Writers engage in plot warfare

"Spartacus: Blood and Sand"

One of the most difficult things in the world is to compare a prequel to its follow up. But, since creating prequels has become popular in this day and age, the job has to be done. In the case of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" and "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena", I feel Blood and Sand takes the cake, but not by much.

The only reason the original trumps the prequel is because of who the main plot follows. In "Blood and Sand," the audience has the tragic hero of Spartacus, effectively played by Andy Whitfield. In "Gods of the Arena", the story is set around "Blood and Sand" villain Batiatus, played by John Hannah. Both actors do a tremendous job in their respective roles, but the reality is that watching the development of a hero is always more interesting than that of the villain.

Audiences were on the edge of their seat to see how Spartacus would react to Batiatus' actions. That sort of excitement and emotion was just not there in the prequel. Sure, "Gods of the Arena" was teeming with sex, blood and intrigue, but there just wasn't the spark. I just didn't feel the same lust for more. When "Blood and Sand" ended, I was left wanting more. I wanted to know what happened next; I yearned to see how Spartacus was going to keep his word and make Rome tremble.

Maybe that's the point, though. The audience knows what happens next after a prequel, so there isn't much to look forward to. Maybe the idea is to not be better than the future outlined in the predecessor. If that's the case, though, prequels will always be underwhelming. They will always leave audiences wanting.

Although, I found "Blood and Sand" to be a better season, "Gods of the Arena" managed to fan my flames of passion for "Blood and Sand" and reignite my interest in next year's progression of the story.

"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena"

Having watched both the first season of the Starz series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" and the six episode prequel, which was actually produced after "Blood and Sand," "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," I have to say that I enjoyed "Gods of the Arena" more.

It's not that the first season of Spartacus was bad – far from it. But "Gods of the Arena" had certain advantages on its predecessor that it utilized to their fullest potential.

First, "Gods of the Arena" gave us back many of the characters we learned to love (or hate) in "Blood and Sand," such as Batiatus, Lucretia, and Barca, while introducing new characters like the champion Gannicus - Dustin Clare.

Gannicus was a powerful character, and his ultimate redemption at the end of the series was a unique joyful moment in what has become a very dark series. It was also refreshing to go back in time and witness the events that set the "Blood and Sand" plot in motion.

"Gods of the Arena" gave us an in-depth look at the rise of Crixus, Spartacus' nemesis in "Blood and Sand." Crixus is the main character throughout "Gods of the Arena," and this added depth will enhance the second season of "Blood and Sand" as he shares the limelight with Spartacus.

Since "Gods of the Arena" was only six episodes long, the series deftly introduced plot lines and fulfilled them in a relatively short time, which made the series fast-paced. 

"Gods of the Arena" continued the blood, gore, violence and highly sexualized content of the first series, but the most distinctive parts of both seasons are the moments that bring tears to your eyes.  There were plenty of these in "Blood and Sand," and "Gods of the Arena" was no different, particularly when Melitta was accidently poisoned by Lucretia.

While "Blood and Sand" is certainly the longer, more complex series, "Gods of the Arena" is a perfect introduction for new fans and a suitable extension for veteran fans as we wait for the second season of Blood and Sand.