The Titans - 1x07 (XWP)

First released: 10/30/1995

For this one episode I think I will have to make the subtext section become the main text, because this is an episode that to me constructed a very solid foundation for their future relationship. Up to this point subtext has been plentiful and beautiful, but their relationship was despite that friends, and platonic friends with no real aspirations (and was kept to the background). This however rocked that notion.

Gabrielle's Insecurities
On the surface the episode deals with Gabrielle’s need to prove herself to Xena, and to the world. She’s travelled alongside this impressive warrior for quite some time and she needs to prove her worth. This insecurity is a reoccurring theme with Gabrielle throughout the show, it is also one of the reasons why she can be so incredibly easy to manipulate. In fanfic Gabrielle’s background is often painted as painful and her family relationships as problematic at best, and I understand where that comes from. Gabrielle can be brash, arrogant even, but there is also (and always so) an underlying insecurity. She doesn’t see her own worth, but only how she can be helpful to those around her. Like how she lit up as she was bragging to the villagers about all the things the Titans were going to do, she got personal gratification through others. She makes herself into a tool to be used for the greater good, unlike Xena who fights for and personally controls the greater good. I am now questioning whether or not Gabrielle ever got over that insecurity and got to live life for herself. Considering the events of AFIN where she made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect Xena’s legacy, I am now feeling horribly depressed on Gabrielle’s behalf.

Now I’ve strayed so lets move on from the maudlin stuff. Gabrielle’s curiosity once again lands her in trouble as she jumps right into a Titan-awakening ceremony and ends up playing the lead by successfully rousing the Titans from their stony sleep. At first the three Titans go about do Gabrielle’s bidding thinking her a deity, but soon the truth comes out and Gabrielle’s good intentions are once again turned into big trouble.

The Looks
This is an episode all about the looks. There is one thing to be jealous of your friend’s other halves and the time and attention they receive that once used to be yours. It’s something else entirely to show jealousy in regards to someone taking your “friend’s” virginity. Sure one could always argue that Xena was simply looking out for her younger and inexperienced friend, but Xena also makes it clear she does not see Gabrielle as a child. That would mean she sees the younger woman as just that, a woman and thus in charge of her own body. Sure Xena has appointed herself Gabrielle’s protector, but does she really believe sex with a gentle young man who adores Gabrielle would be something the younger woman needed protecting from? It is possible, but to me the jealousy is far more plausible. Xena feels the need to protect Gabrielle not out of rational sensibility, but because of that emotional storm that can’t be quite explained at this point. Though one should not necessarily completely write off Xena as oblivious. Her line to Gabrielle when discussing the possible danger of controlling the Titans is especially telling; “Do you realise the power you hold?”. A warning, but also a truth concerning Gabrielle’s effect on the Warrior Princess.

On the actual looks, it’s the type of looks that create a tension so thick it can be cut with a knife. I still remember this episode from when I was a kid and how I simply could not understand Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship. Every time they looked at each other I felt like I had missed something, like they had just shared a private joke that I had no possibility of comprehending. As an adult however, I still see their private conversation, but life has also taught me to decipher a lot of it. Obviously someone else’s life might have taught them something different, but I can’t help seeing the twinkle of a raging jealousy and a suppressed love desperately wanting to burst forth. To quote Crius (one of the Titans), “Was that a friendly look you just gave her?”.

The Subtle Text
In addition to the jealousy above we also have some random touching that is basic subtext, but instead of delving deeper into that (I’ve spent too much time on the subtext already) I want to mention one scene that to me stands out. Xena is ambushed and hauled off to be sacrificed to the Titans and Gabrielle and Crush-Boy get captured. Once Xena returns the two are removed out of their bounds and Crush-Boy takes deliberate pains rubbing Gabrielle’s hands. Over his head some more of that private and silent communication goes on and Xena can best be described as gently scowling while Gabrielle looks uncomfortable and apologetic, as if his touch was not her idea. The scene actually plays a lot more like they already were a couple and not just friends or even potential lovers. Very interesting, very nice.

And as if there wasn’t enough subtext in the actual interactions between Xena and Gabrielle we also have the tragic love triangle taking place between the three Titans. The Titans in this case not only representing a race of giant humans, but also reads like the blown up version of the same story that is told between X/G and this week’s loverboy.

Conclusion
I can understand why this episode seldom makes any lists, and unless you subscribe to the subtext theory it is quite possibly the episode feels a little strange and off. However what to one person can be seen as off-ness is to me the expansion of Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship. A relationship that begins to dip outside of the expected boundaries of friendship.

I recently had a discussion with a fellow subber who revealed she has a hard time picturing anything but friendship during the first season, I thought I agreed with her up until I watched this. Now I can picture the roots of a relationship containing both attraction and sexual desire. The tension between Xena and Gabrielle was a little too intense for me to be able to accept it as a purely platonical friendship.

