TheSpartacussaga is set to make a shocking return to television later this fall withSpartacus: House of Ashur.The new ten-episode successor seriesfeatures an alternate-universe concept, despite the saga ending with the third season, entitledWar of the Damned. The new series follows the returningNick Tarabayas the former gladiator, Ashur. But how is that possible? His character was literally killed via decapitation on Mount Vesuvius during Season 2,Spartacus: Vengeance!
Spartacus: House of Ashurutilizes a unique narrative device to bring Ashur back from the dead. Series creator and showrunner,Steven DeKnight, speaking toEntertainment Weekly, also promises thatHouse of Ashurwill heavily focus on “the juiciest stuff” fromthe original series, specificallythe palace intrigue. DeKnight is certainly correct in stating that the palace intrigue is the “juiciest” material from the original show, and it’s great news thatHouse of Ashuris keeping that element intact. So what can we expect fromHouse of Ashur?
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’s Timeline Changes the Story in a Huge Way
DuringSpartacus: Vengeance, Ashur experienced a premonition where he was granted his own gladiator school (or Ludus) for assisting the Romans in quashing the slave rebellion led by Spartacus (Liam McIntyre). Ultimately, he is beheaded by Naevia (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) on Mount Vesuvius, effectively ending his story. However,House of Ashurreimagines the story,presenting the scenario of what would have happened if Ashur hadn’t died. The new sequel allows Ashur to fulfill his dream. Inthe alternate timeline, Ashur survives and helps the Romans kill Spartacus and quash the slave rebellion. As a reward, Ashur is granted the Ludus that once belonged tothe House of Batiatus. The major difference between the new timeline compared to the ending of the original series is thatAshur never died.
Return to Rome With ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’s Epic New Cast of Gladiators
The new season will also feature the first-ever female gladiator in the franchise.
That said, even though Ashur sees his dream fulfilled, he now finds himself in unfamiliar territory as a former slave and gladiator who is trying to rise through society’s ranks and becomea noble of the Roman Empire. Ashur’s status as a former slave makes him an outcast despite his role in helping the Roman Republic put a stop toSpartacus’ slave rebellion. The slaves and gladiators he now oversees also hate Ashur because he turned on his fellow gladiators, so no one trusts him. Ashur achieved his dream, but now he realizes the dream is fragile and must struggle to keep it alive. The premise sets up a significant level of intrigue, which was always the strength ofSpartacusas a television series.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Is Going in the Right Direction
The aforementioned palace intrigue was always whereSpartacusexcelled, whether it was the slaves of the gladiator school, the House of Batiatus, or the machinations of the nobles of the Roman Republic. It’s incredibly exciting to know that the palace intrigue makes a return toHouse of Ashuras a heavy focus forthe sequel series.Spartacushelped break the moldwith its provocative, edgy content. However, the show’s blood-soaked violence and risqué scenes were only the icing on top of the cake. The palace intrigue served as the real meat ofSpartacusbecause that is wherethe real drama of the show occurred.
The best moments of the original series were seeing characters, such as the gladiators and the house slaves, trying to navigate and manipulate their way through an oppressive system. Eventhe scheming and manipulative nobles, such as Batiatus (John Hannah) and his wife, Lucretia (Lucy Lawless), became interesting, layered, and three-dimensional characters throughthe show’s intricate writing. The characters who were considered villains and antagonists proved just as interesting as the main characters.
Those suspenseful elements madeSpartacusintodestination television programming every week. The show inspired sympathy for the villainous characters, such as Ashur. Deep down, people subconsciously wanted to see Ashur fulfill his ambitions. DeKnight is correct in his assertion that the palace intrigue made for the “juiciest” parts of the original series. With that in mind, it’s encouraging to hear that DeKnight plans onmaintaining that style of storytelling forHouse of Ashur.
How Will ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Make a Villain an Underdog?
We’re not expecting Ashur to undergosome type of redemption storyline. However, the sequel has an opportunity to expand his character arc, imbuing him with an underdog quality. Ashur’s arc will likely parallel his former master, Batiatus, who sought to raise his status and achieve fame and fortune with his Ludus. If the writing of House of Ashur is successful, viewers should want to see Ashur overcome the odds to succeed. In Spartacus, Ashur stood out as the character whom audiences loved to hate. The goal of House of Ashur should be to transform Ashur into the character whom audiences hate to love,a bona fide antihero.
The specter of Batiatus should also loom heavily on Ashur throughout the series, and Batiatus should serve asa haunting presence for the lead character. It would also be incredible if John Hannah makes a return to the series in some form,perhaps in a cameo. Hannah’s Batiatus could appear in flashbacks, or the series could present Batiatus asan abstract vision or dream, visiting Ashur from beyond the grave. Ashur imagining that he sees his former master in the halls of the Luduswill serve as a warning and a dark omen to Ashurof how things could end up if he is not careful. It will be somewhat disappointing if Hannah never appears inHouse of Ashur. Lucy Lawless is already confirmed to be appearing in the show, reprisingher iconic role as Lucretia. However, the context of Lucretia’s role in the series is currently unknown. Speculation aside, with DeKnight on board as the executive producer and showrunner forHouse of Ashur, we genuinely cannot wait for this one.
Spartacus: House of Ashur
Set in the aftermath of Spartacus’ rebellion, House of Ashur follows the rise of a new gladiator under the tutelage of the cunning former slave, Ashur. As they navigate the treacherous world of ancient Rome, alliances are tested, and brutal battles ensue. Power, vengeance, and survival intertwine in this epic tale of ambition and betrayal.
