Xena: Season 2, Episode 04: "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

Dude, Jesus Christ. -But first! Let's talk about jams.

The music in this episode is DOPE. It’s like electronic/dance/reggae/rap music and I’m aaall about the bass in this shit. Wasn’t expecting its goodness. What’s funny is, I’ve read this music described as hip-hop and even disco, but I wouldn’t say it falls strictly into either of those categories. I mean, disco? Am I missing something?

And, "oh my god" at the lesbian stuff in this. Holy shit. [SERIES SPOILER] I was thinking things wouldn't get too maintext until season 6, but [END SPOILER] here it is in the beginning of season 2: a... well, let's just call it what it is: a lesbian episode. The women are into each other and the music is hot. ...When Gabrielle bites Xena, there’s so much “going on” other than what’s actually going on.

I posted a choppy copy of "The Bacchae Rap" below, and just for the hay of it, here are the lyrics. They make for good, light reading.

I know I reference a lot of 80s movies in my posts (don't I?), but they're relevant, because remember; this show aired in the mid-90s. It's perfectly natural and probable for the previous decade to have influenced Xena.

Surprisingly, I didn’t like this episode much as a teenager. I had problems with the bacchae makeup. I thought it was unattractive and overall distracting. The bacchae can't really close their mouths properly because of those teeth and don't get me started on the fingernails. Now, it hardly bothers me; I love it, actually.

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it. 

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"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is the title of one of the best songs ever written:

 

It's also the title of one of my favorite 80s movies (starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt):

Though the general theme of this episode is vampires - a broad topic - I think it follows The Lost Boys (another 80s gem) more closely than anything.

The bacchae see people like the alien does in Predator, also released in the 80s.

Joxer picks up a monkey drum after telling Orpheus that playing music is for sissies. I'll bet Danielle son would beg to differ. Watch here as he calls upon his inner monkey drum to kick ass in Karate Kid II (1986).

I know I’ve mentioned Legend (80s, 80s, 80s) before, but seriously, take a look at this.

The quality is low, but I couldn't find a better version of the Bacchae Rap.

The Bacchae Rap is so awesome; it reminds me of M.I.A., who is also awesome. (You might want to watch this full screen.) Seriously:

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Xena: Season 2, Episode 03: "The Giant Killer"

If you’ll note (and I hope that you will and share this with me), I watched episodes 1, 2, and 3 all on Sunday night. Back to back. In rapid succession. I couldn’t help it! That's how good it's getting up in here.

Now, as you'll soon know, this episode made me cry, which I can’t fucking believe. It was just so touching. Or maybe it’s the fact that I thought I would be evicted at the time. No, it couldn't have been that; surprising to some, I could actually give a shit about being kicked out of my tiny $1,000 apartment. ...I can not believe I cried. It’s only the third god damn episode for ..crying out loud!

And it’s about Goliath! I'm not much for Jesus or the bible, but I was raised First Baptist (whatever that means) and "David and Goliath" was my favorite biblical story. I even had David and Goliath action figures. Goliath just so happened to be the same height as Barbie, plus he was waaay more flexible than Ken, so.. you know. Here it is, actually:

I wasn’t expecting the Goliath episode so soon. All of these episodes coming up when I’m not expecting them is making me wonder what the hell is going to be left to show in the remaining seasons, yet I know that the remaining seasons are spectacular (except for 5).

In closing, I'll add that I actually cried again during the rewatch. It’s a tear-jerker, this one! But don't worry; we'll get through it together.

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it. 

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Xena: Season 2, Episode 02: "Remember Nothing"

I remember everything from "Remember Nothing." But first, good news, everyone! Due to a clerical error, I am no longer facing eviction. Again, I am not to be ousted as previously feared. Thank god, because, seriously, that would've put a damper in my 2012 Xena viewing experience.

Episode 2 is a doozie, y'all. A favorite. I love twisted shit like this. How brilliant to show us what Xena's and Gabrielle's lives would've been like if Xena had simply taken a more peaceful route? 

We can't not be who we are, folks, or this is what will happen to you: your best friend will turn into a sex slave and hate you, your mom will die, bad people will terrorize you and yours, you'll be engaged to Maphias, you'll end up wearing a dress from the future, and you can't kill anybody.