And on a more general note we get a good look at Gabrielle’s insecurities and her need to prove herself to Xena, while her curiosity put both them and humanity in danger. TPTB also takes a very modern approach to virginity and attributes Gabrielle’s with the same approach to it as a cautious contemporary teenager.

All in all this was pretty much a standard episode. I enjoy those.

Randomness & Memorable
- “You were almost my first”
- The Priest abandoning the children while running away screaming.
- Xena actually being ambushed by a bunch of villagers.
- Xena to Gabrielle, “I could never hate you”.

Next Up:
I, Robot...You, Jane (BtVS)

The Reckoning - 1x06 (XWP)

First release: 10/16/95

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)

The Path Not Taken - 1x05 (XWP)

First aired:10.02.95

Yet another aspect of the character of Xena. Unfortunately it happens to be the development of my least favourite side of hers, manipulation.

Xena has fully accepted and embraced the role of Gabrielle’s protector, for good and for bad. Xena clears the road for Gabrielle who never even has to consider either consequences or have to face the uglier aspects of humanity. Though the Warrior Princess probably has nothing but good intentions, her behaviour in many ways is limiting Gabrielle’s development and understanding of the world. Something that will lead to ending up in the stocks and has to face possible execution. Gabrielle’s eagerness mixed with her experience of everything ending up for the better (read Xena saving the day) is already giving her troubles.

Once Xena has accepted the “mission” of retrieving Prince Unibrow’s loved one, the discussion between Xena and Gabrielle turn serious. Gabrielle clearly expresses a fear of Xena falling back into her old ways while being surrounded by people from her past. Xena more or less shrugs at her companion’s concern while at the same time managing not to be condescending towards Gabrielle’s fears. I didn’t actually think Gabrielle was this aware of how carefully Xena is walking the line. It also shows that despite the apparent lack of fully being able to “see” each other, they do have a very healthy communication going. That Gabrielle feels secure enough to voice her concern is a clear indicator of a very comfortable and perhaps even surprisingly (so early on) open relationship.

As Xena in this episode is playing the role of wicked warlord, the news of her possible “goodness” has spread amongst the darker side of their community. The rumours of her assistance to King Gregor and saving the innocent child is now following closely in her footsteps. Still she manages to “pass” and successfully fool the arms dealer Mysentius. This is where her manipulation comes into play. With a steely calm she works the dealer around her little finger, using words and confidence as successfully as she wields a sword. Not only does her manipulation work, but she adds another level to it by playing on her sensuality and Mysentius’ lust.

Marcus, the Friend
Then there’s Marcus. I like Marcus, I really do. Or to be more specific, I liked what he brought out in Xena, the teary-eyed regret. Just by watching Xena’s eyes during their interactions you could tell this man meant something to her. I also adore her final salute to him during the funeral pyre where she doesn’t refer to him as an ally, lover or a fellow soldier, but a friend. That is probably the most heartfelt friend I have ever heard and I definitely believe her. This man had once been her friend and judging by her passion, friends are something she doesn’t take lightly. They matter.

Subtext
Because I enjoy seeing what isn’t there on the surface, and I went into this thinking/hoping/knowing that there will always be at least one little piece of subtext in each and every episode. However this is of the extremely over analytical and metaphorical kind. The following discussion takes place between Marcus and Xena,

Marcus: “Yeah, the old Xena. You know, there is something different about you now. I mean, before, you-- were so determined, like you-- always had something to prove. But now, it’s--”
X: “But now--”
Marcus: “It’s hard to say. It’s like, now, you have the answer. But I’ve never even found the question.”

Followed by a very heated liplock and quick cut to Gabrielle looking adorable in the stocks. One possible interpretation of this, is that Xena has indeed has begun to understand the answer, which obviously is love. Love is the problem, the equation and the solution. Slowly she’s learning this through experience. The quick cut to Gabrielle works to emphasise how she is learning this. I’m not saying that there is anything between our two heroes other than a fresh friendship, but perhaps the ideas are already there. Perhaps they’re teaching each other what love is, and how it works.

Conclusion
The range of emotions Xena is allowed to display in this episode (in relation to Marcus) warms my heart. However that one side of her I dislike, more so than her violence, is just as clearly displayed. In this episode we see her expand on her manipulative skills, and her sensuality, sexuality as a weapon. I really do not like this side of her. Manipulation is one of the few things I truly despise in this world, I don’t have any good arguments I just do. Furthermore, to me sexuality is not a weapon, an issue, a problem, destructive or immoral. To me sexuality simply is, it’s something that links most of us and gives us the opportunity to come up with highly inventive and original ways of expressing and releasing it. Even though it has its dark sides, it really is kinda beautiful. That’s why I’m not a fan of it used in the manner Xena often does, to trick and to deceive.

Despite adoring Xena’s reaction to Marcus (though Marcus himself could have used some character work and not simply been sacrificed to the Horror-movie stereotype), I really don’t like this added "depth" of manipulation. Therefore I’m not thrilled about this episode.

