We open with a small group of Roman soldiers who are attacked by a few of the rebels, including Spartacus and Gannicus. They recognize that the armor's insignia is not the same as that of Marcus Crassus, and upon returning to camp, are informed by Laeta that it is that of Pompey, apparently recently returned from another military engagement. Before they can discuss this any further, they are informed by Nasir that there is a rider coming into camp. It is Naevia, arriving back from the battle of the previous episode and cradling Crixus' head. She recounts the previous episode's battle and lets Nasir know that Agron has fallen as well. The rebels then pose as Pompey's soldiers and "invite" Crassus to discuss terms at a neutral site, intending to capture him in their trap. They get his son instead, which works for Naevia, as he's the one who killed Crixus. Spartacus then arranges for Gladiator Games to be held in order to avenge the dead with Roman blood while giving them a taste of what it's like to be a gladiatorial slave. Meanwhile, Pompey's real envoy comes to Crassus's camp and he realizes he's been had. He sends Caesar to bargain with the rebels for his son's life. As his son is already in the arena fighting Naevia, Spartacus leaves it up to her to decide whether to accept terms — 500 rebel prisoners in exchange for Tiberius. She does, but Kore has taken to heart their earlier chat about "balancing the scales" and kills him anyway. In exchange, she offers to go back to Crassus so that the deal will still be honoured. The prisoners return, including Agron, who was able to survive crucifixion, and the rebels return to the arena where Naevia lights Crixus' funeral pyre Viking Funeral style, and all give Due to the Dead.
Tropes appearing in this episode:
- Alas, Poor Yorick: Naevia's behaviour towards Crixus' head
- Asshole Victim: No one except his father is sad about Tiberius' death, which is what happens when you're a multi-time perpetrator of Rape Is a Special Kind of Evil
- Condemned Contestant: All of the captured Romans except, in the end, Tiberius.
- The Dead Have Names: The names of many of the dead from throughout the series are shouted out by various members of the crowd at the end: Crixus, Sura, Mira, Varro, Duro, Nemetes, Diotomus, Oenomaus, and many others.
- Do with Him as You Will: The reason Spartacus brings the captured Romans back to camp.
- Dressing as the Enemy: Done both to allow for vengeance and to prevent a fight against two Roman armies at once.
- Due to the Dead: Both at the Gladiator Games mentioned below, and later in more solemn fashion.
- Forgotten Fallen Friends: As awesome and emotional this episode is, the absence of Lucius Caelius, Aurelia, Melitta, Diona, Pietros, Ulpius, Attius and the inclusion of the traitor Nemetes in the names honored in Crixus' funeral is very controversial.
- Gladiator Games: An inversion of their usual manner, as this time it is Romans being used for sport and entertainment by (former)slaves
- Heel–Face Turn: Laeta completes hers with this exchange:Spartacus: It is difficult for you, to see one of your people fall?
Laeta: They no longer stand as such. I have been cast from the republic with little thought towards loss or suffering. I may flinch from gory sight, but know that I revel in its meaning. - Heartbroken Badass: Both Naevia and Nasir until he finds out Agron is actually still alive.
- Meaningful Funeral: For Crixus.
- No One Could Survive That!: Agron surviving his crucifixion.
- Prisoner Exchange: Crassus offers the return of 500 rebel prisoners for Tiberius.
- Reports of My Death Were Greatly Exaggerated: Agron comes back with the other prisoners after being thought dead by Nasir and everyone else.