I liked Aaron Devitt as Lyceus and could believe that he and Xena were related. He's adorable and, coincidentally, the essence of goodness, kind of like Gabrielle; a similarity that wasn't lost on me. He reminds me of my own younger brother, who is also very fun, light-hearted, brave, and forgiving. The fact that Xena and Lyceus sparred a lot also reminds me of my brother, as we used to tie up on the floor and wrestle until we pissed each other off.

About Xena and Gabrielle's relationship, this episode speaks volumes. It's proof that Xena and Gabrielle bring out the best in each other when together. They're good for each other, which is true of all meaningful relationships. 

The ending is potent and the message, so strong. Xena sees Gabrielle kill, yet ironically, in this reality Xena can’t kill. It’s one way or the other for these two, and Xena makes the ultimate decision to let the burden fall upon herself to protect them. She kills for Gabrielle. She’s always killed for Gabrielle. When I think of killing someone, what must the circumstances be? Only for someone I love.

I wasn’t planning on breaching the subject of Xena fan fiction until I finished watching the series, but recently I read the most beautiful piece based off of this very episode. It's one of my favorites. Click here to check it out.

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it. 

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EXTRAS:

1) The music and the women we hear singing in Amphipolis only occur in Amphipolis, so far as I’ve noticed.

2) L: “No one challenged the warlord who started things with them and the Centaurs and now where are they? Dead, mostly, or enslaved by the same scum who tricked them. What was his name? Cretan. No, Crouton.” X: “Krykus.” – I love this. Lyceus is oblivious as Xena allows her other life to flare. She knows exactly who Krykus is. He killed Terreis!

3) Toxeus to Gabrielle: “Come on, you worthless slag.” – Pretty sure he said "slag." I was waiting for Xena to say to Maphias, “Hold my shit.” 

4) L: “Sure, and what could you have done? Fought Cortese yourself? On second thought, that might have been something to see." - This is so cute. 

5) X: “Mother, I never meant for this to happen. I just wanted that boy’s life back. And now, I’ve got another chance at life, too. So, I’m gonna take it. The hardest thing is losing you and Gabrielle. But it makes it easier just knowing that in this life, I never shamed you. And Gabrielle never left her family, and I never led Lyceus to die in battle. And I know that’s what you would have wanted. It’s like Xena, Warrior Princess, never existed. But the world’s a better place without her.” – This is intense and heartbreaking. Good writing.

6) M: “Quick thinking.” X: “Thanks.” M: “Guess you’ll be doing quite a lot of that.” – The Maiden. What a little bitch.

7) X: “Oh, Gabrielle, I’m so sorry.” G: “How do you know my name? Who are you?” X: “My name is Xena. I just want to help you.” – This is so good. Love the way they speak to each other, say these lines.

8) G: "I know what you said about wanting to help me, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t trust anyone." – She sounds like she almost cries at the last word.

9) X: “When I look at you, I see.. the purest, the kindest person I’ve ever known. Someone who’s full of wonder, and- and stories, and would never give up on anything.. or anyone.” G: “Then you better look again. It’s not me.” – Yes, it is, whore! So much dialogue takes place where Xena is speaking literally and Gabrielle just has no idea. Great tension-builder.

10) L: “I’d rather die fighting these bastards, then live with myself if I don’t.” – So true. He’s right. And he totally died because of this.

11) X: “Do you think the Fates have our lives planned out?” G: “If they do, I wish they’d tell us.” - Very thought-provoking topic raised right there at the end.

Some chick and a dude doing Capoeira together. Cut to 1:00 to see the moves.

Mama Rose in Gypsy. Here she is, boys: 0:34.

The Maiden and Suzanne Vega are one in the same, voice-wise:

In Bjork's "Venus As A Boy" video, her makeup rivals that of The Maiden's. 

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Xena: Season 2, Episode 01: "Orphan of War"

Man, season 2 starts off with a bang! And confuses me with that whole wrong-sword-hitting-the-ground thing. Clever series..

So, I started off the new season with sushi and I gotta tell ya, while writing this review, I ate leftover sushi from earlier today when I ordered sushi again. That's how much of an impact last night's sushi session had on me. God, I love sushi. I can’t even believe I’m saying that. When I first moved from Texas to NYC six years ago, I abhorred all sea food.

So, this is a very nice episode with which to kick off. It's deep, it is. Xena has a son. I remember being a teenager and hating that they added this to her background, because I didn't think it was necessary, but knowing what I know of the coming seasons, I love that Solan exists.

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it. 

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Kip Winger, second from left.

 Hell, here's Winger in action with "Headed for a Heartbreak."

