'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena', Episode 4 'Beneath the Mask' Breakdown

Written by Bob Suggs Saturday, 12 February 2011 14:53

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'Spartacus' - 'Beneath the Mask' on Starz'Spartacus' - 'Beneath the Mask' - The house of Batiatus is caught in the power struggle between the younger and elder Batiatus. Last week the show ended with Titus Batiatus (played by Jeffrey Thomas) announcing he will stay until his death.

We know the outcome based on the first season but still, it's fun to see the events unfold and get a little deeper insight into each characters plight. What some will do because they are commanded and others who seek glory, power or an elevation in status.

Opening the episode we are drawn into the arena where life and death are decided in a single blow. Ashur (played by Nick Tarabay) and his friend enter the arena to prove themselves worthy of the mark and as gladiators. His friend quickly dispatches his opponent with deadly precision, but Ashur has not fared as well. Fortunately his friend comes to his rescue and saves him before his opponents axe stakes its claim.

The house of Batiatus is quickly gaining a reputation as a house of pleasure, not a place of gladiators. Showing that Batiatus will do anything to gain favor and advance his cause. It seems that Gaia (played by Jaime Murray) has a way of manipulating Lucretia and others to her desires. Which ultimately leads to her death.

We see Crixus (played by Manu Bennett) in his first gladiator appearance where he battles the lover of Barca (played by Antonio Te Maioha). Following the words of Oenomaus (played by Peter Mensah) Crixus takes the spear away from his opponent which changes the course of the battle and enables a quick decisive victory.

Gannicus (played by Dustin Clare) confesses his true feelings to Melitta (played by Marisa Ramirez) and she says he should forget about such things.

Oenomaus complains to his wife that his men will not listen to him, now that he is Doctore. Passion ignites between them, but she has images in her mind of Gannicus. The next morning Doctore uses his whip for the first time showing that he is to be obeyed not ignored.

Ashure discovers he is needed more as a translator than a Gladiator which ignites resentment toward the friend who saved him in the arena.

Batiatus convinces his father to leve the ludis and during their time away, Lucretia and Gaia prepare for another night as a den of iniquity and carnal delights.

"We dishonor this house" says Doctore to his wife, "We do as commanded", she replies.

Tullius (played by Stephen Lovatt) shows up uninvited and challenges Gannicus to fight in an exhibition of Gladiator skills. Doctore instructs Gannicus to do no harm to Tullius and allow him to win the match. Fortunately for Gannicus he survives with only a few lacerations and a wounded pride.

Gaia, who also crosses Tullius path that evening, is not so lucky.

Lucretia finds Gaia dead and wants vengeance against Tullius, but Titus says "there will be no retaliation" and delivers his own ultimatum to his son, Batiatus, to get rid of Lucretia or leave everything behind and go with her.

With only two episodes remaining we will see how things play out. Like I said in the beginning we know the outcome but the journey is so much fun!

Next Week: Episode 5 - Reckoning
Batiatus’ father announces a tournament to determine the worth of the men that make up his stable of gladiators. Crixus, dedicated to proving himself, is drawn into the power play within the house.

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena' airs 10PM ET Fridays on Starz.

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'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena', Episode 4 'Beneath the Mask' Breakdown
'Spartacus' - 'Beneath the Mask' - The house of Batiatus is caught in the power struggle between the younger and elder Batiatus. Last week the show ended with Titus Batiatus (played by Jeffrey...

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