March 2010 Archives   29 March 2010 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction Ends Today! The 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction is nearing the end. Today is the last day to bid on all the items! Check out the goodies. The auction ends between 5:30-6:30 pm US Pacific Standard Time. - Starship Foundation - Renee O'Connor Outreach Fund - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Crystal Chappell)     28 March 2010 Spartacus E11 Old Wounds Promo Video - SPOILERS Spartacus S1 E11 Old Wounds Spartacus struggles with a fellow gladiator’s death. The Magistrate is declared missing as Batiatus and Numerius begin the search for him. Watch Video Some thoughts on the video - SPOILERS - How incredibly difficult would it be for Sparty to take Varro's body back to his wife? Wow. - Looks like Spartacus is having Sura flashbacks again - The magistrate is going to feel the weight of Batiatus' boot...who is back to being ruthless and not idiotic like the previous episode. - Looks like the guy that is on the other end of Sparty's rage is Ashur (from slowing down the video and watching frame by frame) and Ashur is also going to cop it from Batiatus. I could be wrong and it could be wishful thinking. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Looks like another fantastic episode!     27 March 2010 S1 E10 Party Favors Episode Review - SPOILERS Spartacus Blood and Sand Episode 10 Review By MaryD SPOILERS AHEAD! Episode 10: Party Favors The celebration of Numerius' 15th birthday brings about unexpected consequences as he is given liberty to control gladiators as if they were his own Favourite quote: "You are an ass" - Mira to Spartacus Wow. Batiatus has rocks in his head for allowing a 15 year old to have control of his gladiators! Just when I think the man is smart and ruthless, he does something so stupid, so idiotic. This was one of his idiotic moves. Forcing a man to kill his only friend in the ludus; It's tantamount to signing all their death warrants. Make no mistake...Sparty is going to exact his revenge. I'm going to be cheering when he does. I want to say I want Ilithyia's head. I'm not usually bloodthirsty nor wish any ill towards anyone normally but Illythia is not human. I would love Spartacus to do the honours...in the arena. I'll bring the popcorn. I'm surprised at myself for writing that but this episode made me sad, mad and out for Ilithyia blood. The woman is devoid of any sense of humanity. Her hatred for Spartacus is so beyond reasonable. Sparty didn't even kill her husband and she's on a rampage. Goodness knows what she would have done if he got rid of the Legate. This episode was supposed to make you feel. If you didn't feel anything then check if you have a heart or a pulse. I know Illythia doesn't. Going after a 15 year old boy to achieve her ultimate goal of hurting Spartacus is below par even for Illythia but that's where she ended up. Seducing a 15 year old boy...wow how desperate and utterly devoid of any morals is this woman! I don't blame the kid. Like any 15 year old, he didn't actually care; he got his birthday present a little early. I ADORE Viva Bianca. I'm shocked that I had never seen her in anything before. She's an Aussie and yet has totally bypassed my attention. That's going to be corrected. Viva did an OUTSTANDING job. When a character makes you want to reach out and throttle them, then you know it's one hell of a great character. Kudos to Viva. Away from Varro's death, we had Crixus continue his own hatred for Spartacus and he finally got lucky with Naevia. Naevia is one of my favourite characters and her relationship to Crixus is so beautifully handled. Crixus is still the big dumb gladiator but somehow Naevia mellows him just a little. One can hope that Ashur doesn't squeel like a pig and have them both killed. That voyeur.. is he everywhere? Does he usually spy of couples? Is that his hobby? Barca and Pietros, Crixus and Naevia...doesn't the guy have anything else to do? What a weasel. The ending was heartbreaking. Mira attending to Spartacus as he hurting was just heartbreaking. I think a tissue or two may have been needed after seeing this episode. Beautifully written, wonderfully acted. I will miss Jai Courtney as Varro. He was one of my favourites. I want Ilithyia's head. Make it happen, Spartacus. Rating: 10/10     27 March 2010 Update on Andy from Lucy Lawless The following Q&A is from the recent uinterview.com interview with Lucy about Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Lucy was asked about Andy. Q: Have you had a chance to talk to your Spartacus co-star Andy Whitfield since he was diagnosed with cancer? - Erik Meers A: Yes, he is going strong. He's a bit bored and he's doing a bit of photography work. I think it's going really well. He's doing better than he was last month. You know once the treatment is all under his belt, and he'll be raring to go in September when we start shooting again. Read Full Interview     26 March 2010 S1 E10 Episode Promo Exhibition Match S1E10 – Exhibition Match Ep 110 ‘Party Favors’ Spartacus and Crixus are commanded to spar in exhibition for Numerius