No One Was Harmed In The Writing Of This Recap

In 1996 a dark, mysterious, blue eyed warrior entered my life. Twenty odd years later and I’m still obsessed.Join in the documented rewatch over twenty years in the making. Any replies or comments by mischiefgoddess are also me :)

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Season One: Path Not Taken

After a small (ok not small) hiatus we return to our Xena programming and find ourselves in The Path Not Taken.

I don't know how i feel about this episode. In all honesty i almost forget it exists until i do a rewatch and I'm reminded it exists. Its not terrible but its not a stand out for me.

We open on two plot devices, i mean characters, our romeo and juliet. We are introduced to them so they give some context to the events that occur later although they aren't all that important. I don't even remember their names. Anyway we learn that through their love and impending marriage their two warring families will finally come together. Don't worry this will come up again in a later episode. Shout out to the creepiest line ever:

Jana: “We’ll definitely bring our grandchildren.  We can tell them that peace was finally made here.” Agranon:  “And that one of their parents was made here.”

Thats a no from me Agranon.

Anyway, generic blonde princess gets abducted and generic prissy prince is so weak he can't even fight off one bad guy before his juliet is whisked away.

Enter our fearless heroes. Gabby is talking about something of little consequence and xena is clearly not interested. And of course in true gabby style she is being led by her stomach and is desperately seeking food, making her way to a sleazy tavern full of low life scum. Apparently they serve the best food according to Gabby.

Gabby wanders in oblivious to the leering looks from the patrons and the advancing that are being made towards them. Meanwhile Xena is busy taking out every bloke who tries it on effectively taking out half the patrons. There is one moment that stands out:

LUCY BREATHING FIRE! Never gets old. Although apparently it did for Lucy who later in the series had to stop doing this trick due to the dangers associated with the trick. Shame. Lucy was great at.

Anyway they eventually find a seat and Gabby marvels that they never have issues getting a table. They order drinks, Xena sits like she owns the place and then who should approach generic prissy prince. He wants to hire Xena but she aint taking the bait mate. Not even sure if generic prince knows who she is or if he just saw her fight of the leeches and went “yep thats the one.”

Its not until Gabby finds herself enthralled in the romeo and juliet story that Xena considers it. But first she sends generic prince off to give that money he was was offering to the poor people before she finally agrees. She still inst convinced though.

And once again our fearless heroes are separated with Xena off on an adventure while Gabby waits at the tavern. Again. And Xena heads off into the wilds of her past to help generic love story get back on track.

Not much of interest happens with Gabby while Xena is away. Gabby makes generic prince tell the whole love story and the history of the two kingdoms. Gabby decides that all generic prince needs to do is tell father in law to be how much he loves generic princess and all will be well with the world. Of course they don't get very far before they are captured suspected of kidnapping generic princess and are put in the pillory (thank you Qi for telling me what they are actually called). So thats Gabby’s story.

On to the more interesting story. Xena makes her way into Tracus. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Basically the small time players can all be found in Tracus trading stories about their small time crimes. Enter Xena. In her hey day she was clearly a bigger deal than all of this tavern combined and i wonder how much time she spent with these insignificant fools in her past.

Regardless of what i think of these people, they still remember xena and apparently have no idea that she is on her redemption journey. Information travels slowly in ancient Greece. She reminds everyone that she is better than them by referencing Draco. Again WHAT IS HER HISTORY WITH DRACO??? They buy her explanation that Draco was pissed off so spread lies about her and no one questions her any further. Idiots. While Xena is busy pretending nothing has changed in walks her past in the form of a dark and handsome not so stranger, Marcus. Marcus fakes us out pretending he is there is pick a fight with Xena but h oh it was all a game. Fooled you audience, not.

Xena and Marcus then get down to brass tacks and catch up on lost time over a beer/ale. There is history obviously. The show teases us with some hint that their history has some romantic elements and that Xena might be slightly regretful for something that happened, but in true season one style, we won't get any of that information and will be left wondering till the end of time. Why does this show continue to deny me back story?

Then in walks generic season one bad guy. He has all the hallmarks of a generic season one bad guy. Just look:

Extreme fake tan, check. Fake facial hair, check. Apart from the lack of hair he could easily be that psychopath that wanted to kill all the babies in that earlier episode. Xena sizes him up from afar and we discover that Marcus works for him.

Marcus agrees to introduce Xena to generic bad guy and so we set up the long con of the episode. Generic bad guy thinks Xena is in town to do something I'm not entirely sure about. Steal weapons and ransom them back i think. He says he is not so easily fooled. Try again mate. He agrees to meet Xena later to talk “business”

This episode is moving a little too slowly for more liking.

Anyway Marcus takes Xena on a grand tour of the compound showing her all the sights; the weapons warehouse and the hot springs. The hot springs, the romantic setting that they are, Marcus tries it on with Xena and she again shows some hint of remorse about how their time together ended. WHAT IS THEIR BACKSTORY??? There little rendezvous is interrupted by generic princess screaming outside and we see generic bad guy ordering his men to take her to his chamber. So we have extreme tan, bad facial hair and he is creepy and little rapey. Thats how you know he is the enemy. He has all the generic bad guy traits.

Xena interrupts his plan but demanding they talk business now, because she is Xena and she will not be ignored. Xena convinces him that he convoluted play about playing off both kingdoms is surely going to result better sales records and he is buying it. He also buys ransoming back the princess and splitting the share with Xena. This guy is a terrible business man. Moral of the story, Xena convinces him to keep his hands off the princess for now because she is worth more untouched. He isn't pleased he can't have his way with the princess but agrees anyway.

What bothers me about this plan is that generic bad guy knows Xena’s history all too well. He knows her history of sacking villagers and stealing their goods and ransoming them back. A warlord who thinks only of conquering at any cost. and yet he believes that she will help him and keep her word. How did he amass his wealth? Man is blind to everything around him. Arrogant awful business man.

There is a commotion outside and oh look generic princess is being overly dramatic Wants to jump and slit her own throat. Xena saves her and explains quickly and quietly that she is on team romeo and juliet and princess decides not to jump. Good call sweetheart. Don't worry the episode is getting close to its conclusion we hope.

Xena goes for a snoop and is *GASP* caught by Marcus. Cut dramatic music. Oh wait no Xena easily convinces him she is just checking out the merch when they are interrupted by generic bad guy who immediately thinks his right hand guy is potentially swindling him. Generic bad guy really should see someone about his paranoia and wild mood changes. Marcus being the man in the “relationship” of course speaks for Xena because she won't be able to explain herself, she is just a woman after all. It bothers me that he automatically assumes the paternal role looking out for her. Its Xena. She don't need a man to speak for her. Generic bad guy having got an explanation from a fellow male character leaves them to it.

Turns out Marcus has been stealing from his boss all long and....oh I'm losing interest. Must be the lack of fight scenes. We get a hetero kissing scene and i’m starting to feel like i fell into an earlier episode. I hate submissive xena.

We finally get to our pay off Act. Xena meets generic princess in the hot springs and *GASP* generic bad guy starts rattling the door. I feel like the entire point of his character is to add drama to the episode by interrupting people at just the right moment. Its like he just wanders around the compound entering rooms without actually doing anything. Xena thinks fast and makes the princess sit in the tub while she distracts generic bad guy. Apparently there is nowhere else in the room to hide. Or maybe Xena just wants to teach princess a lesson about privilege. Just for something different generic bad guy is suspicious that Xena might be in a robe and planning to use the hot springs. I mean we know she is up to something but there is nothing that gives it away to generic bad guy. Doesn't stop him trying to hit on Xena. Man needs some help pronto.

Generic bad guy takes the hint and the plan is back on track. You see Xena is going to put princess in a box and sneak her out of the city through some well that Marcus showed to her earlier. But wait there is someone here? Is it the generic bad guy who arrives at every location just in time to interrupt everything? Close. Its Marcus who seems particularly put out that xena might actually be good. *GASP* Doesn't take much for Xena to convince him not to be so outraged because guess who arrives. Yes that right generic interrupting bad guy. He brings his guards, not sure what made him think something was happening but his paranoia was right for a change. There is a fight scene, we know this because of the theme music playing in the background. Marcus pretends to take the princess hostage, Xena uses an emotional storage Marcus told her earlier leading to Marcus having a crisis of faith. Then someone shoots an arrow at Princess which Marcus jumps in front of in slow motion taking an arrow to the heart. Xena screams and we see her throw the chakram with intent to kill for the first time. The chakram slices generic bad guys throat with blood trickling down.

The fact that Xena responded in this way makes me really interested in their backstory. She obviously felt very strongly about this man we know nothing about it. There was lots of hints that they have a back story that may be romantic we guess and she is remorseful about how it ended. Just once i want the episode to tell me what that history was. Was it love/ Did she love him more than Draco? or Borias? Where did he fall in her timeline?

Xena kills generic bad guy, his minions run away. Marcus dies in Xena’s arms. Xena gets the princess back to her kingdom before generic prince and Gabby are actually executed. All ends well.

Episode ends with Marcus’s funeral pyre, which is attended by romeo and juliet which is nice of them since he dies because of them. Its the first time Lucy performs the funeral song and its hauntingly beautiful. She is far too talented. She calls Marcus her friend (just friends or lovers. Someone tell me) and Gabby says that is nice. Episode over!

Additional Points

Two additional things i want to say about this episode. Its clearly trying to find its feet story wise. These episodes are very Hercules-esque with limited conflict, convoluted storylines and a quick resolution after long build up. Its the kind of structure that I'm glad was done away with in later seasons. It doesn't take advantage of Lucy and Renee’s talents and seems to follow a formula. Its disappointing when you compare it to later seasons.

