The final episode of Spartacus: War of the Damned ended Spartacus, one of the most successful serial-tv of the last years. After three regular seasons, the modern tale of the Thracian slave who dared challenging the mighty Roman Republic, finds its conclusion.
It is doubtless that this tv-series, produced by Starz, left its distinctive mark in the small-tube productions of the new millennium. The union between the charm of the Ancient Roman world (already tasted in Ridley Scott's Gladiator) and the pulp/super-violent/sexually explicit style of Frank Miller's 300, has produced a totally new perspective on the historic events of the Third Servile War, which already fascinated Stanley Kubrick back in the 1960.
Personally speaking, I remained amazed by the first season: its fascinating script and the spectacular fights made me crave for more and more "blood and sand"! However, I did also notice the qualitative decline of the last two seasons, Vengeance and War of the Damned.
Now, after having witnessed the final battle between Spartacus and Marcus Craxus, I feel the need to share with you readers my opinions about the final season. Is it really worth to watch its 10 episodes, already knowing that Spartacus is doomed to die?
Six months after the victory against Glaber's (relatively weak) troops, Spartacus' following consists of thousands and thousands of people. Not only gladiators, but also domestic slaves, women, and children who advocate for freedom, far from Rome's grasp. The Thracian is now seen as a divinity, and his deeds are legendary. In order to give shelter to all these people, Spartacus, Crixus and Gannicus conquer the fortified city of Sinuessa.
As the days go by, tensions among the rebels in Sinuessa increase because of hunger and intestine fights. Eventually Craxus succeeds in recapturing the city, but, once again, Spartacus is able to slip away from Rome's claws. Also, the former gladiator is able to lead his people to the cold Melia ridge. Because of the rigid weather and the Romans' attacks, their destiny seems doomed and their lives close to an end, but a bold action inverts the roles of Romans and slaves.
For the first time after the beginning of the rebellion, Crixus and Spartacus take different paths. Crixus and his followers dream to have a glorious death upon the battle field. Victory after victory they are able to get close to Rome, but eventually the undefeated Gaul loses the most important battle....and his head, too! Spartacus leads thousands of ex-slaves towards the Alps, where he believes they will be far from Rome's sight and might live free and in peace. (You could not be more wrong, Thracian!)
Sadly, on a quality level, Spartacus: War of the Damned is way poorer than the two previous seasons (Blood and Sand and Gods of the Arena). However, thanks to a more coherent narrative style and a much "cooler" villain, this series is still better than many others, more acclaimed productions out there. The writers have stressed the presence of cruel fights, especially focusing on the special effects to realize the two huge armies and, for the joy of many youngsters, they loaded this final season with tons of sex scenes! (It is so much that sometimes if looks quite grotesque...).
Maybe the biggest mistake I noticed is that they focused too much on the gladiators' personal past stories, therefore forgetting that these muscle men had a population of thousands and thousands of needy, scared people who probably went through even harsher experiences. Long story short story, the main characters are way too egotistical and the writers recall their past in a very redundant way.
The cast of actors reaffirms its talent, especially with Dan Feuerriegel (Agron) and Todd Lasance (Caesar). The villain Marcus Craxus totally deserves two thumbs up. He is many things: astute imperator, loving father, ruthless dominus and untamed fighter. It is remarkable how his character stands up in time of just one season.
The rhythm of Spartacus: War of the Damned decreases considerably in the central episodes of the season, and it cheers up only at the end of the eight episode.
I found the grand finale really impressive, and even though we all already know Spartacus dies, we still remain breathless until the last minute.
If you, like me, have followed Spartacus' deeds so far, you will not regret of watching Spartacus: War of the Damned and see how the story ends!
PS: Sorry if I write this only at the end of the article, but being born and raised in Rome, I could not cheer for anyone but Julius Caesar! :)
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