SPARTACUS: SEASON 2 - EPISODE 6 (CHOSEN PATH)

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Spartacus ponders his next move, Gannicus does the same, and Glaber revels in his newfound treachery, in the latest episode of “Sparracus: Vengeance,” “Chosen Path”.

The episode opens with Spartacus, Crixus and the others, fresh from bringing the arena down, returning to the abandoned villa.  Crixus is reunited with Naevia.  They share tears and a promise of a more, um…proper reunion (more on this soon).  Gannicus is consumed with one thing: awaiting a return to consciousness by Oenomaus, for there is much he wants to say to him.

Meanwhile, Glaber and Ilithyia are listening to Albinius’ will. Glaber is irritated over the fact that he cannot sell some of the possessions, which are promised by the will to the unborn child Ilithyia is carrying.  Alone, Glaber tells his wife that he will not forget her actions before Albinius was killed, and adds that she’s only alive because she is pregnant.  Ilithyia doesn’t like her sudden change in status one bit.

The same can be said for Lucretia, who watches as Ashur pays for his freedom by making good on his boast that he can kill three of the Roman soldiers.  Glaber looks at Ashur in a different light, as he gives permission to him to seek out some men for a secret mission.  Before he leaves, Ashur pays Lucretia a visit, and to show her just how the tables have turned, he forces himself on her sexually.

Back with Spartacus and the warriors.  Gannicus is approached by Chadara, the blonde female ex-slave.  Now that her man is dead, she seeks a replacement.  Despite her comely charms, Gannicus has no interest in her.  As for Spartacus, he and Agron discuss the near future.  They decide that there aren’t enough of them to survive against the Romans for much longer.  They make plans to liberate slave ships and increase their numbers.  Gannicus, forever the survivalist, thinks this a fool’s errand, and awaits the chance to talk with Oenomaus, and then he’s leaving them.

Meanwhile, Crixus hoped-for reunion with Naevia hits a stumbling block: Naevia is scarred by memories of her being raped by the Romans. She feels herself unworthy to be touched by her beloved.  Later, Crixus is lost in thought over this when Gannicus tells him he’s a fool to stay with Spartacus and his quest.  Still later, Crixus shows that he still holds a grudge against Agron for lying to him about Naevia.

Lucretia is in the baths, trying to wash away her encounter with Ashur.  Ilithyia comes in, reeling over recent unfortunate events. They oddly comfort each other, for the first time all season, seemingly sincerely.

Later, they are both in attendance as Glaber meets with Seppus, hoping to form an alliance against their common enemy.  Seppus is somewhat defiant still, almost as if subconsciously knowing that Glaber has other motives.  Lucretia whispers something to Ilithyia, who says out loud that she will offer guidance to Seppia, grieving over unfortunate passing of her relative.    Seppia is seen as having much influence over her brother, and Glaber agrees that this could work to their advantage.

Meanwhile, Ashur is assembling a group of assassins, including a sadistic killer so vile that he is kept in a well-like prison.  This man is known as the Egyptian.  Hmmm…

Finally, Oenomaus awakens, and Gannicus is there.  He apologizes sincerely for what transpired, saying that he betrayed him, but Oenomaus’ wife was more a victim of circumstance in the situation.  We don’t know if any of this appeases the ex-Doctore.

Later, Crixus happens upon Naevia, contemplating killing herself.  She is despondent, but Crixus is determined to make her see herself as having worth.  She eventually turns her despair into rage, and desires to avenge herself, begging Crixus to teach her how to defend herself.

She will no longer allow any man to touch her without her consent.

Not long before Spartacus and the others prepare to move, he is alerted that coins and the map have been stolen.  Just then, Gannicus appears, anxious to be on his way.  He is accused of being a thief.  He is forced into battling Spartacus.  The two draw blood upon each other, evenly matched.  However, Mira spies Chadara attempting to slip away.

She uses her bow and arrow and fells the ex-slave.  Mira laments having to kill Chadara, this after trying to change her mindset about bedding men down for protection.  Spartacus apologizes to Gannicus, who leaves anyway,

As for Glaber, he watches as Lucretia and Ilithyia convince Seppia to talk to her brother, and jumping in just as the naïve young woman begins to suspect a trick.  Glaber lays a lust-filled eye on her, as if seeing a side of her for the first time.

Meanwhile, we see Ashur’s assassin squad in action, taking out a villa…Seppus’ villa.  And as Seppus himself is wounded, he’s shocked to find Glaber there, telling him that if he’d only agree to the alliance before, this action would have been unnecessary.  Instead, Glaber delivers the killing blow to his rival, saying that he’ll be the one to comfort his grieving sister.

With that, the episode ends.  What will be ruthless Glaber’s next move? What of Gannicus, now that he’s a nomad again.  Answers will come, starting next week.  But I leave you with one last question: What did you think of “Chosen Path”?

SOURCE: SPEAK EASY