Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Party Favors, S01E10

Spartacus: Blood and Sand started as a show devoted to sex and violence, a show that was pure candy for those who enjoyed blood and nudity. But every episode since the premiere has given more and more depth to consider.

I knew. I knew from the very beginning of the episode that Party Favors would end with the death of Varro (Jai Courtney). Perhaps it was how the episode started with his success, perhaps because he recovered his wife, or perhaps because he was back on track to making his life right. But regardless of what tipped me off, I certainly had no idea how it was going to happen.

Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) may have lost her mind, seeing the bloody body of the woman she married appear at her feet, but what's left of her senses have only taken a stronger hold to one consuming thought - bringing Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) down. Sane, she took a direct course, only wishing to cause him physical harm, but insane, she has become more clever, taking an indirect route to his destruction.

As the ludus celebrated the birthday of the son of the esteemed Magistrate, Ilithyia put an evil plan into motion. Seducing the young man, she convinced him to request that Spartacus fight Varro, instead of Crixus (Manu Bennett) as originally planned. And she also told him not to grant life to the gladiator who lost. And since Spartacus naturally bested Varro, he was then told to kill him.

Spartacus' hesitation, with tears forming in his eyes, might have been distressing for those looking on, but the choice to take his friend's life...losing his own life would not have been so horrid. Although in many ways, Spartacus can get away with a lot of things most slaves could not because he is a slave, there are still command which he must follow that he will hate.

With only 3 episodes of season 1 left, how will it conclude?