Brilliant retelling. The first episode is unlike any other throughout the entire series but it is very tender and easy to follow. It sets a compelling back story for Spartacus that can neither be confirmed nor denied by historians. (Which is in part, the genius of the show itself. With history offering so little fact on Spartacus, the writers take liberty with each episode on the understanding of; "We're not saying it actually happened this way, but who's to say it didn't?" The introduction of the characters taking place in Thrace, gives the viewer an almost "Braveheart" experience, along with the stylized "300" action. Some of the CGI and blood work is rough and sloppy but done tastefully enough considering the short production schedule for a television show. Actors were very well chosen. Particularly, the star character and the villain. Craig Parker's range as an actor was seen within one episode and his character is someone that you want to stay alive just so you have someone to hate fervently. Andy Whitfield, brings a deep and tragic charisma to a character that History can say was nothing more than a brutish and skilled soldier and strategist. He is easily very likable. Erin Cummings gives a mesmerizing performance as Sura, the prophetess wife of our hero. Though Cummings attempt at donning an English accent is not carried well, she compensates with the other aspects of her acting. (Almost forcing the audience to step inside of her emotions within each scene that she's in) The episode concluding in Capua and setting the stage for what the rest of the first season would look like, was a nice touch and not over done. (We as the audience were given enough time to grieve the life that Spartacus and Sura once shared and were eager to see what rests for their futures.) Very well done Pilot. They have set the stage for a show that could create a huge following.