Spartacus: War of the Damned Forums

Please post your opinions/comments/discussion topics on episode 6 "Spoils of War" to air on March 8th here.

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Thank you

(As per usual, I'll open a discussion thread for every new episode every Thursday and keep it locked until Friday. Past experience shows that comments posted before the episode airs tend to spoil the episode for spoiler free people and also, episode discussion threads that are opened days before their airing date tend to end up buried and reopened by different users which leads to confusion and clutter. Any comments regarding this episode should be done in the Spoilers thread until the episode has aired. Thank you.)

RIP Donar

I don't know that Agron and Saxa will be all that distressed. I'm not saying that they weren't close, but I don't think Donar held such meaning as Nasir and Gannicus respectively. I actually was quite surprised that he survived the initial fight, I thought for sure that he had taken a fatal wound. To see that he made it all the way to a fight with Caesar and eventually took his own life was impressive, especially with that wound. If not for that wound he would have bested Caesar easily.

You're right about Donar's death being the most meaningful yet. His character was made fairly dependable and important during the season and to lose him is a definite blow. What's lacking is Sanus' death, I could have used with a head in the hands of Heracleo.

I like Donar and Gannicus' attempt likeable as well, despite it's ultimate failure. I actually credit Spartacus for this entire sequence of events. If not for Sparatcus' mad plans, the appeal to Gannicus and Donar would be virtually non-existant. I think the madness of the plan is actually what drove Gannicus and Donar to accept such a mission or fate. It may be me, but I haven't sensed the tension of love or whatever between Sybil and Gannicus. It may be intended, but I see Sybil in more of an admiration of Gannicus, not so much in love. I do like how Sybil had to get her hands a little dirty, but overall I like how her character remains pure. The battlefield has only enhanced her medical value, this allows her to remain as a pure innocent. Unlike many of the other slaves, as Naevia used to be, Sybil has no real blood on her hands. The war hasn't stained her character and corrupted her sense of being. Sybil represents, to me, the 'hope' of the slave rebellion: that the rebel slaves could actually find a life after this war, if they were to escape it.

I don't think we should be all that surprised of Castus saving Nasir. We've already discussed his infatuation with the 'Syrian Boy', and have proven that he was not directly involved with Heracleo's treachery. I dismiss Spartacus keeping Castus, he kept Laeta and the others before he really had use for them. More because he is just that type of guy rather than saving everyone for future plans. Besides his knowledge of the seas, Castus has little to no use as of yet. His knowledge would be of great use were they able to escape (inevitably) the mountain ridge.

I like that Crassus has had a master plan like Spartacus has so often had. I am actually very impressed with Crassus' character this episode. Not only did he prove his fighting prowess against current warriors (yes he had his Gladiator trainer, but he seemed aged, hence his legendary status), but he proved how great of a general he is. He took command and made sure that Caesar and the others took to his plan in the middle of the war zone. I really like his take the city walls and clear it out afterwards approach. Most of all, I loved that he finally laid eyes upon Spartacus; almost confirming his existence of the man himself. To have such an idle, unlike present day, and never see them is hard to keep, but for Crassus, the man whom he admires so, has been confirmed alive and well. More so, Spartacus' escape (ala Donar's closing the gate and Caesar's destruction of it) proved his adversary worthy of admiration. Crassus spoke a good game of being a true general, and his schemes were greatly planned and executed, but to see that he will in fact jump in and get his hands dirty is worthy of praise. I found him very appealing now because of this episode.

Further, Crassus showed how much of a politician he is. Thus far he has said that he is above manipulation, however he is not above manipulating others. Much like he has done with Spartacus all season, Crassus has now manipulated the senator into furthering his own goals. Yes, Crassus essentially bribed the Senator into doing so, but he clearly knows how to appeal to each man's worth. Caesar was taken by glory and finances, the Senator by a villa, to which he has already taken a liking to. Crassus' only folly has been Tiberius. In fact, his only weakness appears to be boys who are not yet men. He anticipates Spartacus' actions so easily, Senator Metellus' and Laeta without thought, even Heracleo, but an unproven, underdeveloped boy he hasn't seen enough to accurately predict. Caesar he predicts because he is a soldier and 'will follow orders to a T.' Perhaps Tiberius is an issue because he is family, but I credit this issue less so than his son's actions are just too wild and unpredictable. Tiberius is essentially a teenage boy, whose hormones are controlling his every action. He feels anger and acts irrationally, he thinks himself better than he is and as such has taken loss after loss.