The last thing i want to mention is this villain of the week format we are currently experiencing. This is compounded by the complicated figure being someone Xena has a history with. I want the backstory. I want to know why this relationship is complicated. I want to know more about these people who influence xena and her view of the world. Its the flaw in the episode formula. We waste time with necessary build up when we could get more character. I want more character. Thats what makes later seasons so good. We get to know our bit part players almost as well as our regulars. Season one needs to give me more.

Anyway, apart from Marcus making a return in a later episode, this episode has little to offer and even less if you are a Gabby fan.

TL;DR: Xena and Gabby get pulled into a romeo and juliet story which leads to Xena manipulating an old boyfriend (i think) into helping her save juliet from a generic bad guy leading to boyfriends death. Herc style episode for Xena

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

I would like to apologise for the delay in getting to our next episode. Whoever thought going back to uni and doing your masters was a good idea obviously hates free time.

I just need to do some submissions for a parliamentary inquiry and then we shall return to our semi regular programming.

Thank you for your patience 😁

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Season One: Cradle of Hope

Season one is starting to feel like we are alternating important redemption arc stories with unnecessary and forgettable stories. Since Dreamworker was our important story, episode four is our filler episode. Episode four, Cradle of Hope.

Look its not as bad as Chariots of War, but its not terribly great. Lucy’s eyes look incredibly blue in some shots which is nice but not much about it stands out.

So without further ado, lets head into it.

We open with King Gregor and his advisor Nemos being told by an oracle that Moses will take the Pharoah’s throne. Sorry no thats not quite right. Some random toddler will grow up to take King Gregor’s throne. Easy to get confused when you use one cultures legends to influence an episode. 

Now everything you need to know about King Gregor and Nemos you can see here:

Thats right. King Gregor is mullet man. His wife and child died 6 months ago and now he lives alone in his empty castle. Memos is clearly evil. You can tell that from the ridiculous facial hair and the fact that his skin looks plastic. I have no idea what his story is or his motivations but he is obviously the bad guy in this episode.

So true to form, the Pharaoh, i mean Gregor orders a manhunt to find this baby usurper and bring him to the castle. Remember that. The king does not order his death so he is slightly better than Pharaoh. To save the baby, random servant girl puts him in a basket and sends him down the river.

And who should find the baby:

These faces tell you everything. Gabby is overjoyed. Look how lovingly she is looking at the baby. Xena on the other hand is bemused and so unhappy that they know have a baby in their charge. No maternal instincts in our warrior princess. They decide its not a good idea to keep the baby so they head into the town just up river to find its mother. 

Along the way, our heroes stumble upon an angry mob trying to hang a woman. Xena taunts them and then using her charm cuts the woman down. She then uses the same rope to string up the “leader” scaring off the mob. The woman does not seem very grateful to have her life saved, but given the way Gabrielle reacted when she finds out the woman is Pandora who can blame her. Yep thats right, Pandora and her box are in this episode. Because why have one myth when you can have two and from different cultures. So Pandora joins the gang and off we go. 

Meanwhile in the castle, Nemos apparently hates babies. He seems really set on the fact that he needs to kill this baby that he is trying to convince the King its a brilliant idea. I have no idea why Nemos is so concerned with killing the baby I don't know what his motivation is, i don't know what he gets out of it. I don't know why he is doing this. Nowhere in the episode is any of this made clear to me. He is evil just because he is and he wants to kill the baby because the script says so. makes zero sense but i guess every episode needs a bad guy.

The gang heads into a tavern and Xena is forced to leave her weapons at the door and doesn't put up a fight. She does notice that the innkeeper seems to be shifty but doesn't mention they should leave or anything. Nemos arrives because the innkeeper sent for him and of course we go to commercial with a shot of xena glancing at her weapons which are hanging at the door, just to remind us that she is currently unarmed. But it turns out that Xena is resourceful. She takes a sip of her drink and we are treated to our very first shot of this:

FYI that is actually Lucy breathing fire. She learned how to do it for the show. Lucy is brilliant.

The fight carries on, she manages to get to her weapons before throwing her charm at a soldier and the charm embeds itself in his chest. Seriously it is sticking in his chest as he falls to the floor. Thats the first time we have ever seen the charm do that. Im surprised that was allowed to stay in on the family friendly season one. Nemos and his mates get their asses handed to them but he manages to grab the box on his way out.

Xena clearly pissed off decides to put the pinch on the innkeeper. She could have asked him for answers first but she decides to do the pinch before asking him if he will talk. Not sure why she went that drastic so soon but we finally get to see Xena and her signature move. The innkeeper seems to know everything that has happened with the King since the oracle arrived and I'm starting to worry about what other secrets are spilling out of that castle. Loose lips sink ships people.

Back at the castle King Gregor and Nemos remind us that Xena has only been good for 3.5 episodes as they discuss how ruthless and horrible she is and how clearly she wants to team up with the baby to take over the kingdom. Long bow boys. low bow boys.

Xena, Gregor and Nemos meet up in the same tavern. Must be the only tavern in town. King Gregor is not here to play games. He has heard about xena after all:

King:  “What would a flag of truce mean to a cold-blooded murderer?  I know who you are.  And you disgust me.  You swept across countless nations, and saw the world tremble at your feet. But my people are not gonna be your next victims.  If it means my death, or the death of this-- child, so be it.”

I think Lucy plays this very well. Her facial expression for this scene is perfect. 

Xena clearly doesn't want the King to know that she is thrown by his comments. He doesn't know her from a bar of soap. He doesn't know she is on this path of redemption. No words are going to convince him when her past actions show so much. No if he thinks i’m cold-hearted i don't want him to think i’m weak. But at the same time she is clearly hurt by his words. She is trying to do the right thing here. How long before word spreads of her good deeds. How long will she need to face this kind of scrutiny. How long until people trust her. Its subtle but it shows so much.

Fast forward, Xena infiltrates the castle, pretends to be a dancing girl and tries to rescue the box from Nemos. But she is thwarted by Gregor who has chosen the wrong moment to start to distrust Nemos. Gregor decides the box would be safer with him and take off. So Xena lets herself be chosen was Nemos’ bedtime buddy and uses the opportunity to get some info out of Nemos about the layout of the castle before knocking him out.

Xena makes her way into Gregor’s room, past the shrine to his dead wife and son, and finds Gregor praying to his dead son. She knocks him, takes the box and buggy jumps out the window. There is a ridiculous running through the market sequence and a slow motion camera shot of Xena getting the box to Pandora just in time to reset the switch.

Xena having decided that Gregor is not a bad guy, and he clearly doesn't want to kill babies until Nemos, decides to give the baby to Gregor so he can adopt him. She tells Gregor that the baby will take the throne but as his heir not his conqueror. Everything is sunshine and roses until Nemos barges in claims Xena is manipulating the King causing Xena to rip the baby out of Gregor’s arms and runs off.

Cut to our town square battle. Be warned there is baby tossing. Xena throws the baby to Gabby, fights a few guys, then Gabby throws the baby to Xena because you know, Xena is only fighting the kings guard. Xena is carrying the baby rather unsafely as she fends off a number of fighters. Thankfully that is a doll because there is no way she has a good grip on the baby. Then baby goes up and baby comes down before Xena tosses the baby to Gabby again.

Memos joins the fight and oddly gets the upper hand on Xena very quickly. Its usual and weird. But its ok. As Nemos brings his sword down on xena she catches the blade between her two palms and uses it against him before killing him with it. The crowd goes wild. The townspeople are very very happy that Nemos is dead. Makes me want to know his story even more. Was he terrorising the townspeople? Was this civil war they all mention started by Nemos? Does he go around killing babies often? what is his deal.

Gregor gets the baby. Pandora gets the box. Pandora moves into the castle to become a mother to the baby. Instant family. They don't even know each other. How does Gregor know that Pandora is not a crazy person? Whatever his life i guess.

Gabby and Xena are checking out the box. Gabby knocks it over and guess what. Its empty. Because Hope is in all of us. Cheesy season one ending line.

Summary

Look i’ve seen worse episodes. It mixes two myths together and we don't spend enough time in the Pandora situation for it to mean something. We could have stuck with the Pharaoh situation and the story wouldn't be missing anything. Its a standalone episode that has no bearing on the redemption arc. We do get that nice little moment when Xena realises her past is not so easy to outrun but its not pivotal to the overall episode. 

TL;DR: King is worried random baby will take his throne. Lets evil advisor go after baby without realising that advisor clearly loves killing babies. Pandora is there for some reason. There is baby tossing and then King adopts baby and Pandora with everyone living happily ever after.

*All screen caps taken/borrowed from http://www.angelbacchae.com

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Season One: Dreamworker

Next up, Episode three Dreamworker.

In my opinion this episode is one of the standouts for this season. It is highly relevant to Xena’s redemption arc. Having an episode like so early in her story is perfect because we are treated to a visual representation of Xena’s internal struggle between the light and dark side of her being. It is also a good outing for season one Gabrielle and is an important step in the mentoring relationship between Xena and Gabrielle.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Lets dive in and see what we are dealing with.

We open on Gabrielle role playing with a sword. Not that kind of role playing get your mind out of the gutter. It seems so unnatural seeing this version of Gabby with a sword, or any weapon really.

It really looks like a young peasant girl play fighting with her fellow village kids. She is not a warrior and she is not a fighter. It is important set up for the rest of her journey throughout this episode. Gabby may have skills but this isn't and shouldn't be one of them.

Xena comes along and scolds her for playing with her sword. Its not a toy. We learn through this exchange that gabby is frustrated by the fact that Xena won't teach her to fight with a sword. Gabby was under the impression that if she travelled with xena she would learn to be xena. Unfortunately xena has other ideas. Gabby wants to be able to defend herself and we get this little gem from Xena:

“Don’t confuse defending yourself with using a weapon.  When you pull a sword, you have to be ready to kill.”

