tosberg34 Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 did you hear that Andy Whitfield (Spartacus) was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma? Show is on hiatus until his treatments are over. Poor guy - finally gets some celebrity and then this happens. I love the show to but more for it's T 'n' A than anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 (edited) did you hear that Andy Whitfield (Spartacus) was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma? Show is on hiatus until his treatments are over. Poor guy - finally gets some celebrity and then this happens. I love the show to but more for it's T 'n' A than anything else. I thought there were only three to go in the series? That's what they said at the end of the last episode. And, yes, it's all about the Ts and As (apart from guffawing at the ridiculous attempts at pretending the show is a historical drama). Edited April 2, 2010 by Ursa Majoris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 I thought there were only three to go in the series? That's what they said at the end of the last episode. And, yes, it's all about the Ts and As (apart from guffawing at the ridiculous attempts at pretending the show is a historical drama). 3 more episodes for the season. It's not a mini-series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'canes2004 Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 I hate that they killed off his buddy. I really liked his character and how he and Spartacus interacted. On a positive note the scene of that hot blonde standing on the steps of the tub getting ready to give that kid the best/worst birthday gift ever, over shadowed everything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tosberg34 Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 I hate that they killed off his buddy. I really liked his character and how he and Spartacus interacted. On a positive note the scene of that hot blonde standing on the steps of the tub getting ready to give that kid the best/worst birthday gift ever, over shadowed everything else. I don't know how you can be married or even have a significant other and be an actor/actress in a series like this. To say "it's only a job" is ignoring the huge elephant in the room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 I don't know how you can be married or even have a significant other and be an actor/actress in a series like this. To say "it's only a job" is ignoring the huge elephant in the room. They're not really boning...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 They're not really boning...... Yeah, but I don't think my little friend would be able to be that professional while "acting". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 Yeah, but I don't think my little friend would be able to be that professional while "acting". You'd have to tape that thing to my leg other wise I'd be revisiting my early HS years with some serious dry humping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tosberg34 Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 (edited) They're not really boning...... MAYBE not in all instances, but there have been reports of Actors/Actresses doin' it for real on camera (Hayden Christenson/Sienna Miller in 'Factory Girl', Mickey Rourke/Carrie Otis on 'Wild Orchid'). Besides, you're still kissing, rubbing and feeling against each others naked bodies. IMO that still would be tough for anyone (significant other) to handle. Edited April 5, 2010 by tosberg34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
posty Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/en...sand-starz.html It's hard to say what's more impressive about the Season 1 finale of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" (9 p.m. Central Friday, Starz) -- the hour itself, which is an enormously enjoyable roller-coaster ride, or the way it artfully combines everything "Spartacus" does well. To give away even a scrap of what happens to the gladiator Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) and his wealthy owners, Batiatus (John Hannah) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) would be to ruin the finale's well-designed twists and turns. Suffice to say it left a lasting impression and will no doubt remain one of my favorite TV episodes of the year. For those who dismissed the show as a sex-obsessed "300" ripoff, think again. "Spartacus" turned out to be so much more than that, especially when it kicked into high gear midway through Season 1. Over the course of 13 hours, and especially in several well-paced recent episodes, this swords-and-togas saga became downright addictive, in part due to its distinctive dialogue, which mixes Shakespearean flourishes with "Sopranos"-esque profanity. Sure, there are a lot of hot bodies on display (and yes, that's part of the appeal). But in the unsentimental world the show depicts, everyone is a piece of meat. Every person, rich or poor, is scrambling to get ahead or to simply survive, and the viciousness of the gladiator arena is more than matched by Lucretia's machinations in her villa. The way that she ensnared a snobby Roman noblewoman, Ilithia (Viva Bianca) and made Ilithia do her bidding was a thing of soapy deliciousness. Let's face it, many of the most worthy dramas on TV are work at times. They're usually worth the effort, mind you, but it's great to have shows that work dramatically yet allow you to enjoy yourself to a perhaps unhealthy degree. Like "True Blood," "Spartacus" is a sexy, sometimes outrageous show that enjoys keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. But the second half of "Spartacus'" debut season has shown an admirable sense of rigor (which is sometimes missing from the messier "True Blood"). The forward movement of the story has felt inexorable; as Spartacus' rage at his master grew