"Their appetite is a great beast whose demands must be met"- Batiatus on Spartacus asking what more did the crowds want of him, after he slayed the great beast Theokoles - episode 6, "Delicate Things"
As was written before, brace yourself as the series is now on a rocket ride to the unbelievable finale, as the next episode 106, "Delicate Things," sees the cunning Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) flex his thespian chops and shows us what his hobbled character is made of, and where his allegiances really are. Courtesy of Starz
"You provided...an end to my shame..." - Doctore on Spartacus' defeating Theokoles - episode 6, "Delicate Things"
Spartacus Fans (I know who you all are, thanks to Facebook
Our conniving Batiatus (John Hannah) is swelling with pride as his equal in sordid machinations department - wife Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) - secretly wishes the battered body with the Medicus (David Austin) was that of our Thracian, and not of her lover Crixus (Manu Bennett).
And that most evil and duplicitous creature we spoke of earlier, more heartless than Theokoles? She's sill lurking
How can the Spartacus writers and actors top the cracking good episode 5, you ask?
As was written before, brace yourself as the series is now on a rocket ride to the unbelievable finale, as the next episode 106, "Delicate Things," sees the cunning Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) flex his thespian chops and shows us what his hobbled character is made of, and where his allegiances really are.
Hint: Not with Ludus boys.
Tarabay was the reason Starz original series "Crash" shined so brightly for season one.
Tarabay portrayed the ethically ambivalent Lt. Axel Finet, a bad boy who was a joy to watch alongside his partners on the force, the equally vile antihero Ross McCall (Kenny) and good cop Arlene Tur (Bebe).
Though with Tur, our Nick was mostly in flagrante delicto, as the two had a torrid love affair cooking throughout the first season. Nick's absence on the series was noticed in season two.
Lucky for us another Starz originals brass saw the promise in Tarabay's feral performance in "Crash" and cast him in Steven DeKnight's epic drama of gladiators and their lives.
"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" not only delivers cutting edge filming technique for the action sequences, it is unfolding a masterfully Byzantine story of intrigue and deception amidst accurate historical practices and customs of the day. It's a series that will appease the historian and the adult drama fan in you who likes to see it all: naked, violent and bloody.
For the Spartacus: Blood and Sand nation who always want more, Monsters and Critics was fortunate to have a quick chat with actor Nick E. Tarabay, this coming Friday's episode key player whose deeds are a game changer for our Spartacus and the Ludus boys.So far what I know of Ashur is that he was a former Gladiator who was crippled, and now has carved out a niche living bartering and accommodating the men and his master. How do you see Ashur, how would you describe him, and where do you think his loyalty lies?
Nick E. Tarabay: Well he actually does a little more than accommodating. He watches over the Batiatus' interest. Ashur is unlike any of the Gladiators. Whether it's the role itself or me, the actor playing that role.
First he's very smart and calculative. He sees the bigger picture and unlike most of the Gladiators, he doesn't let his emotions get the best of him.
Which brings me to the second part. Which is me the actor playing the role. It was very challenging. He's unlike any character I played in the past and he is by far the most complex.
He is layers upon layers! And I had to know exactly each one of them, which made me ultimately love him or love playing him.
As to his loyalties. He has but one: To thy self!
This production is unusual because it is done in green-screen, how have you had to adjust, as an actor, as compared to the live action and real locations you were immersed in for "Crash"?
Nick E. Tarabay: It took a little adjustment, but it wasn't that hard.
After all I am an actor and imagination is a big part of my craft (laughs) and also the crew were more than accommodating when it came to technical stuff.
They often will show us on their screen what we were supposed to be looking at, versus ‘Crash,’ where it was all in front of us. Not a lot of imagination required.
Either way it was good. I love being on location and enjoyed and respected being on the green screen.
Give me a hint on where we see Ashur in the big picture for the ludus, for Spartacus' story, does he befriend Spartacus, or does Ashur have any friends?
Nick E. Tarabay: The big picture! Well all I can tell you is that you’re in for a big surprise. There's way more to him than what has been shown already by Episode 105.
He is a late bloomer in the show but not by all means less important. As a matter of fact, some of the stuff caused by him will be very shocking and unexpected. You will never see it coming. I sure was shocked myself and did not see it coming.
Which I give credit to the brilliant writing. As to being friends with Spartacus - well you just have to watch and see. (laughs)
And no, Ashur has no friends.
For he has been betrayed severely in the past for him to trust anyone as a friend. But you never know what will happen in the future. But that doesn't mean he doesn't like anyone either.
You delivered an electric performance as the "bad Lt." Axel, what was you favorite scene you did in that first season of Crash?
Nick E. Tarabay: Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate it. It's so hard to say because I loved working on that show and loved all the cast and crew.
But if I have to choose, I would say in episode 107 when I was going to Bebe's (Arlene Tur) house only to be shocked that Kenny (Ross McCall) was there and was going to be her roommate for a bit.
We cracked up filming this scene. And some of the improv that we did made the final cut
Nick E. Tarabay: Yes you are correct. Unfortunately I don't get to go back as much, cause of work. Which is a very good problem to have (laughs) but they come and visit often.
And yes they've watched some of my work but not all of it yet. Cause of international airing delays, I guess.
Have any accidents or injuries happened to you in the making of Spartacus?
Nick E. Tarabay: Oh yes! That Gladiator camp was both intense and amazing! But nothing major. And the production was great on making sure that we were taken care of and being treated weekly. So we never felt unsafe at any time
Tell me how long you were in New Zealand for the filming of this, what was your life like when you were in production on this series?
Nick E. Tarabay: I was there a little over seven months filming. And I have to say it was a lot of fun. New Zealand is such a beautiful country and the people were very nice. After a while I felt like a local, almost.
Do you have fun playing "bad guys"?
Nick E. Tarabay: That's a big YES!
Bad guys always are a lot of fun. They are uncensored. Free, strong, smart - most of the time - and wild. They do what most of us can't do.
They say what most of us can't say. And they are full of layers and depth. And most of the time they end up saving the day whether they intend to or not.
Okay, I am from Massachusetts, lots of Lebanese people there, a good friend said he could only marry a girl who could make a Kibbeh like his mom's...where in LA do you get your yummy Lebanese food fix?
Nick E. Tarabay: Ha!! That's funny, because that would be something only a Lebanese man would say (laughs).
In Los Angeles there are a couple of places. One on Sunset called the Mediterranean Cafe that is really good, and the owner and staff are really nice.
Your Talkback on this Story