Simple words of wisdom from someone who really knows. Xena took her first life at about the same age as gabby when defending her village by taking up arms against its invader. There was no turning back from that and she wants to spare Gabby that loss of innocence. Plus Xena knows that Gabby isn't ready to kill. She wants to teach gabby but not how to kill; she wants to teach her to survive. Weapons do not necessarily equal survival. This is the first time we really see Xena offering some real training and wisdom. Her first step as a true mentor.

We are then treated to Xena’s rules of survival:

Xena: “All right.  The rules of survival.  Number one.  If you can run, run.  Number two.  If you can’t run-- surrender, and then run.  Number three.  If you’re outnumbered, let them fight each other, while you run.  Number four--”

Gabby  “Wait-- More running?”

Xena:  “No.  Four is where you talk your way out of it, and I know you can do that.  It’s wisdom before weapons, Gabrielle.  The moment you pick up a sword, you become a target.  And the moment you kill--”

Gabrielle:  “The moment you kill-- What?”

Xena:  “Everything changes.  Everything.”

The most important lesson that Xena could teach Gabrielle as this point in their journey together. Don't be so quick to lose your innocence because there are no take backs.

And yet despite Xena, the one in this friendship with all the experience imparting some life saving wisdom, Gabby ignores it all. They are attacked and while Xena is fending off the bad guys Gabby decides to not only pick up a sword but also to do Xena’s war cry drawing attention to herself. And then they come for her. Of course, teaching her a valuable lesson about following Xena’s advice.

Or so we think.

Into town we go and its super creepy with its lack of women and people salivating at gabby’s innocence. Xena goes to get some necessities and Gabby decides to go and scope out a sword because you know thats working out so well today. Xena meets the creepy and inhospitable shopkeeper and a blind mystic who is being poorly treated. Someone get that man a discrimination lawyer pronto. Meanwhile Gabby is trying out different swords pretending she is some amazing warrior, but alas she can't lift most of them. Enter the breast dagger:

Gabrielle: “You mean, it’s designed to pierce the breast into the heart of your enemy.”

Careful Gabrielle, your inexperience is showing. Of course its designed to fit snuggly between a woman’s breasts. Seems really uncomfortable to me. That blade rubbing against your breasts. No Thanks. Also what if you have a small bust? No breast dagger for you.

Gabby walks out breast dagger inlace, chest pushed out and Xena immediately knows something is up. She is pretty sure that Gabby’s bust didn't stick out so much earlier. And then the dagger falls out and I'm not sure how that happened but it did and Xena is equal parts disappointed and unconvinced at Gabby’s attempt to lighten the mood. Gabby clearly learned nothing from the earlier attack and decided ignoring Xena’s advice was a good idea. Xena confiscates the dagger and “pockets” it:

Gabrielle: “Its not like your breasts aren't dangerous enough.”

Admittedly i giggled at that line.

Then Xena turns around and suddenly she is alone and Gabby is gone. Just like that. But Xena being Xena she noticed what we all noticed, something is off about this village and that creepy ass shopkeeper. Xena goes off to do what she does best, intimidate people into giving her information.

We learn from the shopkeeper that every year the mystics come down to the village and take a young maiden to be the bride of Morpheus. Thats why the village sends all its young women away until after the Solstice. I have so many Questions:

1. Surely this town relies on travellers, how has no one heard about how travelling women are abducted from this town every year

2. Why would Morpheus target this village? If there is something special about the girls here surely taking travellers would defeat the purpose of targeting this village?

3. Why don't the mystics just follow the girls to the river and take them from there? Why do they need to take them from inside the village.

Seems like too much stupid for my liking.

Gabrielle being innocent is the unlucky winner of the Morpheus marriage stakes and has been whisked away to her probable doom. Xena decides that she needs to save Gabby so goes off to find the blind old man because he used to be a mystic and we finally get into the heart of the episode.

FYI this episode has so many candles its a damn fire hazard. Just imagine every scene in the real world with an entire candle shop of lit candles and you can already picture the atmosphere.

At the temple of Morpheus, Gabrielle has changed into her virginal white and we are told that she will need to face a series of tests to determine if she is the perfect bride for Morpheus. Its becomes clear that the point of this whole affair is to take Gabby’s blood innocence. That is the real bride. Gabby is a smart arse despite being held captive, and its one of the reasons i love season one gabby.

Meanwhile Xena is told by blind mystic that the only way to save Gabby is to enter the “dreamscape” Morpheus realm. He says it will take months for her to break through until hefts Xena’s arm muscles and decides, nope will only take this beast of a woman days. But still probably too long to save Gabby. Xena decides she has no choice but to try anyway.

Xena needs to be unconscious to enter the dreamscape but don't worry the blind guy who couldn't get the shopkeeper to sell him a halter for his horse is going to guard her. Cant say I'm confident. But don't worry he is a gentleman.

From here, the focus is on Xena and her internal struggle so i don't want to spend too much time on Gabby’s journey. In her first challenge, she is given a sword that breaks almost immediately, because if you want her to lose her blood innocence definitely give her a sword that wouldn't kill anyone. She manages to trick the goons into killing each other by putting Xena’s rules of survival to good use. She employs a similar tactic in the second challenge and manages to avoid killing anyone.The second challenge has an awesome 1970′s Doctor Who set (i use awesome in the ironic sense) and a fiery pit. Fiery pits are a staple in gabby’s journey over the next few years. After two challenges, Gabby doesn't kill anyone and talks her way out of everything.

Back to Xena because her journey is much more interesting. She enters the dreamscape which is a bluish misty set of tunnels from what i can tell. She has had a change of uniform and we are treated to our first set of chinese inspired fashion:

Purple to match the atmosphere, really cumbersome long sleeves. She looks like she is wearing pjs. I don't hate it.

Xena’s dreamscape plays on her past and her conscience. She will face a number of challenges intended to screw with her mind and to distract her from her purpose. She is about to face a difficult and distressing journey.

First challenge: She is surrounded by an army, her army. They have taken another village at her orders. She is feared and obeyed. Lucy plays the unease so perfectly. This was her life, the life she left behind. This isn't the Xena she is now or wants to be. They cheer her name and you can tell that every chant hits her like a knife. She doesn't want this.

We then enter a burnt out village. A throwback to the Gauntlet and the beginning of the end of dark Xena. There is a woman wailing in the background, unseen but definitely heard. The first villager she meets reminds her that this village was destroyed in her name. Xena did this. Then he reminds her that he is just one of millions on faceless victims. She doesn't know his name and she says it “I’m sorry” We aren't meant to think that the apology is just because she wants to get past this without a fight. She is sorry she doesn't know his name. But it feels much more than that. Like she is apologising for the village, for her past for the millions of faceless lives she has left in her wake. She is truly sorry. More and more names are thrown at her and you can see it weighing on her heart. Up to this point she has not had to face her past head on. She may have had to stare down rumours and stories but these are the faces of her past. Each and every one of them is a reminder of the evils she has perpetrated against the world. As they crowd her you can see the fear in her face, in her voice.:

Xena: “No, I left this behind me.”

Thats the point Xena, you can't leave this behind. It will forever be with you. Its your conscience reminding you that you did this. This was you and you need to make amends for it. You can't ignore your past and you certainly can't change it. You did this. You can see the realisation in her face. I did this. These are my victims.

Xena: “You’re using the past of a Xena long dead!  I’m not her anymore!”

You may not be here anymore Xena but the past is not dead. Not for you and not yet. Morpheus now knows how to hit Xena. Xena needs to believe that because she has changed, what she did in the past is someone else. Something she can leave behind. Morpheus is about to give her the greatest gift of all.

The crowd disappears and she runs to the next area where again she is met with a single man. Her last kill. Then we meet that catalyst for everything in her life, her first kill. Im impressed that despite all her years of killing, Xena still remembers his name. You never forget your first i guess. They taunt her. You were once like gabrielle, an innocent. Now look at you, a life of death and destruction in your path. This is what awaits Gabrielle. She will soon be like you. Xena then realises she can take control and uses the dreamscape to her advantage. I think this scene says a lot about where Xena is in her journey. When its about her she is filled with fear, resentment and an impossible need to forget. She loses control over her surroundings when the focus is on herself. But when they start talking about gabrielle and the fact that gabrielle could possibly be faced with a similar challenge in the future, then she has the ability to take control of her surrounding. Xena is able to put aside everything to save her friend, but is not yet in a position to put it aside to save her own soul.

The final challenge in Xena’s journey is of course the most important. Morpheus takes heed of the emotions Xena has shown throughout the dreamscape and jumps on the one thing that Xena has not yet figured out, what to do with the two parts of her soul. Xena thinks she can push the darkness away and treat her past like the past of someone else, another Xena. Morpheus uses that to his advantage but in doing so ultimately loses the battle.

Xena’s next challenge is....

Dark Xena.

I need to say straight up, its very clear that Lucy has a lot of fun playing evil xena. That evil, joyful laugh and the facial expressions as she taunts our xena. there is a lot of joy and letting go in the performance. Sometime i think Lucy is more suited to Evil Xena than our Xena. Its a chance to tap into that dark side of the soul and let it flourish, particularly when our Xena is working so hard not to let it out at all.

This exchange between the two Xena’s is important. Its really where Morpheus gets it wrong.

Evil Xena:  “You can’t go through that door until you have the key. And you can’t go through life trying to deny that I’m the real you.  We were so happy all those years.  Don’t you remember? Putting fear into all.  Pushing aside those who stood in our way. Taking what we wanted.  Ah, those were the days.”

Xena:  “That wasn’t me.  That was never who I really was.”

Evil Xena:  “Oh.  Well, let me ask you this.  Back then, didn’t it feel right?  Everything we did felt right.  If felt-- good”

Xena:  “But it wasn’t.” 

Evil Xena:  “Oh, how would you know?  You think this goody-goody act of yours is going to last?  There’s no glory in being a hero-- ask around.  You’re weak without me, Xena.  But the fire is still there.  Join me.”

