Party Favors - Recap

Spartacus gives Varro words of encouragement and Varro assures Spartacus that he is focused only on the arena. Spartacus and Varro then fight together in the arena. They defeat several foes together. Meanwhile Batiatus speaks with the magistrate. The magistrate agrees to allow Batiatus to host his son's birthday celebration and ascent to manhood. Illthyia's absence is commented on and Lucretia says that she is feeling unwell. Spartacus and Varro defeat the final foe in the arena and their victory is well received by the crowd.

Asher taunts Crixus as he mentions Spartacus' and Varro's victory. Varro's wife returns and reveals she was forcibly taken by another man and that he was the parent of their child. She says that the blood previously discovered was his and she was uninjured. Varro says that he will welcome the child as if it were his own after she gives birth.

Lucretia attends to Illthyia. Illthyia appears to be distraught from her previous conflict with Licinia. Lucretia encourages her to attend the birthday and requests that she use her status to invite others of high social standing to the event.

Varro speaks with Spartacus of his happiness triggered by his wife's return. Crixus taunts Varro and Spartacus defends him. Spartacus and Crixus are summoned by Batiatus and told that they will fight eachother at the event. They are told it is to be an exhibition event and that no serious injuries are to be involved. Batiatus presents a bust made in Spartacus' honour and Spartacus displays appreciation.

Naevia encounters the guard she stole the key from and he confronts her about the missing key. Naevia manages to convince the guard to leave her by threatening to inform Lucretia that he has mislaid his key.

Lucretia assures Batiatus that Illthyia will remain calm at the event. She says all those requested will be in attendance. Batiatus plans to acquire political status from the magistrate after the event. Batiatus mentions that Solonius will be in attendance. Batiatus says he wishes to see him humilated.

Crixus continues training in the arena. Varro and Spartacus speak of the exhibition to come and agree that Crixus may take it more seriously. Crixus defeats one of the twin brothers who swiftly signals for surrender. Illthyia assures Lucretia that she was able to convince everyone to attend.

Varro and Spartacus speak of Varro's wife and their future plans. Spartacus says that he no longer concerned himself with things beyond the walls, to which Crixus responds with harsh words. Crixus accuses Spartacus of stealing his title and speaks of plans to regain it. Spartacus is summoned by Batiatus.

Spartacus is told that he is to interact with the magistrate's son. Spartacus joins Batiatus in a strategic board game replacing Asher. Spartacus wins and is offered some wine. Naevia visits Crixus with the stolen key. Asher sees Crixus and Naevia having making love. Lucretia arrives to find Batiatus and Spartacus drinking wine together. Spartacus leaves and Lucretia expresses her outrage at Batiatus drinking with a slave. Batiatus defends Spartacus.

Spartacus finds Mira being attacked by a guard assuming she stole his lost key. Spartacus intervenes attacking the guard and Batiatus has harsh words with both him and Spartacus. Batiatus expresses anger at Spartacus especially having previously defended him.

Varro and Spartacus spar in the training area and speak briefly of Spartacus' escape from punishment having attacked the guard. The magistrate arrives and is greeted elaborately. The magistrates son is sent to Spartacus and told that the gladiators will follow his orders. Spartacus shows the boy to the training area where they talk of battling in the arena. Crixus announces himself asking for a challenge. The brother he previously beat challenges him. Crixus beats him down several times although the man is still applauded for his efforts and willpower.

Batiatus and the magistrate speak together over a game and wine, Batiatus tries to turn the conversation to politics only to be interrupted by the entrance of the magistrate's son. The boy is taken to be prepared for the coming celebration, Illthyia presents herself to him and it is implied that they have sex.

Illthyia talks of the boys ascent to manhood and believes he will do extraordinary things. Varro and Spartacus briefly speak of Illthyia referring to her as a cat without her claws. Mira thanks Spartacus for protecting her from the guard although the praise is rejected. There is talk of Licinia being missing and Illthyia struggles to keep her composure. Batiatus mocks Solonius briefly referring to him as a lesser guest. Asher speaks with Solonius saying how Batiatus wishes to humilate him.

Numerius (the magistrates son) co-ordinates the exhibition match stating that he believes Crixus to have seen his day past. Varro is chosen for the exhibition match instead. Varro and Spartacus spar drawing some blood although no fatal injuries are caused. Spartacus appears victorious. Numerius is asked how he will judge the loser and he calls for death. Numerius looks towards Illthyia briefly perhaps indicating that she played a part in his decision. Batiatus comments that it was only to be an exhibition match although the magistrate still prompts for death. Batiatus requests that Spartacus kill Varro several times. The guards' prepare to intervene but Varro forces Spartacus' hand. Spartacus kills Varro and appears distraught.

After the event Batiatus confronts magistrate Calavius about political status and asks for his support. The Magistrate turns him down saying that politics is not for him and that he should stick to what he is good at. Solonius enters the conversation and begins speaking with the magistrate, clearly irritating Batiatus.

Spartacus tears apart everything in his cell and begins punching the wall. Spartacus appears damaged by the loss of his friend. The slave woman, Mira, enters his cell and comforts him.

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