Randomness & Memorable
- “I don’t care much for popularity.”
- Gabrielle in the stocks.
- Xena in the robe.
- One of Xena’s plans actually failing -- Marcus finding the girl.
- The Funeral Hymn.

Next Up:
The Pack (BtVS)

Cradle of Hope - 1x04 (XWP)

First release: 09.25.95

What this show lacks in consistency it more than enough makes up for in prophecy.

Cradle of Hope is an interesting mixture of Greek Mythology with touches of the Bible. The episode starts with a heartbroken King receiving a prophecy of a newborn child one day taking over his throne. This causes a young newborn boy to be sent down the river in a basket in an attempt to save him from the witch-hunt of newborns.

This episode perpetuates the snarky Gabrielle and introduces a more carefree Xena. There is some cheerful and playfulness in this Xena. It is as if her world has taken a step away from the darkness and constant struggle. Perhaps the revelations of the previous episode has freed her up somewhat. She’s given herself the chance to be human. With it we also see an increase in her confidence, which also turns her into more of the aggressor than in the earlier episodes. Previous to this she has reacted to her surroundings, this time by taking in the child and Pandora she actively seeks to help others. She seems to have taken her own (future) advice of “act, don’t react”.

Watching Xena fight at the tavern is glorious. This is the first time you can feel her joy. She’s quick, aggressive and inventive. Anything can be a weapon in her hands, candlestick, port, (later on in the episode, sex) you name it and she’ll find a way to use it for violence. Another good example that this character needs violence and darkness in her life to thrive. Previously when she’s been fighting that other side of herself she’s felt dull and depressed. Now she’s very much alive and kicking.

As mentioned this episode emphasises that anything can be a weapon in Xena‘s hands, and one of the more lethal ones she has access to is sexuality and her sensuality. Through seducing the dubious Commander she gets access to Pandora’s box (yes, I realise how wrong that sounds). This marks the beginning of the theme of explicit lust/sexuality as a metaphor as well as path towards destruction. At times I’m surprised at the lack of uproar from the heteronormative community, not because of the homoerotic undertones, but because of the ways in which the show treats heterosexuality. From memory, each and every explicit heterosexual encounter always ends in death, or at least a sizeable amount of destruction. That includes those times when it’s not used as a straightforward weapon. I’m eagerly waiting to see if my memory serves me right. If so, it brings an entirely new level of moral subtext to subtext. One I’m not entirely sure I agree with. But if you enjoy division and social/cultural value-systems it might be for you.

Word of Xena’s new path is still not out. Once again the King and his deceitful commander sees Xena as a ruthless monster who’s army they fear to go up against. This episode actually paints a picture of Xena as not necessarily a hero as much as a problem-solver. With the same brutal and beautiful simplicity as she fights, she finds original solutions to problems. At this point it’s not about saving entire populations from vicious warlords and ultimate destruction, it’s about helping people, making the best out of hopeless and sad situations.

The YAXI vs. The Prophecy
Watching X:WP is in many ways very similar to reading Ancient Sources. They are inconsistent, tell the same stories in a wide range of ways, are often very prophetic, but always present similar themes. That’s what you get on X:WP as well.

As the duo discovers the boy in the basket Gabrielle ponders aloud, “Imagine sending a baby down the river”. A line that with the knowledge of events to come tears at my heart and makes me wish I could protect this fairly innocent young girl from the pain to come. Same goes for the painfully hypocritical, “What sort of man would order the death of a defenceless child?” that Xena incredulously pondered in relation to the King’s hunt for the boy. To further slam the prophecy home Gabrielle’s curiosity causes her to stumble into and knocking Pandora’s box over, thereby “releasing Hope into the world“. I try not to look ahead, but enjoy the episode and the moment, but this episode makes future events too clear not to see the parallels. Personally I actually have to say I prefer this prophetic and ambiguous stuff to complete consistency.

Subtext
As they wake up Gabrielle asks Xena how she’s slept, who cheerfully replies, “Like a rock”. In reply to Xena posing the same question Gabrielle grumbles “On a rock”. The implication that Gabrielle slept on Xena is difficult to ignore.

Furthermore as Pandora is discussing the most important thing to mankind Xena’s eyes briefly linger on Gabrielle at the voice-over of “most important”. It’s not just actors and writers who’s in on the subtext, the editors did their share as well.

Then there is Gabrielle’s final smile at Xena as the Warrior Princess has saved the day. Sure it’s could just be a smile, but it could also be a promise, a possibility. A future.

Conclusion
It’s good to see that Xena didn’t simply step out of the darkness into the role of champion and protector of the Greater Good. Nope, she started as a problem-solver trying to do good while enjoying herself without enjoying herself too much.

Gabrielle is still a punk and a teenager and that is just as glorious to see. She’s grumpy, self-centred, got an attitude and have trouble with authority. Her enthusiastic curiosity is at the moment as entertaining as it eventually will be painful.