This exchange really shows how naive Xena is about the ease in which she can move beyond her past. She wants to forget the past. That wasn't me, thats not who i truly was. Its not who i am. This is the true me. I will fight for good, i will be good and i can pretend that i was never bad. But we have talked about this before. In Sins of the Past, Xena rescues her buried armour and fights because she knows thats who she is. She knows that she can't truly leave the past behind her and instead she should embrace her strengths and use them to save others. This Xena in this episode appears to have forgotten that moment. Over the last few weeks she has acted like SOP is the awakening of the true her and she can leave everything else behind. She is convinced that she has almost been reborn and that means, carving off her past and focusing only on the present and the future. That was always going to hold her back.

She decides that she needs to kill the past, and that means killing her darkness. She is so very wrong.

There is a nicely shot battle between the two Xena’s. Of course they are well matched but Evil Xena always seems to get a slight apprehend. And thats because our Xena is trying to block that part of herself that comes from her past deeds. She is trying not to tap into that dark part of herself and is putting so much energy into that that she can't battle to her all potential. She needs to let go. Stop trying to be something you are not. Stop holding back. Then finally we reach the key, Morpheus final misstep:

Evil Xena:  “No, no, my sister.  You can’t leave.  You still haven’t found the key.  You take for granted all your gifts and talents-- me.  Everything you are today came from me.  Every spark of noble quality that made you a great leader-- me.  The strength that made men tremble at your name-- it all came from me!  You understand?”

Xena:  “I understand.  If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t exist. Whether I like it or not, you’re the key.  You’re the key. There’s only one way out of this Dreamscape-- you!”

Finally Xena realises that she can't ignore her past, she can't ignore the darkness, she can't pretend that was a different person. Suddenly she realises, without the dark i wouldn't be Xena. Without the dark i wouldn't be standing here today, i wouldn't have met Gabrielle, i wouldn't have the opportunity to do good in the world. I’m a warrior because of my darkness, i have these skills because of the darkness. I can't ignore it anymore. It is a part of me. I need to embrace it, and use it but not give in to it. Together, my light and my dark are the essence of who i am. I will used my darkness and my past to inspire the good i will do in my future. In this moment we see the merge of the two parts of her soul and she can finally be the Xena she needs to be.

Its a massive step towards her redemption journey. Redemption is meaningless if you pretend that was someone else. If you recognise that you screwed up, its going to make your redemption more meaningful and interesting. I love this episode because of Xena’s journey to understanding. Its important and interesting.

Our Xena defeats Evil Xena by throwing her into a rock. This will come back in later episode. This throwing your soul into a rock thing is apparently really popular. This final win oversleep allows Xena to break trough the dreamscape and save Gabby from being forced to protect herself by taking a life.

Xena wins, the blind guy is not blind anymore and he gets his job back at the temple of Morpheus and promises to turn the place around. We find out that the bad guy has been punished to live out his own dreamscape. Seems like a really extreme punishment if you ask me but its not my religion.

We then see gabby and Xena sitting by the lake and we get our He-Man-esque moral of the week moment. Xena throws a stone into the lake and imparts some more wisdom.

Xena:  “See how calm the surface of the water is.  That was me once. And then-- The water ripples and churns; that’s what I became.”

Gabrielle:  “But if we sit here long enough it will go back to being still again.  It will go back to being calm.”

Xena:  “But the stone’s still under there.  It’s now part of the lake.  It might look as it did before, but it’s forever changed. Come on-- let’s go.”

I feel like this is for Xena more than Gabby. She realised throughout this episode that her past has changed her and she can never go back. All she can do is recognise it, embrace it and use it so inspire her.

Summary

Even though its only been three episodes, it has been a massive journey from Sins of the Past to this episode. At the beginning of SOP, Xena is turning her back on her life because she was afraid her dark side would pop up. Xena thought she would struggle to keep it hidden and that it was a curse she needed to put behind her. Here she realises that she can't turn her back on her past. Her darkness made her, it is her but she controls it. If can't take over if she doesn't let it. Its such an important moment in her journey towards redemption.

TL;DR: Gabby decides she needs a sword. Xena says no. Gabby is abducted by mystics and they try to make her kill people but she decides to listen to Xena’s advice. Xena enters a dreamworld faces her demons and accepts her past in time to save Gabby. Finishes with a He-man Moral of the Week.

*Screencaps taken/borrowed from http://www.angelbacchae.com.

*Script extracts taken/borrowed from www.whoosh.org.

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Season One: Chariots of War

its Next up, Episode two, Chariots of War.

This is one of these episodes you just need to get through. It is not the greatest episode ever written. It is an episode that tries to push not one but two hetero pairings. Lucky us. This recap is teeming with contempt for this episode. I forgot how much i disliked this episode.

On the plus side, New Zealand looks beautiful.

Anyway let us begin.

We open with Gabrielle doing what she does best, telling Gabrielle a story. The story sets the scene for the rest of the episode. Its a romantic tale of Zeus turning two lovers into trees for reasons unknown to us. And do you know what happened:

Xena: Somebody built a boat out of them? 

Who knew that Xena was a comedian. Gabrielle then informs Xena that “sometimes its good for the soul to be soft” This is the first glimpse we see of Gabrielle’s desire to change Xena. Putting that aside the story is clearly intended to pave the way for the rest of the story. Its meant to inspire conflict within Xena, because there is not enough conflict within her.

Xena then abandons Gabrielle at a seedy bar while she goes off scouting or something. I have to be honest, I'm not really in to this episode so forgive my lacklustre commentary but really it just reminds me of a Hercules episode. A whole episode build up for one final battle at the end. Typical Hercules formula. Anyway Gabby is off at a bar and Xena is off on Argo.

Xena is clearly a magnet for battle because its not long before she stumbles upon a group of thugs attacking a barn building party. Turns out this is a pacifist community. The story focuses on this single father and his three blonde, blue eyed children. Incidentally the kids are terrible carpenters. None of the villagers seek to defend themselves from these thugs so Xena has to ride in and save the day. She manages to bring down a few of them while the others focus all their attention on pulling down the barn. An archer then joins the fray, firing off three arrows. We are then treated to Xena’s signature arrow catching skills:

She is such a badass. This suits her fighting style perfectly. Tactical, skilled and intuitive. Xena isn't just about strength she is a smart fighter and skills like this show off her talent. Unfortunately, no matter how skilled Xena is at catching arrows she only has two hands and a so a third arrow pierces her stomach and she falls off her horse.

We see that the single dad has decided to take responsibility for Xena and whisks her back to his place for some ‘medical’ attention. Despite having been in Troy during the way, and having fought (at least i gather he saw some action its not made explicitly clear) he has no concept of field medicine at all. So Xena lying in bed, clearly in extreme pain, must teach him how to tae care of her and remove the arrow. I really like Lucy’s insanity in the scene. You can feel the pain she is feeling. It shows beautifully on her face. Her acting is amazing in this scene. Single dad pushes the arrow through to the other side and Xena cries out justifiably. He then pulls out the shaft and Xena doesn't ry out she just winces, the pain radiating through her grimace. Then the poker to seal the wound. Again more pain on her face. Despite everything that Xena has experienced single dad appears to be fairing worse than Xena. 

We are introduced to our warlord for this episode who like all Hercules style warlords is incredibly one dimensions. We learn that he has a favourite son, who alas died in battle, we learn later that he thinks Xena killed him. He has another son who is a disappointment because he has too much heart and doesn't really want to kill the harmless villagers. Dad tells son that he is not as good as his brother. The show seems to want to play this like Son is going through the reverse journey as Xena. Xena is considering whether she needs to be softer and Son is considering whether he needs to be hard hearted. He doesn't play it very well to be honest. It seems like an interesting concept but i think they probably needed s stronger actor to play the part. It doesn't reach its full potential.

Keeping with the theme of the episode, we are treated to Xena hanging out with the blonde kids and telling them a story. She is giving Gabby a run for her money with her story telling. I’d listen to Xena tell me a story. We are given this scene to make us think that Xena is really considering giving up her life to be a wife and stepmother. I don't buy it, but single father loves it and starts thinking of ways that he brainwash Xena into playing mum.He takes this one step further by convincing Xena to be his ‘date’ to the town meeting with the warlord. as Admiral Akbar would say IT’S A TRAP. Single dad decides that if Xena is going to be replacement mother that she probably needs to dress like his dead wife, so gives her one of dead wife’s dresses which apparently looked beautiful on her. This guy is creepy. Luckily it also looks beautiful on Xena and we are treated to a scene of her getting dressed with perfectly timed breeze to add to the event.

We are meant to think in this scene that Xena is actually considering what life would be like with single dad and his blonde offspring. We are meant to think that she is taking Gabrielle’s words from earlier on board to the point where she might leave Gabrielle alone. I call bullshit. We just watched Sins of the Past and this might have worked before that, or at the beginning of that episode but it doesn't play well here.

In Sins of the Past, Xena almost gave up life on the road when she buried her armour. At that moment it made sense. She was trying to turn her life around after her many years giving in to her darkness. She was considering whether she needed to leave it all behind. But then we had that moment wen she realised that she shouldn't give it all up. She decided that she needed to keep fighting just on a different side. She decided this is who she is, not some housewife. Xena already made this choice and less than one episode later we are back here and all because Gabrielle said she needed to get in touch with her softer side. This is not what i signed up for. 

Back the the sleazy bar, Gabrielle has no idea that Xena has been injured and she is being subjected to a lot of sexual harassment. Like a lot of women at bars, she makes up a boyfriend to try and stave off the harassment. She looks across the bar, finds some random guy (who could be a killer for all she knows) and sits on his lap telling him to just go along with it. Question: Why does he go along with it? Anyway, turns out random guy is disappointing son. They talk for a while and Gabrielle decides to provide some unsolicited advice about following your own path instead of going into the family business. Of course Gabrielle doesn't know the family business is warmongering but safe to say she finds out later.

