Can someone kill Tiberius already? Please?
This week’s Spartacus is not for the faint of heart. Not that any episode is, but this one in particular had its moments. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Crassus’ former slave Kore, now living among the rebels, assists a woman in childbirth, and she makes the mistake of mentioning her dominus. Seeing the mark on her arm after she lies about the name, Spartacus learns that Kore fled from none other than Marcus Crassus himself. Fearing another spy in their midst, he threatens her, but Laeta helps to calm his anger.
And, for the millionth time, Crixus and Spartacus disagree. The Undefeated Gaul decides to part ways from Spartacus, and the ever-loyal Agron surprisingly decides to join him. He bids farewell to Nasir, thinking that by doing so will save his lover’s life.
While some couples break apart, others form. Gannicus and Sibyl flirt and smile as Saxa looks on. She swears to Gannicus that he will return to her bed after he’s done with “little thing.” I strongly suspect one if not both of the women will die by season’s end. Sibyl has the most disadvantage, however, since I don’t think she can even wield a sword. She’s the polar opposite of strong and confident Saxa. I really hope Gannicus doesn’t die, though. Someone should be left standing, and I keep hearing that Spartacus will not be that person.
Spartacus and Laeta, after some witty banter, finally give in to their passion. This is not the coupling of two lovers, but both have been through so much and decide to take comfort in each other’s arms.
Meanwhile, in the Roman camp . . .
Tiberius seems to be enjoying being a leader a little too much. And Caesar, stupidly, reveals to him that he knows what he did to Kore. In retaliation, Tiberius has his men hold Caesar down while he rapes him. Tiberius is establishing a pattern, and it’s clear we’re supposed to really dislike him. Hopefully this means a gloriously gory death for the brat.
Crixus gives a rousing speech as his splintered group prepares to take on Rome. They send fiery boulders down the hill into the soldiers, bringing to mind Indiana Jones. For a time, it looks like they may win, but they are outnumbered, and Crassus is on the battlefield.
Agron falls. Crixus aims for Crassus, but the Gaul’s armor gets knocked off. He next battles with Caesar, and Tiberius drives a spear through him. Injured, his army in tatters, he is brought to his knees before the enemy.
And then they behead him in front of Naevia, as she stares helplessly at her love, a sword held against her throat.
Though the gruesome moment isn’t shown in full detail, we see a reflection of his head removed from his body in an extreme closeup of Naevia’s eye. It helps diminish the impact of his death some without avoiding the finality of it. No question remains that Crixus has fallen.
We are almost at the end of Spartacus’ saga, and no doubt we are heading towards a faceoff between Spartacus and Crassus. Will anyone survive to the finale? Only the gods know.