EXTRAS:

1) X: “Do you know what it’s like to be a mother.. without her child?” - Tell 'im, Xena.

2) D: “Leave the valley.” X: “Not without my son.” – Not without my daughter!

 This movie is almost word-for-word the script for "Orphan of War."

3) X: “I didn’t come here for him. I came to stop Dagnine.” G: “But you are here, now. You’re gonna tell him, right?” – Love the way Gabrielle says this, the way she handles Xena. Is there anyone else in the world who can get away with talking to her like that?

4) X: “Are you telling me this for my good or yours?” – Love the way she says this.

5) X: “Gabrielle, a lot of people think that giving birth ends when the baby takes its first free breath. It’s not true. My son has grown inside of me every day, stronger and stronger. I can try to deny it, but I can never ignore it. How can I claim something that I walked away from so long ago?” – WOAH. G: “I don’t know what it’s like to have a son. But I do know what it’s like to have a mother. And he should know that.” – This conversation really went there.

6) G: “What are you going to do?” X: “I’m going to get my son.” – BOOM.

7) S: “Ahh, wait! My arm hurts so bad.” – Nothing against Solan, but he said this line all wrong.

8) X: “What good is a sword without an arm to hold it?” – James Earl Jones says something similar about the riddle of steel in Conan the Barb.

9) X: "You were very brave back there. You didn’t freeze.” S: “Uh, I was too scared to freeze.” – Almost in redemption, I do love the way Solan says this line. I believed him.

10) X: “Yes, against me. That was important to him, even though- even though he and I were very good friends for a very long time.” – Nice delivery.

11) D: “Everything, all the strength and discipline of Ixion’s creation’s right here. With this, I’ll sweep the world like a rampaging wind. I’ll kill Xena. I’ll kill Hercules. I’ll take Athens! I’ve got so much to do. I’ll have to make a list.” - Ha!!

12) X: “Your mother would be very proud of you.” S: "You think so?” X: “I know so.” S: “I think she would have liked you, Xena. I think you two would’ve gotten along.” – Me clutching my chest.

13) G: “I’m going to resplint his arm. He won’t admit that it hurts. I guess he’s a lot like his mom.” – I know I already highlighted this in the review, but I just love this line. She’s talking about more than just physical hurts; it’s such a tender thing to say.

14) G: “You know, this is the only Xena I’ve ever known. I find it hard to understand the hatred that she gets sometimes, when we travel from people who just don’t know her the way I know her. I guess they’re afraid of the old Xena.”

15) G: “Xena, now, before you say anything, I- Well when you jumped at me earlier, I- I deserved it. I’m not saying that I agree with you. But- well I pride myself on being your friend. And- I should’ve realized that you were hurting and-” X: “It’s OK.” G: “I’m here for you.” X: “Always.”

How to do a kip up, just like Xena:

Who is this Borias character?

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Xena: Season 2 Pre-Thoughts

Before I dive in, I must disclose that I came home Friday night (two nights ago) to an eviction notice taped to my front door for all to see. Now, I've been through this process soOo many times, that my heart didn't flutter too much at the sight. However this "event" might affect my review process in the coming week, as, according to the court-issued notice, I must be out of my apartment by April 1st, which, coincidentally, is April Fool's Day... Now. Let's reflect briefly upon Season 1: I can't believe it took me so long to get through it. My life is definitely busier since 2009.

Moving on to Season 2.

Season 2

Ok, so I've skimmed the episode titles and am already excited as f*#%. This is suuuuch a good season, y'all. You're gonna die. I can't WAIT to start it, which is what I intend to do tonight (after I pack some stuff, of course). I don't really remember everything that happens in season 2 or attach any kind of a shift to it as I do with seasons 3, 4, 5 and 6. I do know that things get a little more intense and for that, I can't wait.

Unlike season 1, season 2 has only 22 episodes instead of 24. If I remember right, the remaining seasons all have exactly 22 episodes (another thing that makes season 1 so special). In a perfect world, I would finish season 2 within the month, but that's so not going to happen, especially if I get kicked out of my apartment. But, I swear I'll try my god damnedest to pull it out as soon as possible.

Fuuuuuuuuuck

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Xena: Season 2 Box Set Detail

Pics of Season 2 box set. If you're watching this series for the first time without the box set, I implore you not to look at these, because some pictures are spoilers, which is annoying. 

The front.

The back.

All the discs.

Clear view of the discs in the back.

Inside pictures without discs (left).

Inside pictures without discs (right).

