Fugitivus | ||
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Season | 2 | |
Number | Episode 01 | |
Date Aired | January 27, 2012 | |
Writer | Steven S. DeKnight | |
Director | Michael Hurst | |
Guests | ||
Previous | Kill Them All | |
Next | A Place In This World |
- This article is about the Spartacus episode of this name. For the term, see "Fugitivus (term)".
"Fugitivus" is the first episode of Spartacus: Vengeance. It is the twentieth episode of the Spartacus series overall.
Plot Outline
Spartacus discovers the grave responsibilities and costs involved in his new role as leader of freed slaves. Claudius Glaber's arrival in Capua forces Spartacus to keep his rebellious band intact.
Synopsis
The season starts out explaining what has happened between the end of the first season and now. In the weeks after the massacre at Batiatus' Ludus, the rebel Gladiators, led by Spartacus, have terrorized Capua. A young noble by the name of Seppius has sent out a group of mercenaries to hunt them down.
The mercenaries are seen on horseback chasing Spartacus down a dusty road. As they start to draw closer on him, he stops and turns to face them with his sword pointed at them. As one of the horsemen rides by, his spear cuts Spartacus on the upper back while Spartacus turns and kills him. As he does this, a rebel ambush comes out of hiding and attacks the mercenaries. Agron jumps and throws one of them off his horse while another rebel kills the downed mercenary. Donar then comes out and kills another mercenary while he is distracted with another rebel.
After the fighting has stopped, Spartacus tells the men to quickly gather supplies so they can leave. While taking the valuables off one of the dead mercenaries, he begins to rip the corpse's shirt off. When asked by Agron, he replies that he is leaving a message for an "old friend"- then cuts into the soldiers chest.
Bac
k in Rome, Glaber (now Praetor), and Marcus are speaking of Rome's pressing matters of war when they are interrupted by Albinius and Varinius who carry news of the deaths of Seppius' men. One of the men had Glaber's name carved into his chest. Albinius explains to Glaber that he is being sent back to Capua to end the rebellion. When Glaber objects, he is reminded that he is to blame for Spartacus' presence in Rome, inadvertantly allowing him to unleash his wrath, and that he gifted Batiatus patronage not long before his ludus was slaughtered; furiously adding that Albinius's daughter and Glaber's own wife, Ilithyia, "barely escaped" the horror. Albinius explains that if Glaber isn't the one who fixes this problem, then he will have no promising future within the Senate.
The rebel ambush party returns to their hideout. The former slaves inside are keeping busy, training and cleaning. While Mira is washing clothes, she sees Spartacus enter with the rest of the rebels. The former slaves cheer when Spartacus yells out that eight more Roman soldiers are dead. He gives the stolen swords to Peirastes and orders him to disperse them to the men who are ready to join the war effort. While Peirastes hands the swords out, Aurelia and Mira come up to Spartacus. Aurelia becomes upset, stating that they are in greater need of food than weapons.
As Spartacus tries to explain that the men they killed had no food on them, the Gaul rebels, lead by Rhaskos, come in with meat. When Spartacus congratulates them for a good haul and tells them to divide the meat amongst the rebels, Rhaskos becomes angry, stating that they are the ones to earn the meat and that most of the rebels do nothing but lie about all day. Things become tense, getting so bad that Donar and Agron put their hands on their weapons preparing for a fight. After a few moments, Rhaskos gives in and signals his men to do as Spartacus said.
After the food is divided, Mira tends to Spartacus's wounds from the battle. She talks about how short-sighted Rhaskos is, and that he is unable to see past what he wants. Spartacus tries to reassure her that at least no one will go to bed hungry, but she asks what they plan to do tomorrow. Spartacus says that he will simply go and kill more Romans. Mira states that she doesn't feel the price of Spartacus's life would be worth any of that, and that a better move would be to move to the mountains to the east- the food would be more plentiful and the Romans sparse. Before Spartacus can give an answer, Crixus enters the room, asking Spartacus why he would commands his (Crixus') men. Spartacus assures Crixus that he does not command his men and that Crixus would have made the same call if he were present.
