7 Ways ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ is Better Than the Original Show

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Opinions are divided on whether “Spartacus: House of Ashur” lives up to the original series. While it has a high 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences on Popcornmeter give it a lower 55%. Some dedicated fans have criticized the show as being overly focused on modern social issues, specifically due to the inclusion of a Black female gladiator. However, other viewers have focused on issues with the writing and character development. Professional critics generally praise the new series, calling it a thrilling take on Ancient Rome.

People will always love the original Spartacus series and its heroes like Spartacus, Crixus, and Gannicus. Some fans were disappointed by the decision to focus a new series on Ashur, a character many disliked. Still, it’s worth giving the new show a chance with an open mind. It really excels in several key areas, including these that stand out.

‘House of Ashur’ Is Unpredictable


Starz

While House of Ashur doesn’t quite live up to all the excitement surrounding it, it’s still a very strong show. It avoids common pitfalls like overacting or excessive, tiring displays of wealth. Best of all, it’s full of unexpected twists and turns.

Unlike the 2010 series, “House of Ashur” doesn’t feel stuck in the past. Previously, viewers familiar with history could easily anticipate upcoming events, as the showrunner, Steven S. DeKnight, prioritized historical accuracy. The fates of the main characters were also predictable because they were based on real historical figures. Now, by exploring an alternate reality, “House of Ashur” allows DeKnight to reimagine the stories of Rome with greater creative freedom.

Slow and Steady World-Building


Starz

The first season immediately throws you into intense action, starting with Spartacus’s rebellion against Glaber, his capture, and his life as a gladiator. This leads to non-stop fighting. However, the follow-up series takes a different approach, focusing more on developing the story and setting at a slower pace, rather than constant action.

A good story isn’t just about sex and action, no matter how well-done those elements might be. Steven S. DeKnight clearly recognized this and focused on developing the plot in this latest installment. Watching House of Ashur feels similar to reading a novel because the story takes its time with both intimate moments and important events, building anticipation and depth.

Ashur Is No Longer a Weak Character


Starz

The turnaround for Ashur, from a widely disliked character to a fan favorite, is remarkable – perhaps the most impressive character redemption in recent memory. When a spin-off series centered on Nick E. Tarabay’s Ashur was announced, fans were doubtful. Most believed focusing on a character everyone loved to hate was a mistake. Initially, Ashur came across as unlikeable and relied on manipulation rather than the strength and bravery of the show’s heroes. However, the spin-off has made him surprisingly endearing, thanks to a more nuanced portrayal and Tarabay’s excellent acting.

Tarabay delivers a powerful and captivating performance as a respected leader, bringing intelligence, understanding, and charm to a treacherous environment. To make his role more believable, he intentionally gained weight before filming, ensuring this version of the character looks significantly different from the lean gladiators he’s played before.

‘House of Ashur’ Is More Progressive


Starz

I was already captivated by the original series – it was so ahead of its time with how it depicted LGBTQ+ characters and wasn’t afraid to show intimacy honestly. But House of Ashur really blew me away! A Black woman as the lead gladiator? It’s incredible. I know there’s been debate about whether female gladiators actually fought men back in Ancient Rome, but the archaeological finds clearly show they did exist, which makes this story even more powerful.

Historical evidence demonstrates that Roman society was accepting of people from different backgrounds, focusing more on social class than ethnicity. This is exemplified by the story of Ashur, a Syrian man who was welcomed by Roman leaders. The series portrays the immigrant experience more positively than the original story did. Whether the show’s strong messaging is necessary is a matter of personal opinion, but critics should avoid excessive complaining. Ultimately, the Starz series deserves recognition for tackling complex themes that many other shows avoid.

‘House of Ashur’ Dives Deeper Into Roman Politics


Starz

The first series featured powerful Romans like Crassus, Glaber, and later, Julius Caesar, but political maneuvering wasn’t the main focus – the show centered more on the gladiators themselves, their training, and the slave revolt. This new spin-off flips that around. Ashur spends his time courting Senator Gabinius, trying to win Crassus’s favor, and even challenging Julius Caesar, all in an attempt to climb the ranks of Roman society.

DeKnight clearly aims to show the darker aspects of Roman politics in this story. While Ashur’s encounters with well-known Roman figures are made up, they’re entertaining, original, and make you think. Political scheming is always important in historical dramas, and House of Ashur handles it exceptionally well, rivaling even the best shows set in Ancient Rome.

Purposeful Sex and Violence


Starz

The Spartacus franchise has always featured sex, fun, and staged violence, and House of Ashur continues that tradition. It’s the kind of show that might even make someone who doesn’t drink start enjoying wine! However, this season feels more focused. Every intimate moment and fight scene feels deliberate – it’s all about power, control, healing, or building alliances.

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Sex is a key part of every couple’s connection, but in this story, it frequently causes problems for otherwise happy characters. The conflicts are realistic and complex, examined in great depth with a lot of nuance. The story clearly shows us why these characters are attracted to – or repelled by – each other, and what might happen as a result of their conflicts or connections.

‘House of Ashur’ Has a Flawed Protagonist


Starz

Achillia, from the House of Ashur series, is similar to Spartacus, but she’s a more realistic and flawed character. Unlike Spartacus, who almost always won his battles and rarely showed weakness, Achillia struggles to become a skilled arena fighter. She gets injured early on and spends a significant amount of time recovering, making her journey much more relatable.

Achillia is different from the legendary Achilles. Unlike the muscular portrayal in the movie Troy, she doesn’t boast or seek glory after a victory. Even though she’s repeatedly tested and sometimes shows vulnerability, she always strives to get better. She believes true strength comes from perseverance and dedication, which makes audiences genuinely want to support her journey.

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2026-01-17 21:37