This is more like it.
The introduction of Ares, the God of War and the establishing of his connection and interest/fascination/fondness of Xena, the Warrior Princess.
I remembered Ares as being a lot more over-sexualised, but this was actually a lot more fun. I am not a fan of how this show often used sexual lust as a metaphor or road to death and destruction, so I was very pleased to see that the sexual undertones to his seduction were in fact rather subtle (or, well as subtle as this show can do). Seriously this is the Ares that sends shivers down my spine and puts a quirky little smile of well-being on my lips. He quite simply is powerful, and he knows how to speak to Xena (and his followers). Unlike so many of the other gods he isn’t (at this point) a bully, he is power. Everything about him breathes strength and a versatile nature. His lines stand out as some of the best delivered ones and most philosophical of the entire show. Yeah, it’s been too long since I watched the show and had the bitter taste of Ares from Path of Vengeance still in my mouth. This is many times more pleasurable and hundred times more thought-provoking to watch.
Enough with the Ares raving and lets move on to what the episode is actually about. A hooded figure kills three random peasants and after having fought the anonymous figure who vanishes into thin air, Xena is accused of the killings. She is captured and after more than one touch-and-go with mob-mentality she gets to experience village justice.
It is an interesting episode, not simply to give us a taste of Xena’s darkness (aka Ares), but also for the progress of Gabrielle as a character and a person. While Xena is locked up and tied down, Gabrielle who’s faith in the warrior never once falters, use her oral skills to advocate the reformed warlord’s innocence. It both gives her an opportunity to become the protector, but also to stand on her own two feet. Building upon her actions in Sins of the Past she gets to use her skills in order to persuade the grief-stricken villagers of Xena’s good intentions . A speech that is surprisingly well-structured and concise for a teenage girl. It might not have released the same chills as Ares dialogue, but it was enough for me to raise my eyebrows and nod approvingly.
Furthermore, and an especially interesting scene to point out in relation to the previous BtVS one. Here Gabrielle receives a slap in the face from Xena, and she does forgive her, but she doesn’t let the warrior forget about it. In addition she makes sure to return the “favour” by a well-placed punch to Xena’s chest. Showing that she won’t just accept behaviour like that without standing up for herself. She might be the sidekick, but not even at this early point will she be trampled. She demands and make sure she receives equality in their relationship. We all make mistakes and forgiveness is beautiful, but to simply ignore our failures is not healthy. We need to remember to learn. Very different from how Buffy handled Xander’s attemptive rape.
Knowing Me, Knowing You
What makes Ares so dangerous, but also impotent is his closeness to Xena. The two of them know each other as well as they know themselves. He knows exactly what buttons to push in order to make Xena falter and be tempted to give her darkness free reins and team up with him. Xena on the other hand knows exactly how to play Ares in order to both win back the lost lives and her freedom. It truly is glorious, Xena is breaking free of her former mentor and his visions for the world. At the same time she is breaking free by using what he taught her, and as Ares himself mentions when she says she’s now fighting for a better world, “You were always fighting for a better world”. She might be on the road to reformation, but her identity and skills are still and forever linked to Ares tutelage. And that is why I love to see them as one. Ares is a metaphor for Xena’s warrior side. Xena on the other hand is a physical vessel for the God of War to work his ideology through. Brilliant storytelling.
Finally I just have to mention Ares line to Xena, “Now summon forth that super-mortal strength of yours”. Unlike with Buffy I really do enjoy having Xena as not quite human. In the context of the show it makes us question what we have come to expect of humanity. Her dubious mortality (as well as morality) is the ultimate norm-breaker and catalyst for us to re-think our expectations. Plus I’m a big fan of the subtle references of Ares as her father.
Justice vs. Law
This episode also introduces a discussion on how justice works in relation to the law, and how the two are not always directly linked. Furthermore it highlights the problems with judicial systems both in themselves, but also when infected by human emotion. It is a good start to yet another theme that will be incredibly important throughout the show; how to deal with justice and who has the right to claim it.
Gabrielle/Ares
I wasn’t going to splash around in the G/A puddle, but it is very fun to see that Ares does not actually appear physically to Xena until Gabrielle has firmly established herself at her side, and worked her way into the position of best friend. But yeah, plenty of G/A subtext even in this one if you care to look for it (and I will, but in another post and another place).
Subtext
The scene that pops, for me personally, was the making-up scene after Xena in her Ares induced haze of aggression hits Gabrielle. There is something about the language and way in which that scene is played that speaks volumes. It’s not simply two friends making nice again, there’s something beyond that. A need and a tension above and beyond.
Xena in the prison cell and Gabrielle peaking in from the outside.
Xena: "Someone gave me a better offer." *pause* "I need you to leave me alone for a while."
Gabrielle looking crushed: "Okay."
Xena quickly replying: "I didn’t mean that like it sounded." *with a softer voice* "I'm glad you came back."
It shows how important Gabrielle’s feelings are to Xena. The Warrior Princess doesn’t understand why Gabrielle stays, but the urgency in her voice and the fear in her eyes proves that she desperately needs her to.
Then there is also the scene where Xena, the former warlord, commands the bathing Gabrielle, dressed in pristinely white underwear, to get up on her horse. This is true subtext, playing on a very subtle level the attitude and feel of the scene in the context of an episode dealing with Xena’s rough past, adds a certain sexual dynamic to it. The Warlord and the Virgin-- if nothing else works as a major fanfic prompt.
Conclusion
Ares was a lot more enjoyable than I had remembered him, and his dialogue is bloody brilliant. Then add an impeccable delivery by Kevin Smith and it’s not difficult to understand the attraction. I also love how Ares is a tangible manifestation of what is inside of Xena. He is her, just as much as she is him. Moreover he wants her on his side, but at the same time he takes great pride in her independence and success in foiling his plans. I do so love their relationship when it’s not sexualised.
A very good episode, probably one of the most interesting and important ones of the first season. A must watch and very solid introduction of the God of War.
Randomness & Memorable
- Both Xena and Gabrielle refer to each other as best friends.
- Gabrielle playing CSI:Greece and discovering two sets of footprints at the “crime scene“.
- Xena’s weird yip-yip battle yell at the beginning.
- Ares hand gesture while fighting Xena at the beginning. Weird, but very cool.
- “I used to wonder what you looked like” Xena to Ares.
- Being dragged behind a horse - way of execution and reoccurring theme of the show.
- "My dear Xena, you were always fighting for a better world. You were going to conquer it-- and then-- you were going to rule it-- the perfect way to bring order-- out of chaos."
Next Up:
Angel (BtVS)
Angel (BtVS)
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