To imagine that these two should go on to wreck havoc in heaven and hell, inspire prophets and cause the fall of Empires, great leaders and Gods feels as wrong as realising your sister who you keep imagining to be 12 is in fact 20. At the moment they’re nothing but a homeless rag-tag duo with a tentative bond and uncertain purpose. I can’t help loving every moment of it.

Randomness & Memorable
- The birth of the proper one-liners, first “didn’t your mother ever tell you...”
- “Why is he crying? Are you holding him wrong or something?”
- “We just want some milk and some port.”
- The baby-juggling.
- Weird slow-mo as Pandora turned the handle on the box.
- “Break it down. Break it down.”
- Xena chasing away the guard dogs with a hand gesture.
- Fate for men without a destiny.

Next Up;
Never Kill A Boy On the First Date (BtVS)

Dreamworker - 1x03 (XWP)

First release: 09.18.95

Wow. Third episode and already such a clear picture of the themes that continued to be essential until the final episode.

The episode begins with Gabrielle with a sword in her hand, once again voicing her want of becoming a warrior and learning to use a sword (weapons). Xena plainly refuses and emphasises the difference between killing and surviving. She further states a belief that when holding a sword one needs to be ready to use it to kill, which she is certain Gabrielle is not. Thereby in many ways equalling being a warrior with being a killer. Gabrielle on the other hand does not appear convinced.

The story continues with the introduction of the first god of the show, an immaterial Morpheus who’s followers kidnap Gabrielle with the intentions of offering her as a sacrifice to their god. Xena uses the help of an old ex-mystic to find and retrieve her friend.

In the process Xena starts to have to deal with her past in a more tangible form. In order to save Gabrielle from death (all types of it) she embarks on a journey in the dreamscape and is faced with perhaps her greatest enemy, herself. In order to get to Gabrielle she has to face and overcome not only many of her victims, but her guilty conscious. To me this episode is a brilliant example that she was never a ruthless beast, no this was a warrior who remembered the names of her kills (otherwise Morpheus wouldn’t know them either). She more or less managed to repress this conscious for over 10 years which in itself takes a lot of strength, but to reveal it again and to start dealing with it…no wonder she was ready to give up in SOTP. And no wonder she is my hero and a symbol of female empowerment, there is a strength to this character that goes way beyond the physical.

Part of her wants to kill the past and the dark side, but as she discovers at the end, it is vital to whom she is today. Without the darkness she would not be Xena. A lesson that is repeated throughout the seasons and is revisited as late as the season six episode When Fates Collide. The other lesson she learns is that despite the darkness being ever present and important, she is ultimately the one to control it. The darkness does not exist on its own, as a separate entity from her good side, rather they’re two sides of the one.

Further of interest is that Morpheus tries to exploit Gabrielle’s innocence as a weakness of Xena’s. In order to prevent Xena from her goal (rescuing Gabrielle) Morpheus plays on her fear of Gabrielle picking up a sword and thereby losing herself. In her mind she fears that if Gabrielle would become a warrior she would be transformed into Xena and thereby be bound to repeat the same mistakes. Xena’s need for Gabrielle to remain innocent and separated from the world of war is in many aspects a way for her to try to right her own wrongs. This is also something we will see repeated throughout the series where Xena desperately wants to protect the innocence of others as a means of gaining back some of her own. The most obvious examples of this are Solan, Tara and Eve.

While Xena is busy battling her own self, Gabrielle is introduced to the concept of “blood innocence”, an individual without a human kill on their conscious and hands.

Gabrielle is kidnapped by Morpheus priests and is put through a series of challenges designed for her to lose said innocence and produce her first kill, and then in turn be worthy of sacrificing to the sleep god Morpheus. Before this point Gabrielle has not shown any remorse or obvious concern towards the death around them, such as Xena’s kill at the beginning of the episode. However during this episode Xena and Morpheus priests put a positive value in her blood innocence. Their actions produce the image of her life being worth more as long as her innocence is kept intact. At the end of the episode she is clearly effected by the consequences her killing would have, not necessarily because of the taking of a life, but how the world would start seeing/treating her. Don’t get me wrong the taking of a life most likely effects her as well, but there can be no denying that the perceptions of society matters as well. It is going to be interesting to see if this is the turning point from which the warrior is left behind and the bard is embraced. It would not surprise me at all. After all this is quite the trauma for a young woman and it would be surprising if it did not leave its marks. At the same time it sadness me. Moreover the parallels between this blood innocence and the importance our contemporary Western society place on women’s sexual innocence are as conspicuous as they are tragic.

We’re only at episode three and already we have developed an incredible intimacy between our two main characters who share a dreamscape. Without problem they find each other through their minds which is a delicious contrast to their interactions in the real world where they seem to suffer from a failure to communicate. They both live in their own worlds and do not appear to be able to see each other. Instead they only see their dreams and ideals reflected in one another. Gabrielle sees the strong and independent warrior in Xena, not the torn and tormented human being. Xena sees the inexperienced innocent in Gabrielle, not the ambitious and industrious woman with a self-interest.

