it didn't really catch with me at the start, though i'm sure that's probably a default reaction to a new spartacus, where you look at him as different rather than accept him as the character...took a step up through the gears at the moment Anameaius(?) had the brawl in the street. the brothel scene was as close to hard core porn as you'll see on the telly, so that was nice! and it's always fun to spot another Neighbours old-boy pop up.
however not too sure about Lucretia being alive, but it will maybe be justified with some interesting angles down the line...blondie looked a little bit ropey since the first series, which is a shame. new spartacus seems ok, though i don't think he looked 'muscle-y' enough (like old spartacus at the start). and the sword play focused too much on 'here's a close-up of a sword popping out of someone' rather than any interesting fighting. last point, i always really enjoyed the 'vulgar cod-shakespeare' dialogue style, but it seemed a bit grating, can't really say why though - maybe they've taken it too serious/too far/not serious enough. or maybe it's just that no one can say 'verily it is though the gods themselves have strawberry floated me up the arse!' with quite the same aplomb as John Hannah.