Although still pretty graphic in the violence as the season has rolled on, that seemed to be the main thrust at the beginning of the season. As the season has progressed, they have toned down the frequency of the blood spilling a bit, and the character development particularly of Batiatus, Spartacus, and Crixus, as well as some of the female leads, has really been very good.
I have been pleasantly surprised by how engaging the characters have been and how well they have balanced the action and sexuality with some very good acting and writing. Not trying to aspire to be HBO's Rome, a whole different animal altogether, but good entertainment.
And yes, this week's episode was pretty tremendous with a twist that I did not see coming, and carried a lot of dramatic punch.