The back completely folded out.

Detail of the furthest picture to the right for good measure.

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Xena: Season 1 Summary

OK, so a LOT happened in season 1. A lot. And I ain't just a-whistlin' Dixie; I'm talking about going for broke here. A bunch of stuff occurred that I thought would not until season 2. For instance, Gabrielle sees Perdicus again, Gabrielle becomes an Amazon princess, Ephiny has a baby, Xena dies, Gabrielle dies, etc, etc, etc. So much is established in season 1, whereas I thought that season 1 would simply be a light buffer for the other more serious seasons... I love this show. Let this be an advisement that there is total worth in rewatching this series. You will be surprised and enjoy it all over again, if not more.

QUALITY: Season 1's picture quality is as expected, especially for a show that aired in 1995. It's a 4:3 standard TV ratio, a little grainy in some spots, loses detail in the shadows during darker scenes sometimes, but who cares?! I didn't bat a lash over these inconsequential circumstances.

RANK: So far, my favorite season is obviously season 1. In the coming seasons, I'll rank my favorite seasons as I watch them. I know it looks silly, but it's the principle that matters, gd.

Favorite Seasons Rank:

1) Season 1
2) 
3) 
4) 
5) 
6) 

SUBTEXT. You know what it is; I know what it is. And in season 1, it happened. 

All over my face.

The beauty of Xena subtext lies in that it can be interpreted many ways. I love everyone's different takes on the matter. There are those who believe Xena and Gabrielle get it on within the very first episode, some who think they aren't intimate until later seasons, and folks who believe they were just best buds throughout the whole series. If you're one to believe they have feelings for each other, you might want to question some things, like, when did you first think they A) had feelings for each other B) fell in love with each other and C) started fucking each other. You know, stuff like that.

Here are some good subtext sample questions for season 1:

1) When do Xena and Gabrielle start their romantic relationship? 
2) Did it happen in the first season? 
3) If it started in season 1, was it physical or merely emotional?

While it can be argued that they're sleeping with each other early on, I personally believe they haven't "done anything," yet. I think, with the passing of the last few episodes of the first season, they're starting to register that something "real" is going down. [SERIES SPOILER] Of course, (amazingly) this "realness" only intensifies throughout the series. [END SPOILER]

Also, unlike Hercules, I feel Xena and Gabrielle have already strayed from continuous and various love interests amongst the episodes, which I don't recall from the 2009 viewing. (The 2009 viewing was a total fog, guys. It was so powerful, it effed my S up.) [SERIES SPOILER] I do remember at least one episode apiece where Xena and Gabrielle have love interests who aren't each other in the coming seasons. I, for some reason, can mark in my mind which episode is the last male interest for Xena, though I can't currently recall the season in which this episode lives. With Gabrielle, it happens earlier. [END SPOILER]

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Looks like I've got seven wonderful favorites in season 1, which, imo, is a lot, girlfriend. I can't wait to compare them to the favorites of season 2/talk about them again/see if any of them were included in the 10th anniversary (greatest hits) collection/rewatch them. There really wasn't a bad episode in the whole season. If anything, the episodes were mostly safe. There were no extremes with the exception of "Callisto;" which was simply a badass episode.

One thing I wish I could do differently, is create a guide including the directors and writers of each episode. Hmm... Maybe this could still be done. It is important... Lemme think about it.

In summary, season 1 is wonderful, as it's the most innocent of the seasons. Xena and Gabrielle meet, get to know each other, and die.

 

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Xena: Season 1, Episode 24: "Is There a Doctor in the House?"

It’s ER meets 300! Or Grey’s Anatomy meets Gladiator! Whatever you want to call it. I personally prefer General Hospital meets Xena: Warrior Princess. Let’s do this.

First thing’s first: I read somewhere that producer Liz Friedman said “ITADITH” beholds the first official piece of lesbian subtext on Xena. I agree that there is definitely some hardcore subtext here. Then again, I wouldn’t say it’s the first. I gotta find that quote and reread, because maybe I misread. Nah mean?

Gabrielle’s death scene is mesmerizing. The intensity is... intense with Xena totally freaking out and everyone just standing around, looking on, not knowing what to do, hoping. They’re watching both the death of Gabrielle and Xena’s inconceivable collapse. Everything just feels so… so critical. And Xena starts crying while giving Gabrielle mouth-to-mouth! How fucked up is that? Jesus.

