News, Updates.

Andy Whitfield died yesterday after a battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma. This is incredibly sad; not just because he was so remarkable in his role in the television show Spartacus or that he was very young, but because cancer is just awful. I'll take a page from my favorite little Twilight Zone freak, Anthony Fremont's book and WISH CANCER INTO THE CORNFIELD. I hate it.



Secondly, I'll be doing a little Spartacus re-watch as a tribute to Andy very soon. Before I get to it, I have 5 more films left of your recommendations, it's been extremely slow going without a computer, but it will happen. I swear I've been reading the same Henry James book of short stories in the bath for the last three months, but you know, better late than never, I guess.

Looking good, Stackhouse.

True Blood ended last night; I think it needed to because if it got any more ridiculous I may have just cancelled HBO. You know things are pretty bad when JASON STACKHOUSE has been given the best story line, but I liked what happened with the vamps for the most part and wish there would have been more of just them, being vampy. Best scene by far was when Bill and Eric, uh, reacted to Nan's little using-Sookie-as-blackmail business, I was like, FINALLY! Heads off, 1, 2, 3, and Nan staked on the ground in a slippery mess (unfortunately no jar was available). Speaking of Talbot, the resurrection of Russell Edgington? Hell YES! Get that old Kraut up and kicking again! (I can say Kraut because I am one; he called Sookie a bitch in German last season so I'm guessing he's one, too). Anyway, the more vampires, the better.

For fall television, there are actually quite a few shows on my roster---Dexter, of course, Pan Am, Person of Interest (Hello, Ben Linus), and maybe the most exciting, American Horror Story, starting in October. Have you seen the ads for it? Nice leather suit creep in the red room! Between this and Insidious (back in March) I'll never be able to sleep with the lights off, again. And if I ever get time, I need to catch up on Mad Men and start Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, and The Killing.

Damn. 

Spartacus Finale, Oscars, Contest Winner.

I'll miss you, G.

1. Gods of the Arena Finale:

Congratulations, cast, crew, and creators of Spartacus, GOTA, your prequel was every bit as enjoyable as Blood and Sand, and the finale one of the best things all winter. I won't spoil anything about the ending, but really, I didn't see that one coming at all. Swoon, Gannicus (Dustin Clare). You're no Andy Whitfield, but you're something else, and you done good, son.

Oenomaus and Crixus? Looking forward to seeing you in 2012. And for the record, I loved the scenes in the finale when Lucretia first mentions shaving his beard and cutting his hair, then moments later just before the final battle, "CRIXUS! YOU'RE FIRST!" and we get a delicious look at the results . . . (!) Nicely done.


2. The Oscars.

As many of you probably already know, nothing pains me more than having to be a Debby Downer, (!) but was last night's award ceremony some sort of experiment in an Intro to Writing Awards Show class or something? Jeeeeesus Christ (as my old man used to say), would it kill you to hire an actual writer for something this major, or maybe some *experienced emcees?* I think Anne Hathaway was actually really trying quite hard, so, you know, good job there, but she and James Franco were horribly dull, not funny, and annoying all at once. Who wrote those intros? They were awful. If I were an emcee I would have complained. "We are fortunate to be able to breathe the same air as our next guest?" (! ! ! !) I doubt you'd come across anything that cheesy in a Stephanie Meyer novel! Those vignettes (opening segment where James and Anne are inserted into each Best Picture nominee, the auto-tune shit? The final Best Picture montage)---I've seen student films that had more talent and know-how.

What an enormous boner-kill. But congratulations to the winners, not only for nabbing the awards but for surviving that despicable program. Boo.

3. Oscar Fun Contest Winner: Elyssa Castillo, who correctly predicted *all* winners! (My husband also predicted all winners, but Elyssa submitted her answers first, so the prize is hers). Nice Job! I'm thinking of another contest for Mafia March, coming up, so stay tuned!!!!

Now There's a GLADIATOR!

Spartacus, Gods of the Arena: PAST TRANSGRESSIONS


I'll say. This was amazing; an extremely visceral episode. The blood. The urine. The whips. The opium! What an opening!

Newcomers cast:
Dustin Claire as Gannicus
Jaime Murray (Lila from Dexter) as Gaia
I can't find proof of it yet, but I think Jango Fett is playing the Doctore. . .

Well done. A reckless, boozing, womanizing, bad boy for a champion is kind of fun; his resemblance to Colin Farrell doesn't hurt things in the least. And though I long for even a promise of Andy Whitfield down the road, seeing the history of the characters' relationships before Spartacus's time, even in this one episode, was awesome. Talk about the tables turning! Ashur WAS a Gladiator. Crixus! A meek slave! Batiatus, pissed on in the street! And that magistrate? He's a slippery snake, he is. Sex was *wild,* even by last season's standards. Wow.

I'll be tuning in next Friday.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

I really can't tell you how much I dug this show, or how excited I am for the upcoming season, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena that starts January 22 on Starz. I highly, highly recommend it but again, just to be clear, really make sure the kids are in bed. I don't think I've ever seen so much blood. Or sex.

If you haven't had the chance to check it out yet, I'll do you a favor and help you familiarize yourself with some of the characters and goings-on in fair Capua, where our story takes place. Since social networking is most everyone's primary means of communication, I've taken the liberty of creating little faux-facebook bios for each of the characters; there are a few spoilers.

SPARTACUS.
allegiance: House of Batiatus.
position: Gladiator, Champion of Capua.
relationship status: widowed.
known to say: "Kill them All."


CRIXUS.
allegiance: House of Batiatus.
position: Gladiator, former Champion of Capua.
relationship status: complicated. Ties to Lucretia Batiatus, Naevia.
known to say: "There is no greater thing than standing victorious in the arena."



VARRO.
allegiance: House of Batiatus.
position: Gladiator, willingly enslaved for repayment of debts.
relationship status: married to Aurelia, one son.
known to say: "the odds do not favor you."

DOCTORE.
allegiance: House of Batiatus.
position: Trainer of Gladiators.
relationship status: unknown.
known to say: "What is beneath your feet?"

BATIATUS.
also known as Quintus, Dominus, Lentulus.
position: Lanista, trainer and trader of Gladiators; head of the ludus and House of Batiatus. Proclaims position often and loudly.
relationship status: married to Lucretia, relations with many slaves.
known to say: "DO NOT #*&$ing SPEAK!"




ASHUR.
allegiance: highest bidder.
position: former Gladiator, wounded. Batiatus's messenger.
relationship status: procures Naevia, Lucretia's slave and love of Crixus.
known to say: "Whatever you need, Ashur provides."





LUCRETIA.
allegiance: House of Batiatus.
position: Lady of House of Batiatus, Domina
relationship status: married to Quintus, forces relationship with Crixus.
known to say: "A fact known well to many women," about not every venture ending in climax.



ILITHYIA.
allegiance: Legatus Claudius Glaber (husband), Senator Albinius (father).
position: Friend of Lucretia, antagonist to Spartacus who is enemy of her husband.
known to say: "The Gods yet ignore us!"

These were the main characters, but there are many more of interest. The show, while being well cast and well acted is also well driven. Some of the very best scenes are the ones that show the passing of time, done by Spartacus running endlessly against a changing background into different lands or the repeated cracking of the Doctore's whip with the blazing sun at his back, happening day after day. The music, original done by Joseph LoDuca, is brilliant. Tender in parts, ethnic in others, and METAL IN THE ARENA? Nice. Fight scenes, blood, slow motion, and choreography are all really, really good.

I needed this in my winter. Best wishes and prayers to Andy Whitfield, (Spartacus); my wish is that you and every other person that battles cancer can send it to the underworld.