The episode started with a little bloodshed. Batiatus (John Hannah) continued to find favour in the Gods and in men as he not only watched his former champion, Crixus (Manu Bennett), successful again, but also saw his enemy Solonius (Craig Walsh Wrightson) executed by Spartacus (Andy Whitfield). Solonius fought and died well, and his last moments were sweet as he saw the champion of his enemy promise that Batiatus' favour was coming to an end.
There was a whole lot of plotting going on this episode, too, but, while most of it was initially successful, there were aspects that the plotters did not take into consideration.
Ashur (Nick Tarabay)'s manipulations are finally coming to fruition. Not only did he get Naevia (Lesley-Ann Brandt), but with her his long awaited revenge over Crixus. And though Naevia had her hair cut off and is being removed from the ludus and Crixus was badly whipped for his offenses, the events force Naevia to reveal to Doctore (Peter Mensah) what actually happened to Barca. The anger over that news will not only soon be felt by Ashur, but by Batiatus as well.
Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) was even less successful. Although she had her husband wrapped around her finger, planning a proper betrayal of Batiatus and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless), she had not anticipated that they had insurance. When Glaber (Craig Parker) refused Batiatus patronage, the latter produced the hand of Licinia, whom Ilithyia had murdered. Of course, getting in bed with that much hatred is not a great idea, but Batiatus clearly does not shrink from his goals. The only concern was whether or not Glaber would believe his wife capable of the act. Perhaps he thought no one would reveal such information without it being true, or perhaps her earlier comments about the lewd behaviours that likely got Licinia killed, forced him to believe the horror. And poor Ilithyia was left behind.
Spartacus' plotting will come into play next week. This week the presence of his best friend's wife prevented him from doing anything too stupid and getting himself and the rest of the slaves in the house killed. Good thing. With the latest events, Crixus will be more likely to side with him, and Doctore now also has doubts about the faith of his master. There will be lots and lots of blood on the sands.
And that is the debate. Who will die next week? I suspect Ilithyia, Batiatus, and Ashur will all fall, but I think that Lucretia may live. I'm not sure about what place she might have in next season, but losing her would be very very sad. And now that she is pregnant...well, Aurelia (Brooke Williams) did get rid of her baby, so the writers aren't afraid of killing babies...but what was the point of getting her pregnant if she is only to die next week? We shall have to see.
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