Subtext
There’s not much to mention in this episode, because it more or less have them immersed in their own worlds and problems. However the intimacy of a shared dreamscape is a very pleasant stepping stone on the way towards the emotional subtext to come.

Though I guess I should mention the obvious, the breast dagger scene. No straight woman should be that aware of her friend’s boobs, period. And there definitely shouldn’t be any sporting of little smirks when your eyes are on your friend’s boobs. I’d say that falls outside of accepted heterosexual behaviour.

Conclusion
Surprisingly dark and depressing, but in my opinion a brilliant episode. It introduces important themes and develops both characters while providing us with a solid, if somewhat illogical, story adventure. The concept of blood innocence which will greatly effect future storylines is also introduced and touched upon. Gabrielle wanted to become a warrior, but the perceptions and reactions of the world around her forced her onto a different path. Her reasons for choosing other are not exclusively “noble” and morally correct as much as they appear to be a selfish decision based on her own personal gain (or in this case loss). I’ve written it before, and I’ll write it again, to simplify Gabrielle and paint her all white is a grave injustice to the character. No, this is a morally ambiguous and flawed character despite her worldly innocence.

“She has a fire about her.” -- I have to agree with the priests. Gabrielle’s got a helluva spunk. She wasn’t afraid to stand up to the physically superior slavers in SOTP. Here she’s captured by a God and she’s still got lip. At the same time ROC plays it brilliantly and there are subtleties to Gabrielle. She never loses her edge, but the fear and pressure can be clearly read on her face in some of the scenes and it is damn beautiful.

The final “ripples and churns” scene is a pearl and played beautifully by both actresses. Anyone claiming season one is only about finding one’s feet should definitely watch this episode.

Randomness & Memorable
- “Don’t be obvious.”
- Gabrielle doing the Xena war-cry.
- Xena referring to her dark side and the representation of it as “a disease I once had”.
- I also get a kick out of Gabrielle’s second “challenge” where we have a premonition of the birth and death of classical Gabrielle; tethering on the edge of a fire pit she modifies a spear into a staff.
- “She’s perfect,” in reference to Gabrielle :D
- As if Gabrielle hadn’t already made her point in the two previous episodes she now states “I’m not the wifely type.”

Chariots of War - 1x02 (XWP)

First release: 09.11.95

Granted there were both chariots and mentionings of war in this episode, but the title is a little strange. Misleading. This was an episode about family.

I’ve deliberately stayed away from this episode because according to my memory there was a love interest for Xena in this episode. For some reason I have a hard time accepting or appreciating those in the current timeline (with the exception of Marcus). It makes very little sense and it’s not because I am a lover of the subtext, for some reason I can accept a love interest for Gabrielle. With Xena…it just doesn’t feel right to me. Anyhow, as I was rewatching I kept my eyes open for the signs of a possible romance and love interest between Xena and the fair farmer Darius. The signs of romantic interest never did appear, until in the final scene which could be interpreted as him showing an interest in her staying on with them. No, I had gotten this all wrong, this was not about lover-boy of the week or Xena’s need to settle down. This was a story where Xena and the rest of the cast got to explore the concepts and importance of family.

The episode starts with Gabrielle telling a proto-soulmate type of story and Xena responds by expressing a belief in strength through solitude.

In contrast to the previous episode we now get to see a more human Xena who invests some emotion in the world around her. Physically the injury she receives forces some humanity on her, but also in her interactions with the little family. At the same time Xena does not see herself as part of any family (read the outside world), but she tentatively begins to make connections with it.

The story continues with Darius taking in the injured Xena and cares for her after she saves his son. An interesting parallel to the previous episode where the same actions gave her no sympathies from Herodotus. Her image and reputation is further established in this episode and peers of Mr Farmer pressure him into forcing her to leave. It becomes clear her reputation is just as difficult and painful to fight as the actual “evil”. Not only is she ostracised because of her past, but this episode sets up a scenario where warriors, as well as warlords, are not accepted by people in general. I’m looking forward to the following episodes to see if this attitude was something isolated to this episode, or if it can be felt throughout the season (and possibly series).

While Xena is getting a crash course in family life and deals with her intestines playing peek-a-boo, Gabrielle is left to her own devices and ends up cruising the bars. The fact that she is not an innocent is further re-affirmed when she has no problems dealing with the bartender or any unwanted attention. It is also made clear that she is aware of her appearance and others perception of her, by her making a reference to herself as innocent while talking to the drunken man in the bar. No one who is truly innocent will ever refer to themselves as such. No, this shows a good understanding of the world and how it works. Again I have to wonder where my perceived notion of her as innocent comes from.

After having made her advances on Sphaerus (better known as blue eyed soldier boy) the two end up having their own discussion regarding family. In which some important revelations are made about Gabrielle’s perceptions of a traditional family. They are discussing the duty one has to ones family and she tells the story of how despite her mother’s disappointment in her, she was not willing to “give up her future” through marriage and children. That she sees the possibilities of marriage and children as being incompatible with a future, tells a lot about this young blonde warrior wannabe. Not just about her view on her personal future, but also her belief that it is important to be able to stand up to everyone, family included. But it should be mentioned she is not completely against the idea of a family, she later in the episode tells Xena that she had begun to consider Sphaerus as her possible tree (family, children, marriage, commitement). Perhaps it was just a marriage with Perdicus that would lead to this lack of future?