birthday celebration Watch Video     23 March 2010 Episode 9 Ratings Climb Back over 1 Million Episode 9 was THE best episode so far and the ratings are back over a million. Stellar performances by everyone. Katrina Law's debut was outstanding and could have easily been overshadowed by the episode stealing Lucy Lawless (don't you just love Mount Lucretia? Whooshka! Mount Vesuvius had nothing on her!) Katrina held her own and wasn't overshadowed by the Lucretia and Illythia fireworks. Spartacus has a group of seriously talented actors and superb writing. I recall writing my review for the second episode and I said that there wasn't a dud actor or character amongst this cast...wish I could predict the Lottery just as well! The whole cast has been an absolute revelation (Lucy being the exception. I've followed her career for 14 years now so it's no big surprise to see her own her character and let rip. Lucy in a group of actors who are just as talented is just manna from heaven. I can't believe this season will end in 4 episodes! By the way is it just me or has Spartacus been a little too docile? Hmm...something to ponder. The following is by tvbythenumbers.com on Spartacus' ratings for Episode 9 "Whore" Spartacus: Blood and Sand climbed back over a million viewers and with 1.109 million viewers saw its season and series highs for viewing. As ever, 18-49 viewing has been consistent with a 0.4 adults 18-49 rating. Date Net Show 18-49 Rating/Share Viewers (Millons) 22-Jan-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .3/1 0.659 29-Jan-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.773 5-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.858 12-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .3/1 0.662 19-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.846 26-Feb-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 1.078 5-Mar-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.974 12-Mar-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 0.875 19-Mar-10 STRZ Spartacus: Blood and Sand .4/1 1.109 Read More     21 March 2010 Episode Recap "Whore" from AfterElton AfterElton has the funniest episode recaps..here is the one for Whore. The episode begins with a mass-sparring session in the ludus. The two hottie German brothers are battling each other, and nearby Spartacus and Blond Favreau are going at it. Attention shippers: the fight ends with Spartacus holding Blondie from behind and whispering, "Your head is mine. How shall I mount it?" I'm just sayin'. Meanwhile, Frenemy #1 from the last episode is checking out a gallery of masks with Lucretia Lawless in the villa. Turns out the masks are to hide her identity when she comes back to the villa to get her freak on with Sparty. It turns out Batty runs a full service ludus. The episode is titled "Whore," and we learn that in addition to fighting in the arena, the gladiators are expected to service noble women who come to the villa. But of course these ladies want anonymity, thus the masks. Read More     21 March 2010 Spartacus Episode 10 Video Promo The celebration of Numerius’ 15th birthday brings about unexpected consequences as he is given liberty to control gladiators as if they were his own Click here to view promo Click here to view Episode Stills     21 March 2010 Spartacus Episode 10 "Party Favors" Episode Stills Added the high resolution episode stills for Spartacus Episode 10 'Party Favors' The celebration of Numerius' 15th birthday brings about unexpected consequences as he is given liberty to control gladiators as if they were his own Click here to view     21 March 2010 Spartacus New York Premiere Report & Pics The BigBoyParty blog has a report about attending the premiere "Sparty party" of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" in New York in January and met Lucy and Andy among others. Lots of nice pictures are attached to his report. click here to view report and pics News submitted by Adi     21 March 2010 Spartacus Premiere Party Report & Pictures This guy attended the premiere "Sparty party" of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" in New York in January and met Lucy and Andy among others. Lots of nice pictures are attached to his report at the GoodBoyParty website Click here to read report and view pics     21 March 2010 Andy Radio Interview 01 March 2010 Andy Whitfield Monday, 01 March 2010 15:37 On today’s show, Mac jumps into the arena with Andy Whitfield, star of the critically-acclaimed original drama on Starz from Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND. This series has already been picked up for a second season and is chock full of legends, bullwhips, naked men and scheming women. Andy gives Mac the business on being thrown into this den of debauchery (as a married man, to boot!), chats about life with Xena, tells us the one actor he would absolutely die to work with and shares his Oscar picks. Enjoy! Listen to the interview here News submitted by Barbara Davies     18 March 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction Update 18 March 2010 hey folks, Just a few more days to go and the auction will begin (22 March) I've just finished