Again about Crassus, his using that Carnificina was brilliant. After forcing Tiberius' soldiers into Decimation, he has rewarded those following his strict orders (see above) with embarrassment of their enemy. Crassus has reinforced negatively, and now positively, that he is to be feared and that Spartacus' men are beatable, not to be feared. Crassus has done a great job in humanizing, though he idolizes Spartacus, Spartacus and his men. Crassus men quickly took to arms to attack Gannicus, Sybil, and Laeta, though it was futile, they did not hesitate. Early in the season the Romans were hesitant to engage Naevia alone in the road, now they will engage 3 slaves one of which is baring his sword in hand. Crassus' dealing of Laeta was less about using her and more about using Heracleo. Remember, Heracleo approached Spartacus about Laeta's ownership. Crassus took advantage of the simple requests of a key figure piece, especially to expose Spartacus. I like how Laeta had just approached Caesar about doing what was necessary and resigning herself to its necessity, then was shocked at Crassus' approach and its necessity.

I liked how Caesar took his chance to mock Tiberius. Although I think he was initially goading Tiberius, (Up HIgh, Down Low style) he quickly turned Tiberius' weariness into his own joke as well. I am starting to wonder if Tiberius will be caught by Caesar himself. Caesar was more menacing, IMO, when he was unshaven and shaggy. He seemed too proper when he was revealed to Laeta. Even when fighting Donar he seemed proper and man-like. I did like his rousing of the men though, his speech was a great hint at the power he will surely garnish later in life. I'd be interested in seeing Tiberius being manipulated by Caesar, thus far he has been outwitted but to be clearly manipulated would be make me laugh a bit.

I find it funny to be rooting against Naevia, Laeta, and Tiberius, while rooting for Caesar, Spartacus, and Crassus. Each of these characters have shown such cruelty or poignant disrespect but only the latter group seem to be appealing in doing so. I hate to say it, but I'm kind of looking forward to the death of a 'true rebel slave' just because I think it will be truly glorious like Donar's. I'm afraid that someone will have a disgraceful death, though I'm unsure on who or how.

I just don't see all of the Rebels getting honorable deaths, more so with Nasir, Naevia, and Saxa (as neither had been in the arena to really garner such honor) but I feel like someone is going to get an improper death. Much like the Proximo from Gladiator, a death unfitting the character. To use Lord of the Rings as an example: if Boromir hadn't risen to protect Frodo before his untimely death, he would have had a disgraceful death. Not being able to fight to your nature or a defeat removed from the true fight would be sad to see. Imagine if Gannicus was defeated by the Romans while protecting Sybil in the stables, or if he received a fatal blow rather than Laeta's deadly blow... truly sad wouldn't you agree?

I see your point now, and I agree.

However, very sad as it would have been for Gannicus to die in such a fashion, that computes as honorable to me. At least he would have been fighting the Romans to his last breath even if I'm with you that he deserves a better scenario and much more elevated circumstances on par with his gladiator status.

Nasir, Naevia, and Saxa...anyone really who makes a stand, does their best and dies fighting would be equally honorable to me, regardless of their skills.

What I'd find dishonorable would be something like what Nemetes attempted (assuming he really wanted to see it through), any kind of betrayal to themselves or to the others just to save their own skin.

And what I'd really find disgraceful would be for anyone to be captured and butchered without being allowed the chance to fight back (like Donar claimed for himself), the most recent example being those killed in the carnificina during this episode. I really, really hope we don't get to see anything like that.

I'm hoping as well, but for some reason I see that coming for someone. I agree with Nemetes, he hadn't earned the honor title, though even if he had, he would have lost it as soon as we discovered the Roman woman with Caesar. I just fear someone major will lose their honor. Not necessarily Saxa or Lugo, but more so Nasir, Naevia, Gannicus, Spartacus, or Crixus. It's not realistic, but I do worry that it could happen to someone.

I really hope that you are wrong If it is to happen, I can very well wait until the last episode. I'm gonna cry a river once the show is over anyway.

I think that Naevia's troubles will be short lived, Crixus seems to be close enough to come to the rescue. Not that sure about Spartacus and Crixus disagreements though.

Tiberius is the one checking out the swords, right? It looks like he is up to something indeed. I hope that he doesn't mess up too badly and ends up ruining Crassus' trap on Spartacus.

Now in this video Steven DeKnight says that Gannicus decides to stay in Sinuessa and distract the Romans because of his reckless nature but that he also has a deeper reason and that's Sibyl. I never saw it that way, how could he know that she hadn't left the city already? Actually, when she comes out of hiding he is very surprised plus he isn't seen looking for her at all. I agree that he wants to help the innocent people get away from the city, but the Sibyl factor doesn't translate in the way that Steven explains it. I guess it was some unfortunate editing of the interview.