At the same time Xena gets to taste the quiet life and throughout the episode she looks absolutely mesmerized by family and the concept of a life without violence. However this disbelief seems to be more of curiosity tainted by wistfulness than a true need or want for this type of life for herself. She mentions at the end of the episode that she had never considered the possibility of a family and that shows. It appears as if she doesn’t quite know what family is or how it works, and looking back at her history, knowing where the show would lead, that does make a lot of sense. Her father was killed at a young age and she left home possibly as early as 14-15. Her wide eyed stares of wonder feel very true to where her character was taken. I can also understand how I as a young punk missed the subtleties of her emotions in this episode and wrote Darius off as a silly love interest. I’ve decided that these more experienced eyes makes watching a lot more fun.

Once Xena meets up with Gabrielle she tries to make the youngster take cover while she deals with the warlords. Gabrielle simply would have none of that and clearly stated she wanted in on the “fun” (her word, not mine). There is nothing innocent about this spitfire and at the moment the pacifist period of season 4 seems incredibly foreign. However it should be pointed out that Xena did not appear to see the independent and capable young woman Gabrielle appears to have been at this early date, but rather saw her as, which she informed Darius, “depending on her”. Perhaps I picked up on Xena’s perceptions of Gabrielle during my first watch?

The chariot racing scene in this was impressive to watch. The speed, the elegance, not to mention the actual dangers that must have been involved for the stunt people. It truly was spectacular to watch.

Subtext
Subtext is what you make of it, but I will point out a few things I made out (there might be others, but these were what interested me). Lets begin with the first boy toy’s (Sphaerus) physical appearance. In a bar full of people Gabrielle, without hesitation, goes for the dark haired, blue eyed warrior with the square shoulders and the brooding expression. Feel free to connect the dots.

The little half smile/smirk on Xena’s face as she meets up with Gabrielle is another thing that can be filled with meaning, if you are so inclined.

And of the more stretching, horribly, horribly overanalyzed type of subtext. At the end of the episode Xena has a discussion with Darius that goes like this;

Darius: "I hope you find your happiness."
Xena: "I did. I just have to leave it for a while.”

The meaning is wonderfully ambiguous in itself and with the addition of an episode where Xena and Gabrielle were separated for most of it, well…it’s things like this us subtexters lived on in the beginning.

As the two main characters continue on their journey Gabrielle states that she does miss her family, but not as much when she is with Xena.

Conclusion
All about family.

Xena felt confused and curious throughout the episode. At the same time she was followed by physical weakness and pain. We saw a glimmer of a sense of humour as a severely injured Xena couldn’t help scaring the children for her own amusement (Boo!). All in all (don’t you just love that expression?!) this was a lot weaker and softer Xena than what we saw in the previous episode. But that is a good thing, because it feels as if this Xena actually have something to lose. She is conflicted (instead of a shell) and therefore a lot more interesting to watch. Gabrielle continues to show that she is far from innocent, she deals with unwanted attention by jumping into a guy’s lap and planting a big one on him. To paraphrase the God of War, I think that says a lot about her, don’t you?! In addition she expresses a wish to be apart of the violence.

Despite supporting characters showing depth and relevance to the development of our heroes, for Xena in particular, they are not nearly as interesting to watch as Draco was. The story is okay and a good way of providing Xena with some flaws and a more human side. Not my favourite episode, but I was pleasantly surprised and I really did get a kick out of the chariot scene.

Randomness & Memorable
- I could have sworn Sarita grew up to be Hope in Maternal Instincts, the resemblance is uncanny.
- “It will take more than an arrow to get rid off me” -- Yes, add a beheading and she’s set for departure. Someone should have taught her not to jinx things.
- Gabrielle’s little laugh after she smooched her lover boy. I’m telling you, she’s a vixen!
- First use of ‘best friend’, Gabrielle when referring to Xena.
- We get to know why she ends up wearing the same costume for 6 season “Well, I don’t have anything else.”
- The silent moment of stop as she rips the dress before continuing fighting.
- “You call that a jump?”
“No, it was a frantic leap.”

Next up:
The Witch (BtVS)

Sins of the Past - 1x01 (XWP)

First release: 09-04-95

Now this is a straightforward way of kicking off a show, first line of the show, and by the lead character Xena, is “Hello”. Simple is good.

What jumps me from the first scenes and follows me throughout the episode is the scenery. New Zealand really is ridiculously beautiful something which is take advantage of from the start. I can’t think of another show that uses as many panning nature shots in between scenes, show-casing the varied nature with no actual purpose beyond sharing the beauty.