Even with the presence of so much tear-shed, I did not cry. I felt like I might, and I probably would have, had I not been holding my breath during the scene. Perhaps it’s the week I’ve had.

First of all, my coworker at my receptionist job just got fired. That makes me - at three months - the longest tenured person at my company. At three months. Three. NOT a good sign. Plus, my coworker was the best worker out of all of us. I’m suffering the possible loss of a new friend and the utter fear of now being in charge of a bunch of technical shit about which I know nothing. The whole thing has made me a bit numb and thus impervious to feelings. 

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it.

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Xena: Season 1, Episode 23: "Death Mask"

First, let me say this: when I first watched this episode in 2009, I thought Joseph Kell totally overacted the part of Toris. Now that some years have passed and I’m a little wiser, I still think he overacted. I tried to see beyond it, I really did, but the sad fact remains: this episode would’ve been awesome, if Toris hadn’t sucked so hard.

Secondly, the opening fight scene is stupendous. When you first start watching Xena (and you’re me), you think the fight sequences couldn’t possibly get any better. They totally do and this one is a very good example. Gabrielle kicks ASS... in this. So does Xena, but Xena always kicks ass. Gabrielle is just now starting to really hold her own. It’s awesome to watch. And let me just tell you; I warred with myself for under five seconds over whether to allot this episode four stars or five. The opening fight scene alone raised it to five.

Funny story about snapping wet towels: my little brother and I used to love to wet the tips of bath towels and snap the shit out of each other ‘til we cried. We'd walk away with these huge welts on our legs and asses. That shit hurts, if done right.

I know it seems like I’m dumping on Toris, and I am, but for what it’s worth, this is probably why we never see or hear from him again.

In summary, the episode starts out strong then just gets painful to watch. It would’ve been interesting if:

1) Toris had been interested in Gabrielle. 

2) Toris had normal hair. 

3) Toris and Xena had talked about their relationship more. 

4) Toris was a Ford.

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it.

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EXTRAS:

1) X: “The men who attacked and razed my village to the ground wore the mask of Cortese - this mask. I have never stopped looking for him.” – This is such a cool line. The way she says it is aaawesome. G: “So, he’s the one who made you so, you know, aggressive?” - Ha!

2) X: “I knew that he’d come back, so I decided to form an army for defense. And then I figured to take the surrounding villages for a buffer. And then somewhere - I don’t know where - I changed. I didn’t have time to feel anything.” - This is good, deep background information about the raid on Xena's village. Too bad it happens in a sub par episode.

Ford Taurus with mud flaps

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Xena: Season 1, Episode 22: "Callisto"

Man, this episode is remarkable. I love the way it's directed, edited, played; just the way it’s shot and the subject matter - it’s intense, which is everything I hope for in a Xena episode. It features some of my most favorite moments in Season One, including a campfire scene not to be missed. What a gem. Ugh!

Let's talk about Callisto for a second. I've given this very brief thought, and I think the reasons why Callisto is such a likable character are as such:

1) It's clear that some part of her actually loves Xena, just like the rest of us. We can all relate to that, and so we can to her.
2) She’s hilarious! Seriously, does Callisto not make the best jokes?
3) She loves the shit out of herself, and that’s so attractive, whether she’s a nut or not.
4) The character’s well-played. And the stylist keeps her hair unruly like a child’s, making her that much more believable.

Now, let's talk about Joxer. God, I love Joxer! [SERIES SPOILER (kind of)] I know there are fans that don’t like him/think he’s a waste of airtime/wish he were absent from the show altogether, but I’m not one of them. He is SO. FUNNY. And with him there, traveling with Xena and Gabrielle in the next few seasons, we get to see more of who Xena and Gabrielle are. I think it was an excellent choice to insert him. AND, he’s fucking hilarious in all of the outtakes. (Speaking of outtakes, if you ever need cheering up, watch the outtakes from any or all of the seasons. I guarantee you, you'll feel better.)

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it.

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EXTRAS:

1) Excellent shot of Xena and Argo on top of that hill just before they enter Callisto's lair. 

2) I love the shot where Callisto says, “Take her up!” with a huge smile on her face like she’s about to ride The Cyclone, and then we see Xena’s gaze as she watches it happen.

3) Love the shot of the ladder falling horizontally with Xena riding it. Very creative.
 

4) C: “There was a part of me that hoped that you would win and put out the rage in my heart. Sometimes, it even scares me.” - This is heartbreaking.

5) X: “Now, remember to tell her this. She’s right, I made her, and I’ll be the one to destroy her.” – LOVE the way she says this.