and as Batiatus rose in society, a wonderful sense of foreboding enveloped the proceedings. Head writer Steven S. DeKnight is clearly unafraid to take risks with the characters, which gives most story arcs an enjoyable tension. In Batiatus' villa and ludus (gladiator school), anything can happen, but every development feels earned. And for all its soapy scheming "Spartacus" rarely strays into camp (except in the gladiator ring; it's hard not to view all that slo-mo spurting blood as comic relief, whether that's the intention or not). One of the pleasant surprises of the seasons was how much the fate of Doctore (the great Peter Mensah) and even Crixus (Manu Bennett) came to matter. Most importantly, as Spartacus, Whitfield displayed an increasingly impressive range and charisma. Yet from the first episode, Hannah has simply owned this show. Batiatus may be a ruthless schemer, but getting ahead in Roman society apparently required the relentlessness of a shark. Around the middle of the season, I feared Batiatus and Lucretia were becoming a little too one-dimensional, but that was a passing concern, and in any case, Hannah and Lawless' skillful portrayal of ambition (and their deadpan way with a joke) always held my interest. These actors are about as well-matched as could be, and their facility with the show's intricate language is one of its many small pleasures. There were times that "Spartacus'" limitations became apparent: One cramped street was meant to stand in for the entire town of Capua, some of the supporting actors weren't as skilled as the main cast and the violence in the arena was rather repetitive (how many different ways can blood spurt from a body? Not that many). More comic relief: Women in the stands at gladiator matches and in Batiatus' villa were often topless, which, historically accurate or not, struck me as almost amusingly excessive. It may be worth noting that the last few episodes, which have been light on the sexcapades, have been among the best of the series. I'm not advocating for a "Spartacus" completely devoid of oiled bodies, but the show has confidently begun to rely on its many other strengths. And the limitations imposed by the budget eventually stopped mattering much, because the show found ways to work around them, and the more intensely the writers delved into this brutal, decadent, ferocious world and its characters, the more interesting "Spartacus" became. The wait for Season 2 of this show is going to seem long indeed. Speaking of that second season, which Starz has already ordered, production is on hold due to Whitfield's ongoing treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Starz is considering various options regarding how to proceed (for more on that, see this "Spartacus" story) but it's clear that, thanks to Whitfield, the rest of the cast and this show's bold creative team, Starz has the makings of a cult hit on its hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
posty Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/...oody_good_time/ ‘Spartacus’ season finale is a bloody good time SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND: B+ The season finale of “Spartacus” makes everything that came before it seem like a Disney film. “Bambi,” maybe. For those who think they can’t be surprised by “Spartacus’ ” savage swordplay, all I can say (without the jaw-dropping expletives): You ain’t seen nothing yet. Tonight’s hour “Kill Them All” (nothing like truth in advertising) opens with the long-awaited grudge match between Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) and Crixus (Manu Bennett), the only man to best Spartacus in battle. To be clear, this is not the main event, even if much of the hour’s mid-battle flashbacks would have you believe so. It is merely the warm-up for carnage the likes not seen before on premium cable. No, this show is not for everyone. On “Spartacus,” the violence and sexuality are necessary staples to the serialized story. To creator Steven S. DeKnight’s credit, he’s struck a balance between depicting the carnage and the fetishizing that marred early episodes. Batiatus (John Hannah) and his wife Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) finally have the patronage they so desire, but then there’s nothing like a little blackmail among matrons. Lucretia has Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) literally reading from a script, though not for long. What better way to celebrate their new social status than with a gala marked with a death match between Spartacus - “slayer of the shadow of death” - and Crixus, the fallen champion almost everyone wants dead. Everyone except Spartacus, who realizes his one-time foe is key to getting revenge for the murder of Spartacus’ wife. Crixus, however, will not join Spartacus’ cause, believing he must win his freedom to recover his beloved Naevia. He tells Spartacus, “You know, that in another life, you and I may have been as brothers. But not in this one.” Their give-and-take as dozens of guests watch from the villa balcony is impressive, if expected. Wait for the single fingertap on a shield. That’s when unholy hell breaks. New alliances are forged in blood, scores are settled, and innocents and the guilty alike die horribly. Starz renewed “Spartacus” for a second season even before its January debut. The premium cable channel’s faith seems well served. As this episode makes certain, most of the cast won’t be needed again. As to when the show will return is unclear: star Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is undergoing treatment. While the script gives little leeway for Whitfield, who is locked into the role of rebellion leader, Lawless and the under-rated Bennett sizzle. Lawless manages to appear desperate, venal and vindictive all in the same breath as she tries to win back the slave who impregnated her. Bennett makes an interesting acting choice - melancholy - to underscore his character’s ultimately murderous rage. Disgusted by the massacre that follows, gladiator trainer Doctore (Peter Mensah), “Is this not enough? How many more must die?” Spartacus’ reply? “Blood demands blood.” It fills a pool tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seattle LawDawg Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 Just watched the finale. Needed more blood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 I just watched the finale..... ....wow.