by Shawna Blake

Created on: January 27, 2008

As a kid, my best buddy and I used to fall all over ourselves to watch 'American Gladiators', but we were pre-teenaged girls, and it was usually because we thought that we could beat those big beefy boys in spandex. We thought it was ingenious. But that was the early nineties and there was much less competition, other than that of WWF wrestling, of course. But, it was a fun show, so I'll give it a whirl. What you expect to see is a bunch of people of various strengths and speeds (or bravery), dressed in spandex, fighting to the death, or practically so. Basically, expect that it will probably only last for one season.

Hulk Hogan is hosting this time around, though, and there are new gladiators than those of the days of yore. And since the Hulkster was voted father of the year, and he is a favored television personality, how could this show go wrong? It is directed by J. Rupert Thompson, who is famous for 'America's Top Model', so one could guess what kind of future it may have. For added insurance, though, Laila Ali is also a host, and since she is both pretty and tough, that will ensure at least a little bit of entertainment.

As for the players; Mayhem (William Romeo), Wolf (Hollywood Yates), Crush (Gina Carano), Militia (Alex Castro), Venom (Beth Horn), Stealth (Tanji Johnson), Titan (Michael O'Hearn), Fury (Jamie Kovac), Toa (Tanoai Reed), Justice (Justice Smith), Siren (Valerie Waugaman) and Hellga (Robin Coleman). These are beautifully sculpted "warriors" donning silver and black metallic spandex outfits, that compete with ordinary, everyday heroes in carefully erected battles. Think of it as a modern day David and Goliath, sans stones, with the addition of a camera and a studio audience.

What to expect? The first twelve episodes (so far) you will see puny (compared to the gladiators, not us mere mortals) or rather, normal sized individuals attempt to out fight, over strategize, and basically survive a battle with one of the appointed gladiators. It's fabulous! It's sort of like a virtual video game, you almost picture yourself overtaking strength and power with your every day wits. You want to fight for the underdog, and witness one of those brave soldiers go through each battle to win the big prize.

The ten battles, are as following;
~The Joust, is my personal favorite (always has been). This is where the two opponents meet with enormous jousting sticks, standing on there respective platforms. There is a time limit, and if the contender meets it, without

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