Second thing to notice is the music, which consists of a delicious mixture of cultures and styles creating an impressive and epic feel. In between the music and nature one could easily mistake this for a straight-faced drama show taking itself very seriously. However, in great contrast to this we have the almost cartoonish violence and fight scenes. The fight scenes in this first episode bear no elements of realism (at all), but are rather amusing romps in unbelievable Hong Kong action mixed with He-Man Masters of the Universe. I appreciate on screen violence and personally, realism is not something I am looking for or need in order to find a fight scene satisfying. But I can definitely understand why more puritan action lovers scorn this show.

Gabrielle
Now lets talk about Gabrielle for a few paragraphs. I remembered her character as the young naïve and virginal peasant girl who was the complete innocence in contrast with Xena’s blemished past and present. I was actually surprised at what I found when I watched this again with analytical eyes. If you fight to look past the adorable smile and the gorgeous flickering eyelashes, what you see is something a lot more complex and darker than the pure and wholesome image she’s been slapped with. Her reasons for leaving home were not simply because of her need to see the world or to get away from a potential and unwanted loveless marriage. Instead she tells her sister “I am going to be a warrior.” I was with this intention she set out from home. Not once during this episode is her spoken intention to become a bard. She certainly has the gift of gab, but it is only used in order to get Xena to take her on as a "warrior apprentice".

On her way to Xena she doesn’t think twice about lying to serve her purposes. We’re not talking about artistic licence here, but pure and simple lies. Both towards those trying to take advantage of her (the blind Cyclops), but also those whom she tries to take advantage of (the old man with the carriage). Furthermore she seems to have no qualms about fighting dirty in order to help Xena (and ultimately herself), by tripping Draco’s guard during the final fight.

Finally I want to go back to the first scene in the clearing, where she is overpowered by one of the ruffians. Xena helps her by bashing the guy with the staff, but it is Gabrielle on her own who breaks free by taking out the guy with a well placed knee. This in no ways an helpless and morally lily white virgin. No, this is a young woman with a lot of drive and a purpose. She only needs for someone to help her take that first step to self-fulfilment. She is us, she is every woman out there. Seeing this again I have to wonder who is the true symbol of female empowerment in this show. Is it Xena, or is it perhaps Gabrielle?

Draco
My memory of the character of Draco has been severely clouded by the way in which he was used later in the series. This Draco however…wow! He is an emotionally complex character with a lot of skill and even more attitude. Personally I think this was a bloody brilliant way of starting the show by having a “villain” such as him. Not only does it show good quality writing and interesting stories, but also early on presents, what I loved about the earlier seasons, the moral ambiguity of all on screen characters. I wish we would have seen more of this competent warlord and skilled actor.

Xena
Xena herself feels very tired in this episode. You can easily imagine the weight of the world on her shoulders. This Xena is one of the most tragic characters I’ve ever seen. She wants nothing more than to “go home”, to feel and be at peace. At the same time it is so painfully clear that this person will never forgive herself and therefore never allow herself to find her own peace. I sigh deeply just thinking about it. Other than that, the Xena character isn’t very interesting in this episode. Until that final fight scene it really feels as if she’s not even there. What we see up until that point is merely a broken shell forced to go through the motions.

What is interesting to note is in the stoning scene at the Inn, where the villagers show up and demand vengance. What made me take note is the person who threw the first stone, a young girl cannot possibly remember Xena’s past sins against the village and its people. It is a powerful image to have a young girl throw the first stone and the guilt on Xena, a character who would become an impressive symbol both for female power, but also as the champion of a minority group such as the Queer community. We really are our own worst enemies aren’t we?!

It should also be pointed out that right from the start the two main characters voices are completely different and distinct from both each other and any other guesting characters.

Subtext
And finally a note on that sweet thing called subtext. Episode one and we already have comedic subtext in the form of an innuendo which comes out of the mouth of Gabrielle; “She’d never let a man close enough to do her -- at least not that kinda doing her. A young thing like me on the other hand.” This line takes on more depth in the light of what I mentioned earlier about her character, and I have to admit I have previously seriously underestimated her in this season. Another lovely thing from a slightly subtexty point of view is their first meeting. With a first meeting such as this, the meeting of glanzes across a crowded clearing, there really should have been no surprise when they eventually upgraded the looks to something beyond friendship, and that they also further down the series adapted the concept of soulmates to fit these two. Because that really was a classic first meeting of epic proportions.

Conclusion
I absolutely adore this episode. Not only is it a good preview of what the show would look like, but it is an enthralling story about three very different individuals and the influence and impact they have on each others lives at one particular moment in time. In my opinion Draco and Gabrielle stands out in this episode and are actually more interesting to watch than the tragic Xena. Still I now can’t wait to see Xena’s character develop into the complex anti-hero is became. I’m also looking forward to watching this season without the purity binoculars when it comes to Gabrielle.

