The second full season of Starz’ hit show Spartacus has yet to air its finale, but information is already being released about the characters included in next story arc in the series.
A very familiar name will be a part of the political intrigues, sex, and non-stop action—Julius Caesar. Todd Lasance is the actor cast in what will likely be a very pivotal role. The press release provides the following:
Gaius Julius Caesar is a handsome young rogue from an esteemed lineage. His deadly intelligence and skill with a sword will be brought to bear against the rebellion. And Caesar will begin his ascent towards the all-powerful ruler he will one day become.
Lasance, a native of Australia, most recently appeared in the television movie “The Great Mint Swindle.” He also appeared in the legal drama “Crownies” and the critically acclaimed miniseries “Cloudstreet.”
Simon Merrells is portraying Marcus Crassus, and the following information is provided about his character:
Marcus Licinius Crassus is the richest man in the Roman Republic. Envied and despised by the highborn among the senate, he craves the power and respect that defeating Spartacus and his rebel army would bring.
Merrels’ latest work was in The Wolfman starring Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Anthony Hopkins. He has also appeared in the BBC crime drama “Mersey Beat.”
Only time will tell what the appearance of these characters will mean for Spartacus. Will the show start to feel more like Showtime’s Rome? Will more emphasis be placed upon the politics of the Roman nobility and less on the action of the arena and the gladiators?
I must confess that I am far more interested in the stories of Glaber, Ilythia, Seppia, and Lucretia this season than I am in Gannicus, Crixus, and Spartacus. If the escaped slaves aren’t running through muddy forests, they’re fighting amongst themselves. And that gets a bit repetitive, unless someone’s face gets sliced off and their brain slides easily out of their head. (Note: don’t piss off Spartacus). Just how sharp does a sword have to be to cleanly slice through flesh and skull?
Aside from that display of strength, where are my tough gladiators? The survivors of the blood-soaked sand of the arena? They are sullen and moping, ever in search of a common goal. I’m curious to see how this season will end. Who lives, who dies?
Either way, we already have some exciting new characters to look forward to in the next season.