Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
4.5
Five weeks in, House of Ashur finally slows down — not to rest, but to revel in excess.
Save for a massive cliffhanger, Spartacus: House of Ashur Season 1 Episode 6, “Empty Things,” does not move the story forward.
It focuses on the wildness of its latest offering, Cornelia, as she continues to terrorize the House of Ashur, leaving the episode nearly empty.
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This episode indulges itself because that’s exactly what Cornelia does. She samples Ashur’s housemaids, gladiators, and foes. Many of her actions are for gratuity’s sake, but she hides deep ambition behind it.
Gabinius is the smartest character in this show, and one can see how he became a governor and continues to thrive. His read on people puts him several steps ahead of everyone, and he sees Cornelia for what she is.
But those who live in glass houses should be careful not to throw stones because Gabinius’ own daughter has bitten by the bug of ambition.
Viridia Returns to the Land of the Living
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Surviving an attack by savages after losing a husband to the same kind puts things in perspective for Viridia.
As Cossutia is seduced by Cornelia’s vices of wine and sex, Viridia comes to a realization that further strengthens her and Ashur’s connection.
Power couples have forever shaken up industries and ecosystems, making Viridia and Ashur a force to be reckoned with if they do happen to get married.
Her monologue about her newfound desire for success, power, and influence is delivered with so much honesty that I do not doubt her for a second.
With Viridia, Gabinius, and Crassus on his side, Ashur might just have a shot at gaining power in Rome.
As Viridia indulges in her recent revelations, Korris also indulges himself with Opiter, even after a shocking admission.
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Reversed Roles and a Potential Death
Spartacus: House of Ashur has some compelling ships, with Korris and Opiter being high on that list. The latter laser-focused pursuit of Opiter would have made me uncomfortable if I were in Opiter’s shoes.
However, Opiter never does anything without a plan. The plan was to love bomb Korris, then hold back affection to gauge the reaction. Luckily, it works.
We see Opiter take a step back, and Korris leads this courtship, and is even willing to sacrifice everything he holds dear to be with Opiter.
I wasn’t elated by the prospect of losing them so soon, but the development with the Brothers Ferox will make me livid.
This is Spartacus, and no one is ever safe. Life can be taken at a moment’s notice, that I accept.
However, killing off a queer character seldom lands nicely, especially someone who had grown on viewers like Opiter.
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Bury Your Gays is very real, and House of Ashur has veered into this territory with the Brothers’ attack on Opiter.
If he survives that — and it’s a huge if — it will be interesting to see Korris’ reaction.
Is it out of the realm of possibility? Not really, since after her historic debut, Achilia refuses to set foot on the shores of the afterlife.
Achilia Battles Her Demons
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Her presence in this hour is subdued compared to previous ones. The Ludi Apollinare left her battered with a hand resembling a hooved animal.
One dead medicus and another Greek-speaking one later, she wakes up much to Ashur’s delight.
It takes a lot for a man who derides the gods at every turn to break and shoot in the dark, hoping a god exists there.
We learn that Achilia carries trauma that would break anyone.
Glimpses of who seems to be her daughter had appeared in previous episodes, especially during the games, but now we know the tragic events.
Killing your own daughter is something many people can’t move past, no matter how uncontrollable the situation was.
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If it were me, I’d live the rest of my life wondering what I could have done differently with that spear. Perhaps I should have aimed a little farther to the left?
I have a feeling we’ve barely scratched the surface of the trauma this woman carries. The hand is the latest to leave a visible scar.
The road to recovery, if it happens, will be long and challenging. Taking back the title of the Champion of the House of Ashur from Tarchon will definitely be a challenge.
The Rebellion Theory: Episode 6
There is not much to digest in this hour since politics is limited to self-serving machinations, but Caesar’s absence continues to speak volumes.
Will Rome’s current political strife provide the perfect moment for matters to escalate?
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I have a few desires with this show, and the rebellion is one of them. It needs to happen, or I’ll have to revise my opinion of it.
Gut Check
“Empty Things” thrives in the campy nature of the characters. It’s tonally quite different from what we’ve come to expect of this show.
Do I love it? Not really. But I don’t hate it either. It balances romance and comedy but struggles with action.
Stray Observations
- I call bull on those penises. Three random men can’t have such monsters between their legs except if they were picked from a group of large penis models — Indulgence.
- When I say this episode indulges itself, the strong horror vibes during Opiter’s attack are a prime example.
(Starz/Screenshot)
- Reminder: Ashur is still a garbage human being, and no one will be able to surpass everything he’s done. I have to keep reminding myself of this whenever I get in my feelings after someone is mean to him.
Now is the point when you chime in, Spartacus: House of Ashur fanatics.
What did you think of this one? Will Achilia rise again, or will Tarchon’s ascent prove that even champions are disposable? Rome wants her, and so do we.
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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