Warning: The following contains spoilers for Spartacus: House of Ashur, Season 1, Episode 4, “Blood and Bone” Spartacus: House of Ashur has certainly managed to take what’s old and make it new again after just three episodes. The series has clearly solidified itself as a marked departure from the original show, while at the time retaining all the things we loved about the 2010 sword and sandal epic. Episode 4, “Blood and Bone,” takes things even further, proving yet again that this isn’t the Ashur of yesteryear, but an entirely new beast that’s even more cunning than he was while under the thumb of Batiatus. Dropping today on the Starz app, Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 4 was filled with intrigue, an unexpected kiss, and perhaps the most blood the spinoff has seen to date following a wild battle that came out of nowhere, and worked to Ashur’s advantage by the time it was all said and done.

Tenika Davis and Jordi Webber in Spartacus: House of AshurStarz

To say that Achillia (Tenika Davis) has been struggling to find her place in the House of Ashur would be an understatement. Ever since her arrival on the scene, she’s been knocked down time and time again, both physically and mentally. Just when you think she’s going to finally best someone in training, she falls to the sand in a bloody mess despite her best efforts. Ashur branding her with the mark of the Brotherhood absent test certainly didn’t help win her any points with her fellow gladiators, and has made her even more of a target than before. That being said, Episode 4 finally sees the gladiatrix find her footing following some words with Celadus (Dan Hamill), who urges her to think of her upcoming opponents in the arena, The Brothers Ferox, not as three singular men to defeat, but a trio that stands as one unit and fights as such. That’s not the case with the men she’s training with, especially his son, Tarchon (Jordi Webber), so he gives her some tips on how to defeat her opponents which eventually pay off. Following a brutal training session, Achillia emerges victorious thanks to Celadus’ advice, which results in driving a wedge between father and son.
Korris and Opiter Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G

If you thought things were spicy between Korris (Graham McTavish) and Opiter (Arlo Gibson) in Episode 3, wait until you feast your eyes upon “Blood and Bone.” Episode 4 once more sees Ashur’s Doctore break words with the lanista in a steamy bath scene that’s set up thanks to the injury Korris sustained at the hands of Cossutia’s scheme to eliminate him from the equation. When Opiter hears that he was injured, he immediately heads to the House of Ashur to gauge the severity of his wounds. Despite the unexpected arrival, Ashur welcomes Opiter with open arms, knowing he holds sway over Senator Gabinius and the upcoming games – something he’s been trying to gain position in. Departing for the market, Ashur leaves Opiter and Korris to their own devices, which, following a few seductive words from the younger man, results in Korris embracing him for a passionate kiss. It’s nice to see McTavish play a romantic lead for once, as we haven’t gotten to see him in a lot of roles like this. Speaking with MovieWeb about the moment, he even told us that it was one of his favorite parts of the series:
“It was, for me, one of the joys of doing the show. Being able to explore that side of a character. I don’t think I’ve ever really had the opportunity to do that on screen.”

Ashur Finally Gets What He Wants After a Bloody Battle

Elsewhere in Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 4, Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) is on cloud nine over the coming arrival of Crassus, his benefactor, who seemingly sends word that he’s paying a visit despite the troubles going on between him, Pompey, and the Cilician pirates that have been mentioned in passing. However, Ashur’s hopes are quickly dashed when he learns that Crassus’ luggage will be arriving ahead of him, and it’s up to the Syrian to see that it’s delivered safely to his villa. Taking Korris with him, he heads out to see to the task, and it’s then that we’re treated to the series’ first real bloodbath. It just so happens that Cossuita (Claudia Black), her daughter, Viridia (India Shaw-Smith), and friend, Horatia (Lisa Chappell), are in the same vicinity shopping for some delightful Egyptian fabrics. Out of nowhere, Horatia is struck down by the aforementioned Cilicians, who attack and separate mother and daughter. While Korris goes after Cossuita, Ashur comes to the rescue of Viridia. Following a lengthy battle, the lanista and his Doctore emerge as victors, dispatching the pirates in brutal fashion.

As a reward for their efforts, Senator Gabinius grants Ashur his one wish: position in the upcoming games of the Ludi Apollinares. As such, he tells Korris that there’s no more need for him to be in the company of Opiter, which is sure to cause some problems down the road. However, the fire burning within Ashur at such a gift is quickly extinguished when it’s revealed that it’s actually Gaius Julius Caesar paying a visit to his villa, and not Crassus. Needless to say, the arrival of Caesar and his wife, Cornelia, is sure to throw a wrench in things next week. How will he react once he learns that Ashur plans to have a woman fight as champion of his house? In fact, what will all of Capua think? Will it have the desired effect the Syrian wants, or will it backfire once she steps into the arena with The Brothers Ferox? We’ll have to wait until December 26 to find out, but in the meantime, Episode 4 of Spartacus: House of Ashur, “Blood and Bone,” is streaming now on the Starz app.

Release Date

December 5, 2025

Network

Starz

Directors

Rick Jacobson