What follows is 13 episodes of ascension. Spartacus must survive the brutal training regimen of Doctore (Peter Mensah), navigate the jealousy of the champion Crixus (Manu Bennett), earn the respect of the slave woman Sura (Erin Cummings), and bury his rage deep enough to earn his freedom. Spoiler: The freedom never comes. Only vengeance does.

While the whole season is a slow burn that explodes, three episodes are essential viewing:

At first glance, it looks cheap or gimmicky. By Episode 4, you realize it is genius.

In ancient Rome, a Thracian gladiator named Spartacus leads a massive slave uprising against their cruel Roman oppressors. The story begins with Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) as he is forced to fight in the arena, but he soon becomes a symbol of hope for the enslaved people. As the rebellion gains momentum, Spartacus and his fellow gladiators, including Varro (Craig Horner) and Crixus (Liam McIntyre), form an unbreakable bond as they take on the Roman Republic.