Spartacus: Blood and Sand’s depiction of brutality & decadence of pagan Rome is more graphic than I would prefer & that is why I would not recommend this show, but Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a complex & superb show that depicts the conflict between caring about power versus real relationships: marriage, friendship, brotherhood. Every character is fully developed-simultaneously sympathetic & heinous so no compromise regarding true nature of humanity. Also loved the implicit commentary on fame & dehumanizing its subject so no care is given to the person’s real feeling. It is of particular note that the brutality & decadence is so over the top, but necessary to show why slavery is bad.