The worst episodes of Spartacus
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
Spartacus liberates a Roman villa, but its slaves are wary. Oenomaus throws himself into the brutal Pits, and Glaber supports Lucretia's prophecies, despite Ilithyia's protests.
- 02
The possible infiltration of a Roman spy causes tension between Spartacus and his men. Crassus resurrects a long abandoned form of Roman punishment to teach his soldiers a brutal lesson.
- 03
Enslaved in gladiatorial school, the newly christened Spartacus must try to suppress his desire for vengeance when his new master promises to reunite him with his wife.
- 04
Spartacus discovers the grave responsibilities and costs in his new role as a leader of freed slaves. Claudius Glaber's arrival in Capua forces Spartacus to keep his rebellious band intact.
- 05
Their forces trapped on an impassable ridge, Spartacus and Crixus clash over the method of escape. Crassus has increasing difficulty controlling the actions of those closest to him.
- 06
A Thracian warrior, enlisted by the Romans to fight, has his destiny sealed by an act of rebellious violence. As punishment he is torn away from his wife and faces death by being forced to fight in the gladiatorial arena.
- 07
Though Spartacus has proven himself during training and now wears the attire of a gladiator, his coarse attitude and relentless quest to see his wife isolates him from his fellow gladiators and Doctore.
- 08
As Spartacus embraces his new role as champion, Batiatus purchases a fresh lot of slaves during an auction to be trained as gladiators and ponders the idea of selling Crixus.
- 09
Spartacus must navigate a divide that opens up among the gladiators after news of Naevia's fate. Lucretia reveals a long-held secret to gain information, and an attack puts the rebels at risk.
- 10
Spartacus considers striking a deal with a band of marauders to ensure his people stay supplied and fed. Crassus's son Tiberius makes a bold and fateful decision.
- 11
As Crassus leads an onslaught against the rebel-occupied city, Gannicus is trapped behind enemy lines. Tiberius is tasked by Crassus to hold a celebration in honor of a man he despises.
- 12
Having performed shamefully in the arena against Crixus, Spartacus is forced to fight in the Pits for Batiatus, who is increasingly plagued by debt. Lucretia takes matters into her own hands to try and bring some money into the ludus.
- 13
Spartacus puts a plan in motion to weaken Crassus's forces and gain the upper hand. Betrayal threatens to foil the plan.
- 14
Overcome by the pressure of Batiatus' control, Spartacus must make a choice: leave his past behind and assume the mantle of a champion gladiator, or die.
- 15
Spartacus leads survivors through the woods, but Crixus returns to a place of past suffering. Lucretia pries into Ilithyia's affairs, seeking influence with a powerful Roman.
- 16
Spartacus urges his rebels to train for the defense of their new sanctuary. Lucretia and Ilithyia seek comfort from each other, while Glaber's forces swell with some deadly new recruits.
- 17
Spartacus and his rebels try to increase their numbers by freeing fighters enslaved in foreign wars. Lucretia recruits one of her husband's former gladiators to outmaneuver powerful Romans.
- 18
Spartacus gets a chance for vengeance when a prominent Roman is captured. The intrigue amongst Glaber and the women surrounding him heats up.
- 19
Spartacus continues to build a formidable army and outwit Rome's best commanders. The powers of the Empire are forced to turn to wealthy, ambitious Marcus Crassus to aid the campaign.
- 20
Spartacus leads a daring assault to provide food and shelter for his people. Crassus builds a fearsome army and receives an unexpected visitor.
- 21
Spartacus and the rebels arrive at a crossroads. With the relentless Crassus driving his men hard in the pursuit of Spartacus, the conflict between Tiberius and Caesar escalates.
- 22
Batiatus breaks the news that Spartacus is to service Licinia, the richest woman in Rome. Worried that Spartacus may be unable to satisfy having spent so much time without a woman, Lucretia sends a female slave to ensure his best performance.
- 23
Gripped by guilt and mourning, Spartacus hovers on the brink and is plagued with disturbing visions and dreams. Meanwhile, Batiatus plots revenge against his enemies.
- 24
With the glory and riches reaped from 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.
- 25
Dwindling supplies and a superior enemy brings the rebellion to its knees. Spartacus must restore hope to his people as they careen towards a final confrontation with Glaber's army.
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