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 Not on till later tonight. Will prob be able to watch it tonight, if not tomorrow afternoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 Not on till later tonight. Will prob be able to watch it tonight, if not tomorrow afternoon. are you saying you can't watch it until then or that it's not available until then?... I just found at last week that apparently this show airs at noon or 1pm......I always thought it aired at 10pm for the 1st time... I got home from work early today and it was already On Demand for me with Comcast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Just watched the finale. Needed more blood. I just watched the finale..... ....wow.... Holy moly...what a finale!!! I'm all pumped now and want to go out and start a coup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefjay Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Holy moly...what a finale!!! I'm all pumped now and want to go out and start a coup. I'm looking forward to the finale, plan on watching it tonight, hopefully they didn't kill off too many good characters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Very good finale. I'm interested to see where they go with Season 2, guessing we'll see a few new sets and locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 I'm looking forward to the finale, plan on watching it tonight, hopefully they didn't kill off too many good characters. Oh dear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
posty Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Just watched the finale... Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 also, in case anyone didn't know... the lead character in Spartacus has cancer, but he apparently has it under control... so I don't know if that would affect the shooting of a season 2 or not... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 also, in case anyone didn't know... the lead character in Spartacus has cancer, but he apparently has it under control... so I don't know if that would affect the shooting of a season 2 or not... There's no way season 2 would have as many boobs in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Starz Moving Forward with Second Season of Spartacus, "Very Confident" in RecastingBy Natalie Abrams Fri Jan 7, 4:20 PM PST Share retweet Spartacus: Blood and Sand will return. "We are officially going ahead with the long-planned, but unfortunately delayed second season of Spartacus," Starz President Chris Albrecht announced at Friday's Television Critics Association's winter preview sessions. Spartacus star Andy Whitfield leaves show after cancer recurrence Production on the series was halted in March after series star Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After his cancer resurfaced, Whitfield was forced to drop out to resume aggressive treatment. Albrecht says the network is "very confident" that its near the end of its search for someone to fill his role as Spartacus, the legendary gladiator who leads a revolt against Rome. "We will never be able to truly replace Andy Whitfield... He is very supportive of the efforts to recast this role." Despite the initial uncertainty over whether Whitfield would return or not, series producers say the Season 2 storyline they had planned will not change. "Nothing good came from losing Andy," executive producer Rob Tapert says. "If there's any upside to Andy's illness it's that we're better prepared to support the new Spartacus when he comes into the role in what will be a very epic Season 2. [it's] a story that takes place no longer in the ludus, and is really the story that you normally associate with Spartacus. It's a different world and a different set of shoes to fill." Before the series returns, Starz will premiere the prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which takes place five years prior to the events in the original series. "It's a rare pleasure that never happens, when you get to go back and fill in the blanks and actually find out more about your own character," Lucy Lawless says. Lawless, who plays Lucretia, wife to Batiatus (John Hannah), says we'll actually see her character as a devoted wife. "You get to see our characters when they're in the honeymoon phase of their lives," she says of the couple, whose fates were left uncertain at the end of Season 1. Producers did note that despite a dagger in the belly, Lawless' character will be back in Season 2, but don't expect the same for Hannah unless Batiatus has a twin. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena will premiere Friday, Jan. 21 on Starz. Stinks losing Andy, and I wish him the best in his treatments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seattle LawDawg Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 (edited) Did anyone catch the 1st episode of the prequel season? If you liked "Blood & Sand", I don't think "Past Transgressions" will disappoint. Lots of blood, lots of boobs, lots of familiar characters. Edited January 25, 2011 by Seattle LawDawg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Caught a few minutes of it. Had that annoying chick from Dexter in it so I turned it off. I'll give it a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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