played spartacus with a little more vulnerability. but that was also before spartacus led a slave revolt and was thrust into a de facto position as a leader of a group of men. so a change in attitude would be expected.

after blood & sand and gods of the arena, i have no reason to expect that this season would be worse. first couple eps have to set up the conflicts and the new players. batiatus was a great foil, but this show has done a great job with its villians.

also, what are the odds illythia is carrying baby spartacus? my timeline of the show is a little off.