Spartacus asks why Crixus was not in the hideout, and discovers that he was in town, something that Spartacus has told him not to do due to the risk. Crixus assures him that he was only seen by the slaver, Marcellus, and he was killed afterward so that he would not be a problem. When Spartacus asks why Crixus keeps taking risks like this, Crixus responds that he will not stop until Naevia is found and freed. Before his death, Marcellus revealed that Trebius, a slaver who frequents a local brothel, had made a deal with him regarding Naevia. Before leaving, Spartacus asks if Crixus has seen Doctore. Crixus responds that to Oenomaus, the Ludus was his lifeblood, and that seeing those who took it away would be the same as rubbing salt on a mortal wound.
At that same moment, a disguised Oenomaus sits broodingly in the crowds of the Capua Arena, watching a pair of Gladiators fight. The fight, however, is proving to be disappointing to the crowds. Gallienus, the new magistrate of Capua, complains that without good shows the people will fall into panic. Seppia, who is also watching the fight, questions if the fights are a necessary use of resources while Spartacus roams free. Gallienus assures her that her brother, Seppius, is doing everything in his power to bring them to justice. Seppia then brings up the eight men Spartacus killed that morning, something that Gallienus knew nothing about. Not long after she brings this up, Seppius arrives. When questioned about his dead soldiers, Seppius assures them that this changes nothing, that Spartacus will die, and Seppia ask if their cousin Sextus will be avenged or will he join him. Seppius assures his sister that he won't leave her behind. At this point the fight ends and Oenomaus sneaks out of the arena, hoping to leave without being recognized but three men notice him.
While walking down a small alleyway, Oenomaus is confronted by the same men who recognized him at the arena. Despite attempting to leave without confrontation, the men refuse to let him leave, believing that he is Oenomaus, and that he knows where to find Spartacus- something that would lead to a large monetary reward. When Oenomaus again declines to knowing anything and tries to leave, the men attack him, planning on settling for the smaller reward of capturing him. Before they can do anything, Oenomaus kills two of them and places his knife on the neck of the third, then kills him. Oenomaus then walks away from the carnage to avoid suspicion.
Back at the rebel hideout, Spartacus exits the sewers to find Aurelia outside looking at the moon. She explains that her son, Janus loves the moon and she feels closer to him knowing that they are both looking at it. When Spartacus tries to reassure her that she will see him again, she reminds Spartacus that he won't know his father, and she doubts he would remember her. Spartacus tells her that Janus would never forget her face and will be happy to see her again when that day comes. Spartacus then tells her that he is sending some men to hunt for game in the area nearby where her brother lives. Spartacus gives her all the Denarius he took from fallen Romans, and tells her to take her son and to buy passage out of the republic. When she tries to object, he explains that Varro's last words to him were to promise to provide for his family. Aurelia takes the money and agrees to leave with the hunting party.
In Rome, Glaber breaks the news to his wife, Ilithyia, that that her father is sending him
to Capua to stop Spartacus. Ilithyia pleads with her husband to fight it, but he explains that there is nothing to be done and that he must take care of this matter, despite it being beneath him. He also informs her that he intends to take her with him and promises that they will return home to Rome before their child is born. When Ilithyia objects, Glaber tells her that he is obligated to avenge Batiatus because he granted him patronage in order to cover up Ilithyia's murder of Licinia. After explaining this, he tells her to pack her things and that they will leave soon and put an end to Spartacus.
Back at the rebel hideout, Agron argues with Spartacus about attacking the brothel. He tells Spartacus that Crixus is a fool for taking the word of a dead slaver and that it could be a trap. Spartacus tells him that he alone vowed to help Crixus save Naevia and that he would not think any less of Agron for staying behind. Agron, despite not liking the plan, agrees to go. Donar also agrees to go, humorously stating that Spartacus had him when he said "whores." Spartacus warns both of them not to take any unnecessary risks and to not offend the Gauls. Before leaving, Spartacus goes to bid farewell to Aurelia before she leaves with the hunting party, and tells her that Peirastes, who is leading the hunting party, will make sure that she arrives safely to her son. Aurelia promises Spartacus that she will fondly speak of him to Janus and tell him how much Spartacus cared for Varro. After she leaves, Crixus comes up to Spartacus to remind him he doesn't need to come with him, to which Spartacus tells him he made an oath and will keep it. With that, he follows Crixus out to attack the brothel.
