Ep 2. Mission

In Spartacus: Gods of the Arena season 1 episode 2, titled "Mission", the House of Batiatus is facing a financial crisis as they are unable to get their gladiators into the arena due to the political machinations of their rivals. In order to secure his position, Batiatus sends Gannicus on a mission to the outskirts of Capua to win the patronage of a wealthy Roman named Tullius.

Meanwhile, Lucretia develops a scheme to turn a profit by auctioning off the virginity of Licinia, a wealthy young woman visiting from Rome. Crixus, the champion gladiator of the house, is chosen to take Licinia's virginity, but he struggles with the ethics of the situation and the feelings he develops for the young woman.

As Gannicus pursues his mission, he is confronted by Oenomaus, the gladiator instructor who is bitter about his demotion to a mere house slave. The two engage in a brutal fight in which Gannicus demonstrates his superior skills as a gladiator.

Back at the House of Batiatus, tensions rise as Crixus expresses his discomfort with the plan to auction off Licinia's virginity. He is admonished by his lover Naevia, a fellow slave, who reminds him of their lowly status and the necessity of pleasing their masters. Despite his misgivings, Crixus participates in the auction and ultimately wins the favor of Licinia.

As the episode comes to a close, Gannicus returns from his mission with Tullius' patronage secured, but Batiatus reveals that he has other plans for the gladiator. The episode ends with a shocking twist that sets the stage for the rest of the season.