Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011)
Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed though the gates onto the sand.\'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena\' tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus in a more ruthless time before Spartacus\' arrival where honor was just finding it\'s way into the arena.
Cast: Lesley-Ann Brandt, Lucy Lawless, Jessica Grace Smith, Nick Tarabay, Raicho Vasilev, Marisa Ramirez
The Bitter End
Batiatus seeks vengeance against Tullius for all that has befallen him. He obtains the help of his gladiators and his friend Solonius in the cause, each seeking to right the wrongs done to them. The opening of the new arena arrives, promising a spectacle of combat and blood the likes of which Capua has never seen.
Reckoning
Gaia's death strengthens Quintus Batiatus' resolve to get revenge against Tullius. The elder Batiatus invites Tullius to his home and is offered prime places in the forthcoming games, in return for Gannicus. In the arena, the elder Batiatus has decided to assess the skills of his gladiators, most of whom he is unfamiliar with, by having them fight one another. As for his father's ultimatum that he choose between his home and his wife, the younger Batiatus' attempts to gain time is not appreciated by Lucretia who believes she would have him leave. He convinces her otherwise and she pushes him to settle on his course while she has her own plan. Lucretia also has her own solution to her husband's desire for a son. Melitta and Gannicus increasingly lust after one another. Gannicus finds a solution to their situation but fate presents a different outcome.
Beneath the Mask
The power struggle between the younger and the elder Batiatus shakes the roots of their house and sees alliances formed and loyalties divided. Lucretia sides with her husband albeit reluctantly in performing a risky plan while Gannicus finds himself on unstable ground.
Paterfamilias
Just as his fortunes are on the rise, his future clear before him, Batiatus is stunned by the return of his father which puts his attempts to gain rank by exploiting those above his class at risk.
Mission
Batiatus comes up with a brilliant plan and enlists Lucretia, Gaia and a slew of the new gladiator recruits to see it through. Meanwhile, Oenomaus passionately desires to take back the top gladiator rank, but he's forced to fight for it.
Past Transgressions
Once young Batiatus finally gets the control of his father's gladiator school, he immediately begins to plot to make a profitable business out of his ludus. In order to succeed, he puts his most skilled fighter into good use to gain the favour of a rich and cunning nobleman who can help fund the building of a new arena.