At the brothel, Romans are fulfilling their sexual desires, many being watched by the brothel owner, Arminius, who is wandering around, making sure his patrons are being taken care of. While he is lustfully watching a group of his customers, he is stabbed through the neck from behind by Spartacus, unleashing panic within the brothel. The rebels then split up to fight the guards and patrons while Crixus hunts down Trebius. Crixus finds Trebius in the back of the brothel, who is unaware of the attack until he turns around and sees Crixus. Before Crixus can capture him, however, a group of guards attacks, distracting him. Before Trebius can attack, a nearby whore whom Trebius had abused takes a sword and stabs him through the lower abdomen. Spartacus and Agron arrive to help. Agron recognizes Trebius as the man who had sold him and his brother into slavery and to Batiatus. Crixus explains that Trebius is as good as dead and if he is to learn anything from him, he needs to do it now. Spartacus and Agron, knowing Crixus will not leave without information on Naevia, allow Crixus a moment alone with the slaver. Crixus asks Trebius where he can find Naevia. When Trebius refuses to tell him anything, saying he was already a dead man, Crixus tells him he still has a life, and can either make it a quick death or a painful one.
Back at the hideout, Crixus tells Spartacus what he learned from Trebius. He explains that Naevia was not only sold, but was taken south and handed Dominus to Dominus on Batiatus' command as a way to curry favor with them in the hopes it would help in his campaign for power. Spartacus urges them to formulate a plan. He requests more information on the whereabouts of Naevia from Crixus, whether he knows for sure which villa she is in, asking how many villas they would need to attack, the distance between them, and how strong they are. But Crixus says it is all for nothing. He does not want to wait any longer than he has to, mocking Spartacus of his plan for caution. He tells Spartacus that even if they plan to go south, it does not matter. Before Trebius died, he told Crixus that Rome had sent a new force of men to stop the rebellion that will arrive in the morning, and that Glaber leads them.
In the morning, Glaber arrives with his men and march through the gates of Capua, observed by Oenomaus and the
rest of Capua. Glaber marches his men up to Batiatus' Ludus and tells them to unload their gear and orders Marcus to make sure they are fed and rested. Patrols are sent out into the countryside. Glaber and his men are greeted by Mercato who informs them that the citizens are panicked after the recent attack in the brothel and questions if Glaber has brought enough men for the job. While Glaber assures him he has the numbers to end a rebellion, Mercato still worries that unlike normal slaves, Spartacus and his men are trained warriors. Not wanting to be questioned about the strength of him and his men, Glaber demands to speak with Gallienus, but the latter is busy due to the attack at the brothel. Mercato suggests Glaber speak with Seppius, who is willing and wanting to speak with him. While the two discuss Glaber speaking with Seppius, Ilithyia comes in through the main door. Glaber dismisses Mercato and orders him to arrange a public speaking in the market place the following morning, despite Mercato's doubts. Ilithyia becomes angry with Glaber, demanding to know why she was brought to the ludus. Glaber explains that it offers a vantage point that allows them to see the countryside and that it has the space to house his men. Ilithyia states that she doesn't want to stay and that she will stay at her father's villa, to which Glaber becomes angry and tells her that this is their home now and will remain so until Spartacus is dead. Glaber puts Ilithyia in charge of bringing the house to order. She is revolted by the state of the decaying ludus and demands her slaves to throw everything off the cliff and to wash all the blood off the walls. When her servants leave, she stops and sees the mask Spartacus wore when she had sex with him and is reminded of the night. While she is reminiscing, she hears a noise from behind her and turns to see a dark, shadowed figure and screams. Marcus and Glaber
rush to her screams and arrive to find Ilithyia in the corner looking at the back of the room. When she is asked to explain why she caused such a panic, Lucretia comes out of the shadows. Everybody stands in shock surprised to see she is alive. Lucretia acts as though the massacre never happened and calls to Naevia to get wine for her guests. While Glaber and Ilithyia are silent with shock, Glaber considers killing her. However, Marcus explains that they could use this as a way to calm the people of Capua. Despite the fact she has lost her sanity, they could pass her off as a blessing of from gods and a symbol because she survived Spartacus and his men. Ilithyia begs her husband to kill her, but Glaber agrees with Marcus and orders for Lucretia to be bathed.
