HOW many F-bombs can a scriptwriter drop? I have a fair idea after watching the second episode of Spartacus: Blood And Sand on Bravo.
This show is a must for anyone who thinks that Caligula could have done with a bit of CGI.
The gladiator drama is littered with swearing, nudity, decapitated limbs and plenty of other gruesome stuff to keep its target audience happy.
Anglesey-born actor Andy Whitfield stars as a Roman soldier cast into the violent world of the gladiator after he rebels against his general in the show, produced by Evil Dead and Spiderman director Sam Raimi.
Whitfield certainly has the look of an action hero and portrays Spartacus confusion at his situation well.
His character is far from a traditional hero who, after seeing his former general Glaber, unleashes a brutal beating on a fellow slave during a training session.
The problem with this is that although the violence was caused by Glaber kidnapping his wife, Sura, I did not really care if our hero ever found his blushing bride.
John Hannah is reliable enough as Spartacus’ owner Battius. Lucy Lawless, while beautiful and able as ever, does not seem to have much to do as Battius’ wife Lucretia.
Hopefully this will change as the series progresses.
None of the gladiators really stands out. The main warriors are huge but are about as threatening as a smurf on crutches.
The show’s highly stylised visuals are certainly impressive but it seems that the characters run live in computer game world that makes all the blood and gore seem trivial.
There is plenty to like about Spartacus: Blood and Sand - the ambition shown throughout the episode was refreshing in a world of anaemic reality shows and talent contests.
It also shows the pointless brutality of the Roman empire while Hannah and Lawless have the makings of a good double act.
Overall, I get the feeling that Spartacus is a show that is worth sticking with.
Catch Spartacus every Tuesday and Sunday at 10pm on Bravo.