Ashur deceives, Doctore shares and Batiatus keeps his promise on Spartacus Fri Feb. 26

By April MacIntyre Feb 24, 2010, 20:12 GMT

It\'s purely business for Batiatus (John Hannah), eaten up with envy at his nemesis Solonius\' (Craig Walsh Wrightson) higher social ranking by Rome\'s patrician family order, and last week we saw as he wagered Crixus and Spartacus, his top two men, packaged together for a lucrative fight to the death against Solonius\' man Theokoles, aka the Shadow of Death. Courtesy of Starz

Gather up ye Romans and lovers of all things bloody and brutal, as Starz "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" heads into the sixth episode of season one.

The rise of Spartacus (Andy Whitfield), once seemingly unheard of, is grating to Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) and Lucretia's (Lucy Lawless) nerves, who have nothing but utter disdain and loathing for him.  

It's purely business for Batiatus (John Hannah), eaten up with envy at his nemesis Solonius' (Craig Walsh Wrightson) higher social ranking in Rome's patrician family pecking order, and last week we saw him package Crixus and Spartacus, his top two men, together for a lucrative fight to the death against Solonius' man Theokoles, aka the Shadow of Death.

As you know, Theokoles (Rueban De Jong) the behemoth did not prevail, as Doctore's (Peter Mensah) thorough training sealed the deal for an unexpected victory.  The bonus was a return of glorious cleansing rain to the parched lands, and an uncertain future for Crixus (Manu Bennett), the Gaul who has found favor with Lucretia in the ring and her bed.  He languishes currently with the Medicus (David Austin) under Lucretia's watchful eye.

This Friday we come to the afterglow of Spartacus' victory, and we discover Ashur, though a bit of a lurker in the shadows up until now, is a prominent player of intrigue at the ludus.  You will also discover the more complex life of Doctore and Varro (Jai Courtney) become evident, and the ongoing search for Sura continues with a surprise only Batiatus himself could conjure up.

Episode 106 is titled 'Delicate Things'

With the glory and riches reaped by Spartacus' victory in the arena, it appears that his long desired reward will be granted when Batiatus informs him that he will be reunited with his wife.

Friday, 2/26 at 10pm et/pt on Starz.

Batiatus relishes in Spartacus victory and plans future delights for the arena.