Back at the town hall meeting and surprise IT’S A TRAP. Who saw that coming? Xena fights them off and yet the leader and single dad are pissed at her. How dare she save their lives. Maybe single dad is just angry she ruined his dead wife’s dress. But whatever his reasons everyone thinks that Xena ruined the meeting and everything was going to work out fine. So fine in fact, that when leader goes and tells the warlord that it wasn't the villagers’ fault it was all Xena’s, he is told that everyone is going to be slaughtered. There is nothing creative or interesting about this story. You may have picked up a little on my contempt.

The show then fails the Bechdel test as our two heroes turn their attention to talking about men. Xena enlists Gabrielle to create a distraction and send her off on a horse as Xena jumps into her chariot. Eventually Gabrielle jumps off the horse on to Xena’s chariot, the chariot hits a hill or rock and Xena and Gabrielle are thrown out. 

Xena is face to face with warlord dad and Gabby comes face to face with disappointing son. Gabby tries to convince him to ignore dad and do the right thing but son is blinded by anger because dad told him Xena killed favourite son. Xena tells everyone that favourite son tried to broker peace and was killed by his own men, but dad is a one dimensional villain so he doesn't listen. Finally son grasps the idea and tries to stop dad from killing Xena, just for Xena to kill dad. And of course dad is disappointed because son didn't kill him and he dies forever disappointed.

And because we need to close out the “Xena might become a housewife” storyline, we get a final scene of Xena with single dad and the kids where they ask her to stay and she says she isn't ready. Why or why was it so important to install these maternal and family feelings in Xena. This is not the show i wanted to watch. Thankfully Xena comes to her senses, although the show wants you to believe its a difficult choice, I’m still not buying it.

Summary

So its pretty clear i don't like this episode. There is too much focus on making Xena and Gabrielle the regular female characters or any other show on tv. We are meant to look beyond their strength and their lifestyle and see that they can be regular women who care about settling down, finding a man and having a family. Its like we need to be reminded that they are feminine characters after all. It seems unnecessary to me but it may have been a by product of the time period it was made. Still its disappointing and i hate it. 

The parallel journeys of Xena and disappointing son are not played as well as they should. Lucy looks uncomfortable as she tries to balance Xena with this forced attempt to feminise her. Lucy clearly isn't buying this either. Disappointing son is disappointing. He plays it like a teenage boy who just wants to make dad proud and he struggles to play the internal struggle the show wants. Its a shame. 

I will throw a shoutout to the landscape though. A couple of years ago i took a trip to New Zealand and decided to visit some of the filming locations. One of those locations was Bethell’s Beach. I had a spiritual experience as i stood on the beach and took way too many photos. But i did get to see the location of the chariot scene from this episode. 

It looks amazing in person and if you can get there just once its worth a visit.

Back to the episode, its not necessary to watch this episode. If you decide to skip the episode you aren't missing anything important in Xena’s overall journey. 

TL;DR: Episode tries to make Xena a housewife while she battles against a one dimensional villain. Gabby hits on a stranger who happens to be villains son. Chariot race, hetero pairings but nice scenery.

*Screencaps taken/borrowed from http://www.angelbacchae.com. Final picture courtesy of me and the New Zealand landscape.

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

A tiny bit of fan fiction

Rewatching Sins of the Past and talking about my time in the fandom, i remembered a small one shot i did about 5-6 years ago. It focusses on those initial moments in Sins of the Past where Xena is burying her armour.

Enjoy or not enjoy. Your choice

The Battle Within

'The memory of the pain I caused has haunted my nights and my days. The many faces of the people I have killed become the faces of the people I meet. I can never purge myself of the darkness within me. Can I live the path I have chosen with this darkness within me? I don't trust that I can stay away from the path of evil while still shedding blood. How can I be sure I won't be tainted or that I won't stray from this path of good? How can I have faith in myself after everything I have done? My only choice is to find another path if I don't pick up a sword I can't turn to the darkness.'

 Having resolved to find another path, she picks up her chakram and begins digging. The surface is soft, almost as soft as she had felt herself becoming those months before when she rescued that baby. With that one act she had started a war she had yet to understand. The war within between the dark and light parts of her soul. It was that war that had seen Hercules show her compassion, an act that helped convince her she wasn't pure evil. And yet she was still unsure.

 She removed her armour and ran her hand along the patterned breast plate. She remembered the inspiration behind the design. Meeting M'Lila had changed her life forever. She had learnt so much in such a short period before their time was taken by Caesar. Her death had sparked the beginning of it all. With M'Lila's death she had become an agent for death and destruction. She had chosen evil over good. And now she was turning once again. The memory of that death affirmed how dangerous it would be if she were to keep fighting. How one person's life had the potential to change everything. She told herself she would never allow that to happen again.

She took in the smell of the armour. The smell of war and destruction. A constant reminder of the pain she had inflicted. She could never forget the smell of the battlefield, of blood and of death. How she once took so much pleasure in that smell and how it now disgusted her.

  She placed her clothes and armour in the hole and shed a silent tear. She was about to bury her life. She was about to leave everything she had become behind. And through her relief she still felt pain. Moving on was harder than she had imagined. It was frightening. She wondered how she would know she was doing the right thing. She almost changed her mind picking up her clothes. Then she remembered the promises she had made both Hercules and herself. She had to try. She had to change her ways. If not for herself than for humanity. She replaced the clothes into the hole and began burying them. As the dirt washed over the armour she felt sorrow and regret. She felt relief and hope. And yet she still felt uncertain. Was this going to be enough? And what was she to do once she had finished with this task? She hadn't thought about her next step only that she had to find another purpose.

  Suddenly she heard the sounds of swords and shouting. She quickly hid behind the bushes, hoping she could keep steady and not join the fray. As she watched them come into sight she felt the tinge of memory wash over her. These men belonged to Draco, a man she had once ridden with. They were in the process of gathering slaves. And at the front stood one defiant girl, determined to stand up for what she believed in and try and save her village

  'That girl is about to get herself killed. Why would she stand up and put herself in danger like that? How could she possibly think she could win? But what if she is right? What if you have to stand up for others? If people don't stand up for themselves who will stand up for them? That is the lesson Hercules was trying to teach me. Maybe I can do good if I keep fighting. Maybe I don't have to run from myself. Maybe I just have to be myself, just the better part of me. I can fight against the darkness if I fight for the goodness.'

  At that realisation, she knew she didn't have to run. She just had to fight for what is right. She would fight for the Greater Good.

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Season One: Sins of the Past

And so it begins. We leave Hercules behind and head into season one of a much superior show.

We begin with Xena’s journey to redemption with Sins of the Past. I think its a really good opening episode. We are treated to enough backstory to keep us interested and enough character introduction to make us invested in our leads Xena and Gabrielle.

Let us begin :)

I really enjoy the opening scene of this episode. The flashbacks to the past and visions of the damage she has done. That village and that boy cause her to rethink her past and it sets the path for most of the series, how am I ever going to atone for the wrongs I have committed? You can see the pain and the anguish as she tries to come to terms with who she was and who she is set to become. These leads us to one of the most hotly contested scenes in her history...the burying of the armour.

This scene is extremely emotional for Xena. I know that there are those that believe that her burying the armour is a sign that she had every intention of ending her life, until Gabrielle came along. I believe its not that extreme. Its my belief that Xena is burying the armour because its connected to her past, a past she is still struggling to come to terms with. To move on and attempt to be good she needs to make a choice and for her, abandoning her desire to fight is an important step in becoming a new person and having a new destiny. It is her way of moving on and moving forward. You can see the anguish in her face as she lays her armour down into the dirt.

But even Xena isn’t strong enough to avoid fighting all together. Her morals kick in and she has no choice but to defend the villagers. Her first step to redemption. She realises that her skills can be a force for good and that she can use her skills to defend and protect. She realises that she doesn’t need to abandon everything about who she is and that she can fight and be good at the same time. Its an important scene and a great starting point.

Gabrielle obviously has a role to play in Xena’s change of tack, even i can't deny that. After buying her armour Xena hides away in the bushes as the villagers are brought in. Suddenly this plucky young woman stands up to the soldiers. Renee plays Gabrielle’s defiance brilliantly. Its so visible in Gabrielle’s face as she tried to weigh up how she is going to get out of the situation. Then she takes action and does a Katniss volunteering to take the place of everyone else (#xenadiditfirst). It’s watching this young woman stand up for the rest of the women that spurs Xena into action.

Xena then singlehandedly takes on this group of men. Its a great introduction to Xena’s fighting style. Its acrobatic, its tactical, its unique. Its a no holds bar approach to fighting. And we get the spinning around a pole kicking in a circle move for the first time. we seriously don't get that enough throughout the series. After having the apprehend for the majority of the fight, somehow these terrible fighters get the upperhand surrounding her as she drops to the floor. Its interesting to see our “hero” in such a precarious situation so early in the episode. You obviously know that she is in no danger of dying but it makes you question what direction the series is going to take this fighter. Its not until you see Xena scrambling in the dirt that you realise just has smart a fighter she truly is. She reaches into the dirt pulling out her chakram and her sword. Our first introduction to the chakram in the series.

Xena  rescues herself and again takes control of the fight. And then you get this:

Accompanied by a laugh of pure joy. Xena enjoys fighting. She gets a real thrill out of it. Whether its for good or for evil, Xena enjoys a good fight. I think thats why it makes it easier for her to make the decision to keep moving forward. If she can get the same joy fighting to protect people, maybe it will be easier for her to stay on her path. Fighting and Xena belong together. Even a terrible season 4 India arc can't change that. I think this fight is exactly what she needed to understand her place in the world. Saving those villagers is almost as important as saving that baby.

