Blood & Sand is way better, but Spartacus: Gods of the Arena is a strong prequel. Again, I would not recommend because of graphic violence & sexual content. Has the strengths of 1st season, but feels more gratuitous & exploitive. Loved that began, but not for long, to portray the realistic & precarious position of Roman women–least valued part of that society historically. Lucy Lawless is awesome as vulnerable & ruthless Lucretia.