Batiatus conjures up a devious plan and enlists Lucretia, Gaia and a clutch of gladiator recruits to see it through; Oenomaus longs to reclaim the top gladiator rank, but new challenges cross his path.
The house of Batiatus is caught in the power struggle between the younger and elder Batiatus; Lucretia agrees to her husband's risky plan; Gannicus is on unstable ground.