The scene in Potedia is interesting. The village is aware of Xena. Yes she saved them but she is still Xena and not enough time has past for her reputation to be forgotten. She doesn't seem phased by their behaviour, it seems to spur her on a little more. She needs to work to destroy her old reputation. She has a lot of work to do.

So Gabrielle asks to go with Xena and tried to convince her its a good idea by mention she likes to read maps and place names. Seems like Gabrielle may have a bit of a boring life in Potedia, Xena tried to turn her away “You don't want to make me mad now don't you.” It’s seems a bit ridiculous at this juncture for Xena to think this would work. This young woman just stood up to a group of thugs and Xena thinks this would work. But then Xena has not been around real people for a long time,

Xena heads off to see Draco. I like this interaction between them. Draco is clearly enthralled with Xena. We get the hint of a history between them, they used to ride together and they clearly ended on interesting terms which we only know because she mentions his scar. Thats one thing i’ve always lamented abut the series, we never got to learn more about their history together. Where did Draco fall in her timeline? Was he before or after Borias? I’m interested because he seems like he has a bitter integrity. He values his word and he stands by agreements he has made. Anyway Xena asks him to spare the village, he agrees for old times sake. She then tells him she is going home and he are treated to this little backstory:

Draco: "What do you hope to find back in Amphipolis?  Forgiveness? I tried to go home once.  My father almost beat me to death with a blacksmith's hammer.  You'll get the same treatment, I guarantee it."

If this was earlier in Xena’s redemption it may have been enough to convince her not to bother. If it had been Xena at the end of the Gauntlet she may not have gone home. That was a broken Xena and now this Xena has strength and resolve. She can't be swayed by Draco.

We have this odd moment with a cyclops. It seems unnecessary for Xena to have this interaction. There is more implied history and the whole event is over very quickly. It appears to be a set up for Gabrielle. We are introduced to this cyclops so that in the next scene he can tell Gabrielle that Xena had been though that way. It gives Gabrielle an opportunity to show off her greatest worth at this stage in her story, her gift of the gab. Its an odd moment but it works.

Now comes the meat in our sandwich, Xena’s return to Amphipolis. I’m glad they did this in the first episode. In order to understand who she is we need to understand where she has come from. She rides into the village without her breast plate. Its rather symbolic. She feels safe enough to go in with limited protection. This is her home. She should have a right to feel safe here. Its her home.

She walks into the tavern and comes face to face with her mother. Xena looks incredibly hopeful, like she is waiting for a happy reception. Xena has put the last 10 or so years behind her she is hopeful her mother has done the same. It should be a beautiful moment. But mother’s never forget and not only Cyrene shocked to see Xena, she is angered and offended at her presence. In Cyrene’s eyes, Xena was the reason her youngest died not the warlord who ransacked the village. Xena convinced her brother to fight for his home and ended up getting him killed. To Cyrene that is unforgivable.

You can see the hurt and pain in Xena’s eyes:

If her mother can't forgive her, how can she forgive herself. She looks like her heart has been ripped out. She wants to show her mother that she is a changed woman that everything is going to be ok, that she wants to come home. She needs her mother to forgive her so that she can forgive herself. Xena needs to feel some love and she just isn't getting it. What is she doing this for if her mother still hates her? You really feel for Xena in this scene.Its heartbreaking and then Cyrene walks away “This is not your town anymore.  We are not your people.  I am not your mother!” With those words Cyrene has hurt her more than any sword could. Its terrible.

After Cyrene destroys Xena’s heart we have this beautiful moment when Xena goes to her brother’s tomb. She is getting no love from her mother maybe the dead will be more forgiving. Xena shows how far she has come with a simple but emotional speech.

“Since you've been gone, I kind of lost my way.  Now, I found it.  I thought I could start over.  But no--They don't trust me.  Not even Mother.  I can't blame her.  She can't see into my heart.  But I've got to believe that you can.  And I wish you were here.  It's hard to be alone."

And then Gabrielle arrives (stalker much) “You are not alone.” The look on Xena’s face says it all. Its a long time since Xena has felt like someone was in her corner. Maybe if this plucky, chatty young woman can see the good in her then it must exist.

You can see how much she appreciates that sentiment and how good it feels to know that someone in the world cares about her. Its a wonderful moment.

Draco has come into town and he is ready to take the villagers. He seems very slighted by the fact that Xena is seeking redemption. Its jealousy. if he can't have a good homecoming then neither can Xena. After all she has done worse than he. The agree to fight for the villagers and they come up with this horribly unnecessary scenario. Staffs and up on the scaffolding. Seems like a terrible idea for a fight. There is some acrobatics and a lot of standing on heads and spinning on heads. It make little sense but it has the campy feel that plagues Hercules but it kinds works for an opening episode.

We are treated to a lovely scene with Cyrene where Xena finally gets what she came for:

"I forgive you, my little one.  I forgive you.  I'm so happy to have you back again.”

Thats all Xena wanted and it was all she needed. It was a lovely moment and Xena even got a hug from her mum. Its an important moment in Xena’s journey. It shows her that she deserves to be forgiven and that she can be forgiven. It won't be easy but if she can show the world that she has changed, maybe the world like her mother can forgive.

We are then treated to the first campfire scene where Gabrielle admits to be a stalker and Xena seems to acquiesce her coming along for a while at least.

Summary

Forgetting the oddness of Lucy’s American accent (which for some reason sounded so natural in the trilogy and sounds very strange here) there are several things I’m glad changed later in the series, namely that weird looking headband and the fact that the sword is on her hip. It looks unnatural and uncomfortable and Xena spends a great deal of time holding it in place. Also very glad this is the only episode where Argo is referred to as a boy. That’s a yaxi I just cant get used to hearing.

All in all its a good pilot episode. It gives you everything you need and almost makes you forget Unchained Heart. Gabrielle’s chattiness and her ability to talk herself and Xena out of trouble is something i love about season one. Baby Gabby is adorable and is exactly what Xena needs at this point in her journey. Her gift of the gab us a skill that I feel is abandoned after season one and it is one they should have kept around for a bit longer.

All in all its a great pilot episode. It introduces the characters without long drawn out exposition. It does enough exploration so that you don't need to watch the trilogy (but you should because The Gauntlet). Its emotional and its entertaining. It makes you want to come back next week and see where this show is heading and whether Xena will be able to continue on her journey.

TL;DR: Xena looks like she is giving up then a young girl convinces her to keep fighting. her mum hates her then loves her and she saves a whole village from her ex-boyfriend before agreeing to left the plucky young girl follow her on her adventure.

Next up...Episode 2 Chariots of War

*all screen caps taken/borrowed from http://www.angelbacchae.com. Massive thanks

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Slightly Off Topic: Defining Fan Me

I have been a fan of the show since Xena first appeared in Hercules way back when and i was active on a few message boards for way too many years. When i first joined the active fandom people were very respectful of the different ways people enjoyed and viewed the show. We accepted that we all had a different point of view.

Over time, as new and younger fans joined the show, fans who had the benefit of 10+ years of interviews, commentary and fan opinions, the conversations became less respectful and more aggressive. If you expressed a view that was not the “accepted opinion” you would be berated and talked at in an effort to make you conform. It is the reason why i left the message boards.

We all take what we need from the show and we all enjoy it for different reasons. A lot of people love “When fates Collide.” personally i don't like it. And that is because of how i see the show. It is my opinion.

Since these recaps are based on how i see/approach the show, here is how i define myself as a fan:

I am xena-centric.

In my world, the show is about Xena and about her journey. Yes Gabrielle is a big part of that journey but ultimately the show is about Xena. I have always had  a stronger connection to Xena than Gabrielle. I even went through a period in my active fandom days where i actually hated Gabrielle. I can say now that i don't hate Gabrielle (and there are some great season 6 episodes and one season 4 where she shines) but she will never hold the same place in my heart as Xena.

In my active fandom days i was actually a part of a Xena “army” and our motto was “No Xena, No Xenaverse. Because without Xena it would just be a verse” and i think that sums up the way i watch the show

I am not a maintexter/subtexter. 

Yes i know that production viewed them as a couple. Yes i know that season 6 tried to make their relationship clear. Yes i know that Lucy and Renee talk about them being a couple. I do not deny that all of these things have happened. However, when i watch the show, its their friendship that draws me in. The fact that two women can have such a strong friendship is beautiful. 

I like that two people can travel together and become a part of each others family without the necessity of a romantic relationship. Thats one way that this show stands out in my mind as something unique and wonderful.

i am not a shipper.

I do not ship Xena with Marcus, Ares, Rafe, Hercules. I do not ship her with anybody. I don't like the way a lot of people view tv shows in terms of their romantic pairings. Its not necessary to pair up a character with another. However, i do enjoy watching the interaction between Xena and Ares, and a big part of that is their sexual energy. That does not mean that i think they should be together.

Sidetone: I do like crack ships. My three favourites are Livia/Caesar, Artemis/Athena and Salmoneus/Minya.

Do not waste your time trying to change my mind. I have been a fan for 20+ years and i have heard every argument possible. No one has changed my mind yet. But I am interested to see/read other people interpretations of the show and i appreciate a civil discourse so if you have something constructive to add please go ahead, if you are here to throw anger then move along.

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Trilogy Recap: Unchained Heart

Inevitably we come to the end of the trilogy with Unchained Heart. Honestly i don't like this episode. I don't like the way Xena is treated in this episode. I would have liked Xena’s Hercules journey to have ended after the last episode. Alas it didn't. Anyway here we go. 

Turns out Ares thinks that Darpheus can help him destroy the world so he is back and inevitably he decides to pick another fight with Xena and Hercules because that worked out so well last time.

Xena is now travelling with Hercules, and Salmoneus is along for the ride. Unfortunately this Xena is not the Xena from the last episode. She has suddenly become submissive and appears happy to let Hercules take the lead. She keeps looking at him almost for approval. Its uncomfortable after seeing her strength in the last episode. This complex, interesting and strong character has suddenly become a second thought. Its disappointing.