adding all the items in both the Starship and ROC OutReach Fund sections. This year I'm doing things just a little bit differently which should make finding things so much easier! I've created categories: 1. CD & DVD 2. Collectables 3. Apparel 4. Photos and Posters 5. Magazines & Books Tomorrow I willl post a list of all items that will be in the auction for both charities. If you haven't registered for the auction, may I suggest you do so if you wish to participate. Register here You can now read the Auction FAQ on how the auction works, how to register, how to pay (when you win) for Starship and for the ROC Outreach Fund. Read Here Enjoy! MaryD     18 March 2010 New Episode Promos for Episode 9 S1E9 Requirements of a Champion Ep 109 'Whore' Spartacus is commanded to lie with the richest woman in Rome. Watch Video   S1E9 Arrangements Are Made Ep 109 'Whore' Lucretia arranges an evening between Spartacus and Licinia (Brooke Harman), cousin of the powerful Marcus Crassus. Watch Video     18 March 2010 Spartacus Screencaptures No More Hi folks, Many years ago the Xenaverse was blessed with Rob Tapert and USA Studio who allowed us to play without hindrance. They allowed screencaptures and artwork, fanfic to flourish. The internet was in it's infancy in regards to fandom. The Xenaverse grew. USA did have some restrictions like selling images etc which was fair and they came down on a few people but left us all to our copyright infringing happiness because we behaved. We are not in Kansas anymore kiddies. Due to the idiocy of some people in posting episodes that haven't been aired, creating artwork from these unaired episodes, etc and giving Starz a jolly good reason to stomp down (as is their right to do so) ALL the fans are now subject to a new ruling that no screencaptures are to be allowed. Now how do you enforce this ruling is beyond me BUT being that Starz has been very kind to AUSXIP and has given me clearance to post episode stills and other media, I have complied with this request. I do not know how Starz will enforce this on the net. IMO it's impossible but that's their decision. So no more screencaptures for any Spartacus episodes. The official episode stills I have been posting will still be available as AUSXIP has been given that clearance. Thanks for your time. MaryD     15 March 2010 Lucy and Andy NZ Herald On Sunday 14 March 2010 TV star diagnosed with cancer - Herald on Sunday article about Andy's cancer and Lucy. Herald on Sunday - 14 March 2010 TV star diagnosed with cancer BRITISH ACTOR Andy Whitfield, 35, who plays the lead in raunchy TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand is undergoing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Production has been delayed on the second series which was due to start filming in Auckland from April 26. Extras casting director Rebecca Rowe sent an email on Wednesday to talent agencies informing them production had Stopped "due to unforeseen circumstances". Rowe said there was a possibility the series will resume later in the year. Whitfield said: "I'm receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me". Meanwhile, Lucy Lawless told Venice magazine last month she's not sure she will he in the second series. "We're in talks tor me to be in the second season - because I wasn't supposed to be. It could all fall apart. I might not be in it; I don't know!" You would think hobby Rob Tapert would have some inside juice. He's the executive producer on the show. But Lawless said the power couple keep their marriage and career separate. "I'm not dealing with [Rob]. My deal is never made with him." Lawless credits moving home for her happiness. "Life got 800 per cent better, at least, when I moved hack to New Zealand... So I went home, and my husband and I are under one roof, my parents live nearby, and all my girlfriends from grade-school. There are a few people I miss here, but in every other way life's just much better. I've got dogs, and chickens coming. And we live right in the city!"     14 March 2010 Spartacus Episode 9 "Whore" Episode Video Preview Spartacus Episode 9 "Whore" Episode Preview Batiatus breaks the news that Spartacus is to service the richest woman in Rome and agrees to perform whatever duties necessary. Special note to Xena fans: Michael Hurst directed this episode. Read MaryD's Episode Preview Watch Episode Promo Video | View Episode Stills     14 March 2010 Spartacus Ep9 Episode Stills Now Online Added high resolution episode stills for the Spartacus Blood and Sand Season 1 Episode 9 "Whore" Batiatus breaks the news that Spartacus is to service the richest woman in Rome - and agrees to perform whatever duties necessary. Click here to view the Episode Stills     10 March 2010 New Spartacus Episode 8 Video Promos S1E8 – Ilithyia Mark of the Brotherhood Episode 108 'Mark of the Brotherhood' Ilithyia contemplates owning a new gladiator recruit as she assesses their qualities. Oh my! Click here to watch   S1E8 – A Lesson from the Champion of Capua Episode 108 ‘Mark of the Brotherhood’ Spartacus makes his point at Crixus expense. Friday, 3/12 at 10pm et/pt on Starz Click here to watch Previously updated episode promo for Spartacus Episode 8 "Mark of Brotherhood" Continue reading New Spartacus Episode 8 Video Promos.     