scene after another, having spent a month in training that mimics that of actual gladiators in order to get into shape. Not to mention the frequent sex scenes, which are liable to be stressful and demanding experiences for actors. Everyone throws themselves into these intense scenarios with gusto, totally selling the shows world and making you care about characters who are typically either unlikeable, doomed or both. Stand-outs include John Hannah's Batiatus, for the relish with which he executes some truly creative swearing, together with a string of snarling temper tantrums. Lucy Lawless is utterly hissable as his devious wife Lucretia, and Crixus, Oenomaus, and Gannicus are badasses for the ages. In fact, the entire supporting cast acquit themselves honourably, playing the potentially overblown material completely straight. Not to mention the greatest extras in show business, who attack every crowd shot with rabid enthusiasm. The sad passing of the magnificent Andy Whitfield, who brought a compelling screen presence to the role of Spartacus, as well as a powerful mixture of ferocity and warmth, is a real wrench. The first season will stand as a monument to his undeniable talent.