Randomness & Memorable
- Argo the boy.
- “I’ve blocked off the flow of blood to your brain!”
- “You picked the wrong woman to be rough with.”
- Despite future indication of Lyceus as one of the most important persons in her life, she did not go see him until after her second talk with her mother, where she with brutal honesty was reminded of her past sins towards her family.
- The Chakram was the final thing Xena threw onto the pile to be buried at the beginning of the episode.
- Final word of the episode; "Friend".

Next up;
Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest (BtVS)

Pre-Re-Watching

My initial thought before the re-watching is that I have more respect for XWP. I think this may partly be because of the underdog status of XWP, and I will almost always root for the underdog. The fact that the XWP fandom also provides me with more intellectual debate as well as an incredibly high standard of fanwork e.g. fic, vids & graphics, also works to it’s advantage. Plus it should be mentioned that the Xena fandom is the one I’ve been most active in lately (as in the past year or so). It’s been a very long time since I actually watched any BtVS seriously.

It should be mentioned that right now I feel a certain amount of contempt for Joss Whedon. I cannot deny the man has streaks of brilliance in him, but there are certain aspects of him and his work that I’ve lately found do not mix with my perception of the world. Specifically the way in which (granted this is not all his fault) BtVS have been attributed to him alone and the following individual worship of Whedon himself. Though Whedon might be the man behind the genius that is BtVS you seldom feel the celebration and acknowledgment of the team standing with and behind him through the seven seasons. BtVS has in many ways become one big celebration of the individuals, Whedon and Sarah Michelle Gellar in particular. Whereas XWP on the other hand does have it’s stars, but has always felt like a team effort. Though some of them might shine a little brighter than the others, inside the fandom you never single one of them out and attribute the success to them individually. This feeling of team effort and praise is something that fits more comfortably with my ideology.

Furthermore at this time I also appreciate many of the XWP characters a lot more than any of the ones found in BtVS. My perceived difference between the two shows pre-re-watching is that Whedon (in general, but also in this specific case) provides interesting spins on old and well used stereotypes, whereas Xenaverse provides a larger display of truly original characters based on archetypes (yes there is a difference between stereo and archetypes).

At this point I also feel that the dialogue on XWP at times was more than a little clunky and rather cliché filled at times. "Buffyspeak" on the other hand, though heavily influenced by for example Heathers, really is original and so brilliantly funny it cannot not be worshipped. BtVS dialogue and Buffyspeak often find its ways into the most mundane of my sentences. As the grammar rapist I am, I love and adore the bending, twisting and twirling of expressions, sentences and words, the gang behind BtVS provided us with. Though there are some awesome lines on XWP (It’s all about me, and what I know!) they are not nearly as dynamic and vivid as the ones on BtVS.

To summarise, I at the moment prefer Xena over Buffy for a whole slay of reasons. The main one being the underrated nature of the show and the fact that the brilliance of the show stems from the effort we as a viewer and fan put into analysing it. My current disdain for Buffy mainly centres around the individualistic and somewhat pretentious elements of the show and its creators.

BtVS was mainstream original. XWP was independently original. One show created a female hero based on society’s perceived notions of femininity. The other show created a complex anti-hero that exists outside of contemporary gender roles. Both shows have become known as promoters of female empowerment. Then the question becomes, does either one of these shows live up to that reputation? Which show provided us with more original entertainment and messages? How much influence did they have on each other? What messages, if any, did they present? Where do these two stories fit into present day Western society?

And finally, how will my perceptions and preconceived notions have changed once I’ve watched my way through both shows?

Xena: Warrior Princess - Introduction

The following introduction lifted off of Wikipedia;

Xena: Warrior Princess is an American television series that aired from September 15, 1995 until June 18, 2001. Produced by Pacific Renaissance Pictures Ltd (owned by Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi) in association with/distributed by Universal Studios, Xena was created as a spin-off from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. It stars Lucy Lawless as Xena and Renee O'Connor as her companion Gabrielle. The show chronicles Xena's quest to seek redemption for her past sins as a ruthless warlord by using her formidable fighting skills to help people. Gabrielle becomes Xena's greatest ally; her initial naïveté helps to balance Xena and assists her in recognizing and pursuing the "greater good."

In addition to Xena and Gabrielle, the show also features a wide assortment of recurring characters, including adversaries Ares (Kevin Tod Smith), Alti (Claire Stansfield) and Callisto (Hudson Leick), and trusted friends Ephiny (Danielle Cormack), Virgil (William Gregory Lee), Autolycus (Bruce Campbell), Eli (Tim Omundson) and Joxer (Ted Raimi).

Influence
Xena: Warrior Princess has been credited by many, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, with blazing the trail for a new generation of female action heroes such as Buffy, Max of Dark Angel, Sydney Bristow of Alias, and the Bride in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.

A subject of much interest and debate among viewers is the question of whether Xena and Gabrielle are lovers. The issue is left deliberately ambiguous by the show's writers. Jokes, innuendo, and other subtle evidence of a romantic relationship between Xena and Gabrielle is referred to as "lesbian subtext" or simply "subtext" by fans.

Source.