10 March 2010 Press Release Andy Whitfield Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Just received the following press release from Spartacus PR. The good thing is that they caught the cancer early and Andy will have immediate treatment for it. My thoughts and prayers go to him and for a very speedy recovery. News Release Issued: March 9, 2010 2:44 PM EST 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' Star Andy Whitfield Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Production on second season of the hit Starz series delayed to accommodate treatment LOS ANGELES, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Andy Whitfield, who plays the title role in Starz Original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," announced today he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin treatment immediately in New Zealand. Whitfield discovered the cancer during a routine checkup as he prepped for the sophomore season. Andy's doctors have stated his condition is very treatable, and was detected in its early stages. "I'm receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me," says Whitfield. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy," says Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz. "His health, of course, is our primary concern. He has our complete support during this difficult time." The second season was scheduled to begin shooting shortly in New Zealand, but has been postponed to accommodate Andy's treatment. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" has been a breakout success for the Starz network. The first season finale airs Friday, April 16th. Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands with approximately 16.9 million and 30.6 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies and new original series every month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Encore HD, Starz On Demand, Encore On Demand, MoviePlex On Demand, Starz HD On Demand, Encore HD On Demand, MoviePlex HD On Demand, and Starz Play. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, and is attributed to Liberty Starz (Nasdaq: LSTZA), a tracking stock group of Liberty Media Corporation.     7 March 2010 Spartacus Season 1 DVD Possible Release Date The following was posted on Twitter (many thanks to MichealHurstOnline) RT @Todfilm be sure to pick up Spartacus Season 1 when it comes out on DVD. Will prob be around Dec-Jan before the premiere of season 2. Cool!     7 March 2010 Spartacus Episode 8 Mark of Brotherhood Video Promo Season 1 Episode 8: Mark of Brotherhood Video Promo Batiatus purchases a fresh batch of slaves at an auction to be trained as gladiators and ponders the idea of selling Crixus. Illythia coaxes a new recruit to try to kill Spartacus. Watch episode promo on AUSXIP Video Spartacus Channel     7 March 2010 Season 1 Ep 8: Mark of Brotherhood Preview Season 1 Episode 8: Mark of Brotherhood Episode Preview by MaryD Batiatus purchases a fresh batch of slaves at an auction to be trained as gladiators and ponders the idea of selling Crixus. Illythia coaxes a new recruit to try to kill Spartacus. My first reaction to this episode was 'oh those poor slaves' and then it was "oh my those slaves" <g> Illythia new slave has some serious problems on his hands by the end of the episode. Since the log line spoils that particular pairing he does indeed try and please his new Domina. The episode has several subplots running through it. The aftermath of Crixus' wounds, Naevia and Lucretia's concern for him; neither of them wants to see Crixus be sold off to another Ludus, Barca's "freedom", the relationship between Crixus and Spartacus, the power plays, Varro and the rest of the Ludus. It's a hotbed of intrigue. Batiatus is up to his usual nasty ways but that's now normal programming for the Dominos. We get new slaves who are in for a world of hurt (some more than others). One major subplot involves Lucretia and her BFF Illythia. What a fascinating look at those two. I have a feeling Illythia is in WAY over her head with Lucretia. The young Roman is going to find herself in a very sticky situation; one of her own making that will come back and bite her. The ending will make you sit up and take note. Two slaves follow their Domina's orders...one is thrilled and the other...not so thrilled with the outcome. Let's just say it's sometimes not a great idea to follow the orders of your Domina. Not a good idea at all. Rating: 8/10 Episode Stills | Video Promo | Official Episode Page | Credits     6 March 2010 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction Coming Soon! Hi folks, We are 2 weeks away from the start of the 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction to benefit The Starship Foundation (Lucy) and The Renee O'Connor Outreach Fund (Renee). The auction will start 22 March until 28 March 2010. This will be our 4th AUSXIP Charity Auction and the AUSXIP team (myself, Christa and Roger) hope to bring you some amazing goodies. This year we have got a ton of great