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Never in my life have I witnessed such a display of nudity, hardcore sex, and violence on a television show - escept perhaps on Jerry Springer. And never have I ever enjoyed watching it so much. Not in the way that you might think. But I appreciate it for it's almost acceptable appearance amidst the clever, innovative, and - I'm going to say it - inspired plots.

The character mix presents a host of despicable, heroic, and vulnerable personalities - ranging from the silent and little portrayed Selonius, to the full-frontal Krixus. Every character has his or her own internal battle of the mind as he or she stuggles to either find their place in society, or find their way out of it.

However, the fairly repetetive fight scenes and the Zach Snyder-esque blood splatters that have come to more than occassionally adorn my laptop's screen, are beginning to get a little old. And I'm only up to half-way through episode 7 of the first season. The way it's envisioned and directed though - right down to the view from the bottom of a cliff as Spartacus flings a rapist off the edge and the explosion of red as he hits the rocks below -  is second to none.

Andy Whitfield's acting and physical prowess, along with all of the rest of the actors, is impressive and a feat worthy of praise. It is an upsetting tragedy that he died at such a young age and was cut short from creating more of as great a show as this, as well as moving to other, potentially even greater projects.

As is, I bow down to most every element of Spartacus Blood and Sand. I would say, however, that it could do with three or four fewer naked men, but... I suppose if you're trying to fully represent the internal runnings of a Ludus in the Roman Empire, this is a must. I'd watch an episode to see what you think if I were you.