While Spartacus: Gods of the Arena has focused on Gannicus thus far, "Paterfamilias" is centered on Crixus. The miniseries has several roles, the most important being to show how Crixus rises to the top since that's where he is at the beginning of the series. After winning against Auctus, Crixus is one step closer to the top. At the same time, Batiatus is able to mend his relationship with his father, and will ride the wave to more gladiatorial glory.
The subplots of the episode go back to that grimy sexual stuff which is crude and blunt: the lower-class is treated like shit. After last week's ordeal, Gannicus can't hide is unease, and Oenomaus is sure to find out soon.
Score: 8.8/10