In the rebel hideout, the new untrained slaves (some of whom they saved from the brothel the night before) are in panic at the news of the Romans and their newly-sent army. Spartacus reminds them that they all knew that this day was coming and that he has promised them that they would make Rome tremble. As he is telling them this, Oenomaus arrives and tells them he saw Glaber and his men enter the city and has the numbers to kill them all. He warns them that if they want to survive, they should leave while Glaber is preoccupuied with speaking in the marketplace the next morning. Spartacus asks Oenomaus to join them, but he refuses. As he leaves Spartacus calls him "Doctore." Oenomaus slowly turns and reminds Spartacus "That is no longer my title." Crixus then asks where he is going, to which Oenomaus says "There is but one place for an animal without honor." Crixus, as well as most other gladiators, agree that they are not ready to fight, and believe it best to move while Glaber speaks. Spartacus however, believes that this moment is one he should not pass up on- an opportunity to strike Glaber. Crixus tells him to sleep on it, but to wake to reason and join them in the morning towards moving south.
At the ludus, the servants are bathing Lucretia. Lucretia believes that the drought is still
going on and doesn't know where they got the water. Ilithyia explains to her that the drought has long since passed. In an attempt to test Lucretia's memory, points out the wound on Lucretia where Crixus stabbed her. She looks down and sees her wound but does not give an answer. Ilithyia then asks her how she survived the massacre and being alone in the weeks since. When Ilithyia becomes convinced that Lucretia has no memory of the events leading to the slave revolt and of Ilithyia's murder of Licinia, she leaves Lucretia to dress. But before she can, Lucretia notices that Ilithyia is pregnant. She tells Ilithyia that she and Batiatus have been trying to do the same for a long time, and that Ilithyia's pregnancy must be a sign that their own child is on its way.
At the rebel hideout, Mira is lying in bed with Spartacus. She now sees that Spartacus was hoping for Glaber to arrive so he could get his revenge. Spartacus admits that this was not only what he planned, but what he prayed for. Mira asks Spartacus to leave in the morning with Crixus so that no more will die in the name of Spartacus' revenge. Spartacus promises that nobody else will die, and the two kiss. Spartacus says they will find Naevia and make it far from Rome, and says not to worry about future events, but to focus on the moment. The two then make love.
In the morning, the gladiators are getting ready to move out. When Mira emerges alone from the hideout, Crixus asks her where Spartacus stands regarding the decision to journey south. She explains to him that last night he seemed to favor the side of caution, but when she awoke, he was gone .
By the time the rebels discovered Spartacus has left, he is in the marketplace awaiting Glaber to make an appearance. While he is waiting, Gallienus and Seppius are swaying the crowd, telling them that things are under control and that Spartacus and his men are heartless monsters who murder the innocent. At this point Glaber shows up, stating as he walks in that the blood the rebels have spilled will be matched in full.
Glaber reminds the people that despite his past victories in the arena, he is but a man and can be killed. He then reveals to the shock of the entire crowd and Spartacus that Lucretia survived the assault. She is then brought out before them, who believe it a miracle. To rouse the crowd even further, Glaber tells the crowd that a group of Spartacus' men were found and all but one were killed. Roman guards bring out a beaten and bloodied Aurelia before the crowd. He tells the crowd that before she dies, he will force her to tell him the location of Spartacus so he can send his men to end his rebellion.
