Andy Whitfield passes away

Posted by The TV Critic on 12 September 2011 | 1 Comments

Tags: Spartacus

If you haven't heard the news, I'm sad to say that Andy Whitfield, who played Spartacus, has passed away. You can learn more here http://news.yahoo.com/spartacus-star-whitfield-dies-lymphoma-39-004301065.html

It's a real tragedy and I'm not here to write about that. It just seemed appropriate to say a few words about how good Whitfield was in Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

Initially the show appeared very much like a blood and sex comic book brought to life without the kind of emotion to carry a TV show. Whitfield had to go from looking like Jesus while Spartacus was still fighting in Thrace to being shorn and oiled up once he was enslaved and turned into a gladiator. His stern expressions made him hard to get to know and his character's refusal to cooperate made him appear foolish.

However as the show improved Whitfield made Spartacus a lovable character. His growing respect for his owner Batiatus (John Hannah) and his affection for his fellow slave Varro added definition. Then we saw him grow into a different kind of champion from his predecessor the arrogant Crixus. Whitfield continued not only to make Spartacus likeable but also make him seem intelligent. I thought that was the key to his portrayal as the season came to its conclusion. Spartacus is destined to lead slave armies into battle where they will defeat the legions of Rome. The character had to be intelligent to be believable in that and Whitfield carried it off with aplomb.

Everyone I have recommended Spartacus too has enjoyed the show. Of course I don't recommend it to everyone and the creative team deserve the lion's share of the credit but let's give Andy Whitfield his due. He was the star of a season of television that I think was excellent and will stand the test of time. It's so sad to lose someone who gave such pleasure to so many.