Before we get any further, can we talk about this:

SHOULDER ARMOUR. Look at those beauties. They remind me of dragon scales. They are so extra is wonderful. And that 80′s pop princess hairstyle. I’m here for it. I will suffer through this episode just for that. That shoulder armour is glorious.

On our way to find Darpheus we discover that Salmoneus is a quail hunter and Hercules has gender specific views about cooking. Salmoneus has gone off to catch the quail and Xena offers to scout ahead. Hercules then says “Maybe i should do the scouting.” Now i may be reading too much into this but it comes across as Hercules implying that Xena should do the cooking because she is the only woman in the group. Well Xena is having none of it and tells him that he will be doing the cooking. This is probably one of the few moments in the episode where she stands up and takes charge of herself without waiting for approval from Hercules. 

While Xena is gone Iolas turns up, hot on the trail of Xena’s army. Hercules decides not to tell Iolas about Xena because, well its not clear why. Instead they cook the quails and sit down to eat. Meanwhile day turns into night and Xena has still not returned. No one notices though. It just shows the disrespect that this show gives Xena. She is such a second thought that they don't take the time to explain why she was gone unnoticed for so long. But she returns in time to save Hercules from being the bad guy. Of course we are then treated some soap opera drama as Iolas refuses to listen to any explanation of why Xena is travelling with Hercules.

“Hyacinth and cinnamon.” That is all.

We are treated to an ambush where Salmoneus freezes causing him to leave the group because he thinks he is a coward and a liability. Xena then goes to run after him before being stopped by Hercules. I like that Xena is the one that wants to go after him. It shows the connection that she has to Salmoneus. He was there when she was alone. He was there when her army turned on her. He was there offering her support and admiration. Salmoneus is extremely important to her redemption and she knows it. Thats why she wants to go after him.

We have a fight scene where Xena saves Iolas, because he is a terrible fighter and regularly needs rescuing. The differences between Xena and Hercules fighting styles are very evident in this fight. Hercules goes out of his way to avoid lethal combat. He will knock the guys out but he will avoid killing them. Then there is Xena, a true warrior and soldier. She doesn't avoid lethal combat. For her killing is just another part of doing business. Its fascinating seeing them fight side by side, one killing and one not. Its likely because Hercules is a straight up hero, while Xena is complex and dark. Experience has clearly shaped their fighting style.

Then we get to the worst part of this episode, the love scene. Xena and Hercules are like teenagers who can't keep their hands to themselves. A few days ago Xena was trying to kill Hercules. The day before Hercules made a point of telling Iolas he wasn't bedding Xena. And yet here we are. Its also in poor taste on Hercules behalf. He knows that Iolas is struggling with the whole Xena thing. He knows that Iolas is worried that she is drawing Hercules in like she did with Iolas. Hercules is a bad friend.

Iolas returns apparently not fazed by the teenagers all loved up near the campfire and we learn that Salmoneus is sitting amongst Darpheus’ army and Iolas automatically thinks the worst. And now we are off to save the world from Darpheus and rescue Salmoneus.

There is nothing hugely interesting about the battle with Darpheus. They save Salmoneus and feed Darpheus to the big dog and the day is saved. Its a typical Hercules ending. The whole episode leads to this final battle and its over in a flash. Its one of the things i find so unsatisfying about Hercules.

Then we have another forced moment between Xena and Hercules where the show clearly wants to paint Xena has this submissive and love driven secondary character. They force this moment where Xena is given the cheesiest, un-Xena like lines:

“You are going to make me cry”

“You unchained my heart”

XWP Xena would be disgusted with they way this Xena is reacting. 

Xena then hops on her horse and rides away into her own brilliant tv show. Look how happy she is to be leaving the episode.

Summary

The trilogy builds up this incredible character in The Gauntlet and then seemingly abandons her journey and progress in this episode. The Xena depicted in this episode is emotionally weaker than the one we just left and appears to be almost beyond submissive. Its almost as if she is entirely reliant on Hercules to function.  This isn’t the character we just left and it isn’t the character we will meet in the upcoming series. She is an anomaly and a badly drawn one at that.

The Hercules and Xena relationship seems forced and unnatural. The reason she is portrayed as so submissive in this episode is due in large part to the attempt to couple these two strong characters. It doesn’t work and we don’t buy it.

On a whole i find this episode disappointing, lacking and disrespectful of the incredible warrior that we saw in the Gauntlet. Xena was treated like every other woman on the show when she deserved more. 

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Trilogy Recap: The Gauntlet

In my opinion, The Gauntlet is the most important episode in Xena’s overall journey. It represents the beginning of her evolution into the Warrior Princess we know and love. It show cases the complexity of the character and i love it...except that its a Hercules episode.

This Xena is obviously further in her journey. I would place this somewhere post Borias after the disaster that was Corinth. Whatever stock she had built up has crumbled away and she is left with the dregs again. She is clearly trying to rebuild herself and her army and is again stuck with soldiers that have very little loyalty and who put greed above all else. Putting aside the capability of her men, its clear that Xena is still a force to be reckoned with given we are told she has ransacked 6 villages in the last month.

We are reintroduced to Xena as she surveys the next village in her path. 

Don't let the baby face fool you. That is the look of a strong, capable and ruthless warrior. In this scene, we learn that Xena has a strong code of conduct that she expects her warriors to live by. Xena gives the village a chance to surrender, she doesn't attack at night and she does not slaughter women and children. This code of hers is important and integral to her character at this point in her journey. We also learn that Darphus her lieutenant is immoral and not to be trusted. The first few times i watched this i wondered why Xena would keep someone like Darphus around. This time around i understood that she had no choice. If Xena had banished Darphus it would show weakness like she couldn't control him and she ran the risk of him running off with half her army. She had no choice.

As we enter the village, for the first time we hear the now famous Xena war cry. The cry with the look on Xena’s face, we see just had exciting battles are for Xena. She lives for them. Its like her true purpose in life is fight. Its her drug of choice. Seeing Xena stand there with her bloody chakram after taking out several villagers the glee in her face is obvious.  

And then we meet, Salmoneus, one of my favourite guest characters in both series. He is often misunderstood and under appreciated. Salmoneus is an important player in Xena’s redemption and it bothers me that people don't recognise the impact that he had on Xena as a person. I’ll get into this further as the episode goes along.

I have two things to say about this scene:

1. My favourite excuse why Salmoneus should not be killed “My mother will cry.”

2. Xena saying that Salmoneus amuses her all the while looking at him stone faced without a hint of a smile on her face.

We move into the den/lair/whatever its called and its interesting to see Xena sitting alone. All her men are eating together and she is sitting alone at the bar. She is already excluded from the army. That can never be a good sign. The imagery here is lovely foreshadowing for what will occur later in the episode. 

Now we come to the first of the two pivotal scenes in this episode. While the cat is away the mice will play. Xena rides off with her scouts and her hold over her army dissolves into nothing. Xena’s army ransacks a village at night killing every living thing in sight. Women and children included. She doesn't return until after Darpheus burns the village to the ground. The look on her face as she walks through the burnt out building is pure horror and disgust. She knows that this is unacceptable and she knows that this has been done in her name despite her not ordering the attack. Its interesting to look back on this episode after we learn a bit more of Xena’s backstroke, especially when we consider where this lies in her timeline. It has a lot more emotion when we look back at it later.

Then it happens:

Xena saves a baby! (side note: i love the faces Xena makes whenever she is faced with a baby. It speaks to my soul). This is the beginning of the end of Evil Xena. There is no going back from this selfless act. It also makes the end of her reign at the head of the army. Xena must know that its all about to go sour because she takes the baby to a cave away from the army where is is able to hide out.  The fact that Salmoneus is also at the cave implies that this is not the first time that Xena has used the cave. Its further evidence of her isolation from her army.

And now we come to the most important scene in the episode and in Xena’s journey. After confronting Darpheus she is off to the Gauntlet. We see a dark and almost defeated woman enter the gauntlet.

She knows that the task she is about to undertake is going to be one of the most difficult in her life. No one has ever survived the gauntlet. 

This is one of the greatest Xena scenes of all time. The acting from Lucy is beyond reproach, she delivers every emotion so perfectly and in such a manner that you can actually attribute those actions, facial expressions and emotional outbursts that you see in the character later down the track. She brings the darkness and pain right into the audiences heart. Add to this the editing, which slows the scene down in all the right places and focuses on all the right parts of the experience, the way the camera focuses on empty ground and you suddenly see xena’s hand reach forward and complete the gauntlet, its brilliant. Then the emotional, softer and dramatic music just adds to the tension and emotion delivered in the scene. I’m in love with this scene.

Her strength and her ability to withstand pain make it possible for her to make it on the other side. This is paramount to her character development. With this one scene she shows an ability to survive and withstand any challenge thrown in her way. The Xena that makes it to the end of the Gauntlet is a far stronger Xena that enters. 

This scene turns the tide and pushes her further onto the path of good. Its very apparent that something has changed within her and she isn’t necessarily ready to face it and that’s why she needs to take on Hercules one more time. She isn’t ready to face the truth within herself, even though it obvious to everyone that she is different and that her destiny has changed.

Then we have the final face off with Hercules. I love the anger she expresses when Hercules accuses her of killing women and children. No matter what terrible things she has done in her life she has never killed women and children and how dare he accuse her of something so heinous. I think this interaction is instrumental in Hercules seeing the change in Xena. The Xena from the last episode would not react in this manner, she would let it roll over her without a thought. This Xena is principled. She values some lives. Hercules sees the spark of goodness which is why he doesn't kill her in the end. Although he probably wouldn't anyway because Hercules doesn't kill people.

FYI XENA WON THAT FIGHT. The only reason Hercules was able to get the upper hand was because his cousin interfered. The differences in their fighting styles is really apparent. Xena is tactical and clever whereas Hercules relies on his strength. 

