In tonight’s episode of “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,” Batiatus conjures up a devious plan and enlists Lucretia, Gaia and a clutch of gladiator recruits to see it through. Oenomaus longs to reclaim the top gladiator rank, but new challenges cross his path. USA – 2011 – TVMA
“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” is a Starz television mini-series and prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which premiered January 21, 2011. The series follows the character Gannicus (Dustin Clare), the first gladiator to become Champion of Capua. Cast members and characters being reprised from the original series include Lucy Lawless as Lucretia, John Hannah as Batiatus, Peter Mensah as Oenomaus (rebel slave), and Manu Bennett as Crixus. Andy Whitfield will make a brief appearance as Spartacus.
The mini-series features the bloody history of the House of Batiatus and the city of Capua before the arrival of Spartacus. Quintus Lentulus Batiatus becomes a lanista (manager) when he takes over his father’s ludus of gladiators. He has ambitions of stepping out of his father’s shadow by seeking recognition of his own name and achieving greatness for his house. By his side stands his beautiful wife Lucretia who will help her husband achieve his goal no matter what the cost. Batiatus puts all his fortunes on the man who will gain him fame and glory, his best gladiator, the Celt, Gannicus, a skilled warrior who uses his swords in the arena as if it were his last day alive. However, there are those who oppose Batiatus and his future champion of Capua and will plot against them only to see them fail.