As Glaber passes before the crowd, Spartacus makes his way through to kill Glaber. Before he can make his move, however, Lucretia sees Spartacus and screams, giving Glaber a moment to dodge the incoming blow. As Roman guards escort Seppius and the women away, Glaber fights Spartacus in the center of the chaos. Marcus aids Glaber in fighting Spartacus and rallying the men to attack. Before they can fully recover from the surprise appearance of Spartacus, Crixus shouts out from a balcony to get their attention. As Crixus and Rabanus jump down from the balcony, Donar and Agron move in from the side. With the increased panic among the crowd, the Rebels kill several guards, grab Aurelia, and escape. Before they make it out, Crixus sees Lucretia and is briefly overcome with shock and anger, knowing she survived. Lucretia retreats in horror as she regains her memories of the night of the slaughter in the ludus.
Back at the hideout, Mira is furious that Spartacus had attempted to kill Glaber, saying he acted no better than Rhaskos. Spartacus explains that he left on his own and did not design for anyone to be hurt, but Mira tells him that his death would have ended the rebellion, as he is the leader of it. Spartacus says that as long as Glaber is alive, his wife will never be avenged and that without her, he himself is dead. Crixus interrupts them and punches Spartacus, saying that he did not come to aid Spartacus in the marketplace, but to stop him. When Spartacus accuses him of standing in the way of him and Glaber, Crixus says that he is doing the same with himself and Naevia. Crixus tells Spartacus that killing a Praetor would only end with the senate sending everything they have to stop them- thousands upon thousands of trained Roman soldiers. Crixus goes on to say he doesn't see them becoming a real army. Before he leaves, he informs Spartacus that Aurelia wants to see him.
On her deathbed, Aurelia asks Spartacus to make him a promise before she dies. When he asks her what it is, she tells him to stay far away from her son, so he may not die by the hands of Spartacus like his parents. After she expires, Agron attempts to rally the troops for a revenge strike, but is stopped by Spartacus. He instead tells them they are heading south to find Naevia. Agron objects, begging Spartacus to let Crixus and his men chase what he sees as a lost hope. Spartacus says that in order for them to have any victory, they all must stand as one or fall divided. He then makes a promise to the Rebels. He tells them they will free every slave in their path, and once they are a legion, they will face Glaber and his forces and destroy them.
Trivia
- This episode takes place 6 weeks after the events of Kill Them All.
- This is the first episode to feature Liam McIntyre portraying Spartacus.
- This is the last episode with Spartacus using a Sica.
- Daniel Feuerriegel and Craig Parker are upgraded to main cast this episode after having initially been supporting cast in Blood and Sand.
- Gladiators from the House of Batiatus who were unseen in Blood and Sand are introduced such as Donar, Peirastes, Sophus and Liscus.
- Mira and Spartacus are now lovers.
- Seppius and Seppia are Roman nobles who are introduced who are the cousins of Sextus. Sextus was involved in the massacre as the very first Roman to die by Spartacus' hand after Batiatus used him as a shield against Spartacus' strike.
- Seppia hints at an attraction to Glaber, foreshadowing their affair.
Characters in Order of Appearance
- Spartacus
- Sophus
- Agron
- Donar
- Tychos
- Crixus
- Mira
- Oenomaus
- Ilithyia
- Aurelia
- Marcus
- Lucretia
- Rabanus
- Seppius
- Seppia
- Vitus
- Dirty Bastard
- Rhaskos
- Arminius
- Gallienus
- Peirastes
- Trebius
Quotes
"I believe the man is dead."
—Donar to Agron
Agron: "You leave his cock to the sun?"
Spartacus: "No, I send a message... to an old friend.
"You had me at whores."
—Donar to Spartacus
"Follow Crixus to the south. Do not let you vengence claim the lives of oh so many you have freed from bondage."
—Mira to Spartacus
Spartacus: "You would place yourself between Glaber and what he deserves?"
Crixus: "As you would place yourself between Naevia and me! What do you think would be the result of killing a fucking praetor? The senate would burn upon itself belching forth fire and vengeance! They would not send a few men as they do with Glaber — they would send thousands! A true army, which we will never be."
"We must stand as one. Or fall divided. A lesson hard learned. Shackle will be struck from every slave upon our path. We will see our numbers grow. And when they have become legion, we will face Glaber, and the hordes of Rome again. And the Gods shall weap for their suffering."
—Spartacus to the Rebels
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