Spartacus: Unbelievably Violent and Pornographic!

[Baasha]

So, I was watching Spartacus: Gods of the Arena on Starz the other day as I was channel-surfing with my family.

I happened upon the scene (in the beginning where they showed what happened previously) where Ganakus (sp?) slices that dude's throat and the gratuitous violence made me smile, and my family really upset. They are really sensitive to violence (I'm dead serious; we walked out of Beowulf - a cartoon - because they thought it was too gory!) and it made me think about how "far" (low?) we have come in display media (TV/movies etc.); how desensitized most viewers have become to violence and sex on screen.

I swear to Cow, I saw that episode later and it was copious amounts of blood or boobies; nothing wrong with the latter of course, but for a TV show?!? Damn!

Anyone else feel that Spartacus' level of violence and sex is "too much" or a bit 'extreme' for TV? I know Starz is a "premium" channel so STFU about "don't watch if you can't handle it" BS. Using that "logic" (LOL), they should make snuff films (a la Manhunt) and put it on a "premium" channel for "discerning adults" to watch!

Where do we, as a society, that is supposedly humanE, draw the line to senseless desensitization? Is censorship a good thing? Where do we draw the line? And more importantly, who draws it?

I think it's interesting to think about that. I mean, PG-13 movies back in the day (high school in the late 90's) were considered "raunchy" and "violent" and that stuff is now in the realm of PG movies! Fifty years from now we'll have 10 year olds watching porn and execution videos during "recess"!

 

[Born2bwire]

I think we are going to need many examples from the show to make a proper and educated argument here.

/shiftyeyes

 

[Soundmanred]

"Boobies."
Did that make you cry?

 

[Skitzer]

I think they ought to have a couple hardcore pr0n channels on TV.

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

"Boobies."
Did that make you cry?

Boobies are clearly pornographic!

 

[0roo0roo]

Meh

if you want pg tv, watch network tv.

 

[boomhower]

I think they ought to have a couple hardcore pr0n channels on TV.

Called on demand.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Spartacus is basically soft core porn. I can't wait until next season! :awe:

 

[PokerGuy]

Your comparison to 'snuff' makes no sense, there's a clear distinction between actual violence or unacceptable actions versus simulated acting/pretend movies.

Everyone should have a choice to decide what they are comfortable with, censorship is stupidity, and I certainly don't need anyone telling me what is or is not good for me to see.

It's a show on a premium channel that you choose to pay for and watch. If you don't like it, don't watch it and if enough people do the same the show will be gone. This idea that "someone" (ie, government of some sort) needs to regulate what we are supposed to watch is idiotic.

 

[james1701]

Dishnetwork is giving the channel free for a year, so its not on a pay channel right now.

I enjoyed it, but would not want my kids watching it, but they are only 8.


Speaking of the show, the start of it had a particular scene with the fate of Ganakus and his wife. Does that mean the entire season is just a big flashback?

 

[brandonb]

Don't watch TV. It's just useless bullcrap anyways. I haven't watched TV since late 90's, and I haven't missed a thing.

 

[KMFJD]

If you don't like it, don't watch it.....nah instead whine about it

 

[mcurphy]

Anyone else feel that Spartacus' level of violence and sex is "too much" or a bit 'extreme' for TV?

Nope. I have seen every episode of both seasons and I think the content is just fine.

 

[waggy]

IF its "too much" for TV then watch something else. why complain because you are not mature enough to watch it? leave it those that are to enjoy and go back to whatever crap makes you happy.


"Where do we, as a society, that is supposedly humanE, draw the line to senseless desensitization? Is censorship a good thing? Where do we draw the line? And more importantly, who draws it?"

where do we do draw the line? wherever the viewer (or parent) wants. they have the ability to turn the channel. If your little pea brain can't understand the difference between a "snuff" film and a violent fake show then you need help.

really grow up.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Walked out of Beowulf? Which scene was too gory? The Grendel fight got a little intense but I don't remember anything too bad until Beowulf starts pounding on his eardrum with his bare fist lol, but that was only a few seconds. Me thinks the family was a little traumatize by a naked CGI-made man fighting a monster even though you never see his junk.

 

[blackdogdeek]

i saw 15 minutes of this show over the span of two episodes i think. during those 15 minutes Gannicus, while blindfolded, slowly but partially decapitated his opponent on a sword that was stuck in a block of stone or wood. in the other episode he was forced to do the nasty with his buddy's wife.

this show is awesome.

 

[DT4K]

Don't watch TV. It's just useless bullcrap anyways. I haven't watched TV since late 90's, and I haven't missed a thing.

LMAO. How the hell could you know that you haven't missed a thing when you haven't seen what you've missed?

 

[DesiPower]

I agree its violent but the blood spilling is sooooo fake that its not gory, its kinda cartoonist. and the cuts they get are ones that even a samurai sword will be jelous of... this whole fakeness takes away some of the goriness.

besides that, its slow and the occasional sex keep its watchable. but more of it is needed and the story and characters are not that riveting... the main charter seems like such a looser...

 

[purbeast0]

Spartacus started out so fucking unbelievable stupid. but in the end of last season it really picked up.

the acting is terrible, the dialog is terrible, the effects are terrible, the scenes and costumes are terrible, the fighting is terrible ... but something about this show has a B level quality to it that I really enjoyed.

i have the first 2 eps of this season at home but haven't watched them yet. will get around to it this weekend and catch up on ep3 probably as well.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

It is extremely mature. I highly doubt that the Romans were using that type of language in every day talk.

 

[SP33Demon]

Just block those channels on your TV or cancel it. Vote with your dollars.

 

[OutHouse]

Anyone else feel that Spartacus' level of violence and sex is "too much" or a bit 'extreme' for TV?

no, its on a premium channel that i pay extra for and i enjoy the show very much. this season is not as graphic as last season. if you want lots of blood, copious amounts of sex and orgies AND Lucy Lawless naked getting it on in a MFF (male female female 3some) then watch last years series Blood and Sand.

go watch general hospital, it sounds like its more to your sensitivity level.

 

[OutHouse]

It is extremely mature. I highly doubt that the Romans were using that type of language in every day talk.

Jupiter's Cock!!!

 

[TechBoyJK]

It is extremely mature. I highly doubt that the Romans were using that type of language in every day talk.

Words fall from your mouth like shit from ass.

 

[OutHouse]

Don't watch TV. It's just useless bullcrap anyways. I haven't watched TV since late 90's, and I haven't missed a thing.

whoop-dee-fucking-doo