Xena walks away like sulking teenager no longer understanding her place in the world. She has no army, she didn't kill Hercules and Hercules didn't kill her. She is truly alone. She can't go back and she has no idea how to go forward.

Xena comes forward and helps Hercules to defeat Darpheus and her army. She has decided to follow the path of good afterall. This final exchange between Xena and Hercules is problematic. Its as if only villainous women are entitled to be strong. The minute Xena switches side she takes on a submissive tone and is almost begging Hercules to pay her attention. This is not the Xena we saw survive the gauntlet but it is an indication of the terrible direction they will take Xena in the next episode.

Summary

I cannot praise this episode enough for its depiction of Xena’s  journey. Its one of the few episodes in the Hercules series that pushes his self indulgence to the side so that another character may shine. The writers took a incredible character and let shine through. You could almost forget that this is actually a Hercules episode. His scenes don't appear to have much bearing on the overall story. This is Xena’s episode not his.

Now people often say that Hercules was the reason for her turn, I’m inclined to disagree based on this episode. Every step that Xena takes is a step on to the right path. It is a step that she takes independently. All that Hercules does is not kill her, she does all the work herself. And this is so evident that it makes her character all the more inspirational.

Lucy is outstanding in this episode. She plays the gauntlet scene to perfection. The fear, the anguish, the pain, the anger, the strength and the resolve are all evident in her face. She makes what Xena to survive. She makes you want more of this character. She makes you love Xena.

*All screencaps in this post were taken.borrowed from http://www.angelbacchae.com. Massive thanks

[noonewasharmedinthisxenarecap]

Trilogy Recap: The Warrior Princess

The Warrior Princess gives us our first glimpse at our mighty warrior princess.

Before we talk about the xena aspects of this episode i need to get some Hercules comments off my chest.

Hercules commentary/critique

The fight scenes in Hercules are very one dimensional. The so called bad guys have no fighting ability whatsoever and are basically easy prey for Hercules. There is no creativity and in fact they are quite boring. The problem is that Hercules is strong so he doesn't need to fight tactically. He can just pick up his attackers and throw them away. It makes for lazy fight scenes.

I also want to quickly talk about Hercules’ relationship with his mother. Its creepy. It has moments where the conversations appear a bit flirtatious and its inappropriate and unnatural. 

Its time for Xena

I love me some baby evil xena. 😍

Our introduction to Xena is this young peasant girl who has wandered into a village. Already you can tell she isn't your usual peasant girl. She is clearly very in tune with her surroundings and is just waiting for trouble to find her. Plus red dress what is not to love.

Look at that face. Thats the face of confidence <3

Then the true Xena comes to life. She finds herself being attacked by a group of men and she manages to take them all down on her own and easily. We then learn that they are all her men. She is clearly disappointed in these so called soldiers.

“Pathetic” she says and you find yourself nodding in agreement.

This is also when we learn that her true goal is to take down Hercules. You won't be doing that with these guys Xena. 

The next time we see Xena she is playing this fake damsel in distress role. I know that its all part of her plan but please who is buying this, apart from Iolas who falls for it hook line and sinker. I think as a long time fan my judgement of this scene is clouded. I find damsel in distress scenes like this jarring. I know it probably has to do with the time period it has been set and the time period in which it was made, but in a world where some of the strongest gods are women I'm disgusted that this troupe would be played out again.

Anyway Xena is an expert manipulator and Iolas is a misogynist so this works. Obviously why Xena has chosen this plan. She must have heard that Iolas has little man syndrome and finds it necessary to show off his masculinity at any opportunity. (side note: i find Iolas to be a problematic character particularly in his interactions with women but thats a post for another time).

I find myself starting to wonder how much research Xena has been doing. She seems to have a great understanding of Iolas’ weaknesses and how to exploit them. She appears to have been working on this plan for quite a while. It makes me appreciate her cunning so much more. She knows what she needs and she will get it.

Xena continues her manipulation in the tavern. She amps it up this time with the constant flattery of Iolas and she really lays it on thick. She couldn't be more obvious if she tried. At this stage its pretty obvious that this ‘relationship’ is not genuine or sincere. Iolas is just reacting to the fact that a beautiful woman is flattering the hell out of him and sees him as more than Hercules best friend. Xena is clearly not in on this. I’m not buying the relationship at all. At all. I was so glad when we were told that it was all part of her plan. It couldn't have lasted more than one episode. They are completely mismatched. Thankfully i only had suffer to through it for this one episode.

Can we talk about Iolas and Xena taking down that wagon? Xena is a much more capable fighter. Iolas also seems to be on the back foot when he is fighting like he is surprised to be in a battle. Xena takes charge. Even when her opponent attacks first she quickly turns it around and comes out on top. As she chases after the stray villager you can see the disgust on her face when Iolas stops her. Lucy’s face says it all. She is not impressed with Iolas’ amateur fighting style and she is questioning how long she can keep up this charade.

The next fews scene is where Xena really shines. Her manipulation and cleverness is on full display. She puts her feminine wiles to work as she manipulates both her henchman and Iolas to do her dirty work for her. I think her tactics here really speak to where she is in her journey. Xena is the new warlord on the scene. She has made a splash in this region of the world but is yet to amass her truly frightening reputation. She is at the point in her career where she needs to use what she has to gain loyalty from her followers. Xena is a gorgeous woman and its easy to see what a little bit of attention from her would convince grown men to do her bidding. She needs an army and she knows she needs a trick, her feminine wiles are helping her build her reputation until she can move on to stronger, smarter and more vicious soldiers. We all need to start someone and you do whatever it takes to get off the ground.

We need to talk about this hot tub scene. I’m going to say it, Iolas looks like a dirty old man in a spa house. The way she is washing him, making herself submissive, really makes my skin crawl. The fickleness of Iolas is on full display. It doesn't take much for Xena to convince him that his best friend, who he knows better than anyone, isn't the golden boy the world thinks he is. Xena is able o tap into Iolas insecurities about not being stronger man and uses that to turn Iolas against Hercules. Its disturbing for the Iolas/Hercules friendship that it was so easy for Xena to drive a wedge between them. 

These scene gives us the best description of Xena ever “independent, violent and fearless.” It is the perfect description of who she is and who she remains throughout her life. Its perfect.

The Hercules arrives. The ultimate cock blocker. Perfect timing. Xena has just got through critiquing his reputation to Iolas, and he arrives in time for Xena to poke at Iolas’ insecurities and widen that divide in their friendship. Its almost as if it was written that way 😃.

As Iolas gets out of the tub to confront his best friend we get this wonderful reaction from Xena:

She knows that she has the upper hand. She knows that her plan is working. Xena is winning and Iolas doesn't know it yet. Its perfect.

Then we pan outside for the first Iolas and Hercules showdown.  The stand out performance in this scene is from Lucy as she watches from the balcony onto this fight of her creation. She is clearly enjoying the spectacle and is pleasantly surprised at how completely she has turned Iolas. Estragon: Bald head with long pony tail. That is all.

This failed ambush of Hercules is interesting. Firstly, Xena your men are useless no wonder you need Iolas. Whats more interesting is the interaction between Xena and Hercules. Xena manages to contain herself and doesn't even try attacking him. She is so committed to her to plan that she knows attacking Hercules will only undermine her manipulation of Iolas. She clearly wants to kill him and i think she could have a good go at it, but that would be a misstep. As she says, first you demoralise and weaken then you destroy. It shows the strength, resolve and cunning inherent in this character. We are not looking at a crazy monster. We are watching a clever, calm and measured tactician.

Again Iolas shows his worth as a friend an immediately believes that Hercules of all people would actually attack Xena with no provocation. Hercules needs to dump him fast.

We come to the final showdown between Iolas and Hercules. Again this is ridiculous. Its a lot of Iolas hurtling towards Hercules while Hercules moves out of the way. Its not a fight its a bull fighting show. Lucy again steals the scene. Standing behind the battle you can see Xena smiling and clearly enjoying this fight. You can tell she is pleased with herself. Everything she has been working towards is coming to life before her eyes. She is winning. And then, we get Herc’d. By that i mean the episode has 2 minutes to wrap up so the conflict needs to be resolved asap a typical Hercules ending. Islas realises he has been an idiot all episode and decides actually Hercules isn't the villain after all. The ensuing “fight” between Hercules, Iolas and xena’s men is lacklustre. Islas throws himself around the arena, Hercules throws people out of his way and the army, well Xena was right to leave them behind.

Im sure there is an end scene with Hercules and Iolas, but Xena has already left the screen so i don't really care.

Summary

As much as i dislike the Hercules formula, i really like this episode. Its really the first time that Hercules has had to fight a smart, complex and interesting villain. Xena stands out as a villain. As the beginning of Xena’s on screen journey i think it showcases some of the skills that she will use later in her career to ensure loyalty and create the kind of army that will make her the destroyer of nations. Every villain needs to start somewhere and this is a beautiful place to start. 

Her manipulative attitude, her deviousness and her strategic abilities are all aspects that are common to Xena regardless of the timing in her journey. To me, its clear that she is or will become the evil xena that we meet later down the track. Its her beginning and probably a great way to introduce those aspects of her character that explain her overall behaviour.

Lucy plays this brilliantly. When xena is manipulating Iolas and her men, when she is relying on her feminine wiles to manipulate people she has this soft famine voice. It helps to draw the line between the two lena’s we see here. When she is commanding her army she has this strong and powerful voice that people listen to. The two voices play an important role in showing the audience just how cunning and clever xena is as a character. Its a great acting choice from Lucy.

The fact that the episode is littered with her theme song is a clear indication that there is more to learn from this villain and we can be sure that this is not her last appearance. Its definitely a decent beginning to an amazing character.

* All screen caps taken/borrowed from http://www.angelbacchae.com Massive thanks