autographed stuff specifically signed for this auction and non autographed stuff. There are a some VERY special items that I will go into more detail in the next few days that are just totally incredible. Two of the items are: a new ipod nano (16 gb) for Lucy (metallic blue) autographed by Lucy AND it includes a video to go with the ipod for the successful bidder which is extremely cute and very Lucy, a new ipod nano (16 gb) for Renee (metallic green) autographed with two Renee videos thanking the successful bidder. That's only 2 of the items in a huge swag of goodies. Other autographed Items are from: Lucy Lawless Renee O'Connor Adrienne Wilkinson Katherine Fugate Michael Hurst Jennifer Ward-Lealand Erin Cummings Lesley-Ann Brandt Katrina Law Rick Jacobson Steven L. Sears Hudson Leick Peter Mensah Steven DeKnight Brent Fletcher (Spartacus Writer) America Olivo Zoe Bell Kevin Sorbo Julia Voth Ron Melendez Manu Bennett and Crystal Chappell Stay tuned! MaryD     5 March 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 8 Episode Stills I have posted Episode 8 Episode Stills to the Spartacus Galleries. I will be posting a review of the episode (minus spoilers) tomorrow after Episode 7 airs. Episode 8 Stills (For Lucy fans - they contain no Lucretia shots but Lucy is definitely in this episode) For those that haven't read my review of Episode 7 Episode stills for Episode 7 is located here Episode Promos for Episode 7 are available on the AUSXIP Video Spartacus Channel 1. Great and Unfortunate Things 2. Doctore's Warning 3. No Longer A Thracian     5 March 2010 Is there No Purpose Beyond The Blood? I’ve often imagined what Angelina Jolie films would be like if they starred Lucy Lawless. Tomb Raider was in a manner envisioned for the Kiwi television icon—it’s a film based on a video game character, who was in turn inspired and made possible by the groundbreaking heroine Lawless created the year before in the syndicated television epic Xena: Warrior Princess. We forget now—after Buffy, Lara Croft and their increasingly pallid descendents—how recently women started kicking ass and how the ass kicking kick-started with Xena. If Lawless had played Lara Croft more girls would have taken up archaeology. As depicted by Jolie, raiding tombs looked like the most boringest job ever. As Walter Matthau said of Lillian Hellman, Jolie is “as seductive as a large bowl of oatmeal.” She turns stealing cars, being a hitwoman, and even belonging to the orgiastic cult of Dionysius into chores to be approached with detached and botoxed disdain, and I’ve pined often, when Jolie pops up onscreen, for the non-ironic glee with which Lawless embodies eros and toughness. I’m glad she’s back on TV. Lawless’s performance in Spartacus: Blood and Sand leaves no doubt that Alexander would have been a hit if Oliver Stone anointed Lawless as Queen Olympias instead of Jolie. Lawless is the brand, as they say, in this reboot of Spartacus, and for good reason. She retains the voluptuous beauty she had as Xena (now accented by a more colorful wardrobe) and more importantly, the bold shamelessness. Xena, which had low production value and likely necessitated the coinage of “cringeworthy,” charmed audiences because every time Lawless struck a well-placed, slapstick blow against evil, she broke out a brazen, infectious smile. Though Spartacus has inherited none of the lighthearted fantasy of Xena, Lawless is equally brazen. Read More     5 March 2010 S1 E7 Great and Unfortunate Things Episode Promos S1E7 – Doctore’s Warning Posted On: March 5, 2010 Doctore is not a happy man over Spartacus drugging him in Season 1 Episode 6 “Delicate Things” You wouldn’t expect him to be very happy. Ep 107 ‘Great and Unfortunate Things’ Doctore confronts Spartacus on his failed plan to escape. Click here to watch S1E7 – No Longer A Thracian Posted On: March 5, 2010 Ep 107 ‘Great and Unfortunate Things’ Batiatus arranges a grand spectacle where Spartacus is forced to fight his own people. Friday, 3/5 at 10pm Click here to watch     2 March 2010 Spartacus Ep 7 Great and Unfortunate Things Review WARNING: Contains spoilers for Episode 6....you have been warned! Here is a mini review of Episode 7... I sit here and wonder how this show does it. How in 6 episodes one can be so emotionally invested in the characters to care when one of them or two of them (in the case of Sura and Barca in Episode 6) dies. I found myself mourning their passing (more Sura than Barca). For Sura fans can I just say (without giving too much away) that Spartacus has not forgotten her. I doubt he ever will. Sura is a part of him which is both beautiful and frightening at the same time. This episode also gives you a closer look at Naevia (Lesley-Ann Brandt) and her love for Crixus. Beautiful scenes. Varro has troubles of his own and Pietros misses Barca, Lucretia has some girl talk with Ilythia and Batiatus continues his nasty ways and there is a battle or two along the way. This is quite an emotional episode. The end will leave you gobsmacked. Utterly gobsmacked. Took me totally by surprise. Click here to view episode stills Click here to watch episode promo     Read More Archives