6) X: “Argo won’t obey you, and if you don’t stop kicking her, I’ll break your ankles.”

7) G: “There are other things you can do, you know. What interests you now?” J: “I like to steal.” – hahah!

8) X: “It was just another village to conquer; nothing out of the ordinary.” – When LL says “ordinary” you can hear her NZ accent.

9) X: "And there was just a handful of survivors; obviously, Callisto was one of them.” – this whole scene, the mood, everything is great.

10) C: "No, it’s not her fault at all that I dream every night of my mother’s screams coming from my burning home! You tell me Xena, do you sleep will at night?!” X: “No, I don’t.”

11) C: "Let me answer your question of what I would do if you let me go. You let me go, and I will dedicate my life to killing everything you’ve loved:your friends, your family, your reputation, even your horse. You see, I am being so honest with you because the idea of your pity is worse than death for me. You see, you created a monster with integrity, Xena. Scary, isn’t it? Now, take me to the mob.”

12) X: "But if something happened to Mother, or Hercules, or you; I might do just the same.” G: “No, no look, you promise me. If something happens to me, you will not become a monster. There’s only one way to end this cycle of hatred, and it’s through love. And forgiveness.” X: “Don’t you go changing, Gabrielle. I like you just the way you are. Go get some sleep.” G: “No! No, you promise me.” X: “I promise. Go- go on.”- I'm sometimes slow to pick up obvious information, but what exactly is Gabrielle talking about when she says, "There's only one way to end this cycle of hatred, and it's through love and forgiveness?" Whose love? Whose forgiveness? Xena's love and forgiveness? Gabrielle's? ...I think Xena's.

The Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster in Brooklyn, NY, which still exists:

The Texas Cyclone roller coaster at Astroworld in Houston, TX, which sadly no longer exists:

The Texas Cyclone is my favorite roller coaster of all time (may it rest in peace).

HL = Hudson Leick  

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Xena: Season 1, Episode 21: "The Greater Good"

This… is a pretty awesome episode. There are many reasons to think so, but, for me, it’s because it’s one of those rare times that we get see Xena vulnerable. I love episodes like these.

Also, this ep is all about (one of) the main theme(s) of the series: the greater good. This ethical way of thinking is currently known as utilitarianism and can be linked all the way back to Aristotle, a Greek philosopher who lived during 4th century BC. (The "greater good" origins could be earlier; I just don’t care to dig any more than I already have.) Yes, “The Greater Good” is an important episode indeed.

Gabrielle says early on about Salmoneus: “You know what this is? It’s water, fizzy water. He’s making money selling water.” – I can’t remember exactly when we started to regularly see ordinary bottled water sold in stores, but something tells me 1995/1996 was the year, and this line is a direct reference to that. It’s still funny, but I bet it was hilarious back in 1996.

To conclude my opening, I want to state, more for my own reference than anything, that I think this is the episode where Gabrielle realizes she's in love with Xena. The event that leads to this realization is obvious enough, I think. 

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it.

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Both "The Greater Good"and this video were released in 1996. I'd love to know which came first:

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Xena: Season 1, Episode 20: "Ties That Bind"

I remembered after I pressed "Play" that there was some catch to this guy being Xena’s father, but I couldn’t remember exactly what. It's Ares. COOL. This is a good episode, pretty dark at the end. Looking back on it, Atrius was totally Ares from the first move to the last.

In related news, here's some useless information: I have a special dance that I do every time the Xena theme music starts. I close my eyes and wave my hands in front of my nose like I’m shooing away a fly.

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after.. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it.

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EXTRAS:

1) X: “They killed my father. Now, they’ll die, too. Get out of my way.” (Dude, she looks fuckin crazy here.) G: “No! Look at me!” (Love this line.)

2) Ares: “I thought about it for a long time. What could I do to win you back? Money? Power? What was your weakness? And then it came to me - Daddy! It was so glorious. You did everything I wanted. You killed soldiers. You even left your pesky little friend for me.” - Love the way he says, "Daddy!"

3) X: “Give up on me, Ares. I’m never coming back.” Ares: “I know what’s in your heart. There’s a reason why I play the part of Atrius so well.”

4) X: “You’re not my father.” Ares: “What is a father, Xena? A man who guides you; who teaches you how to live your life."

5) G: “Is he your father?” X: “Give me a break.” - Love the way Xena says this to Gabrielle.

6) Kirilus: “Where have I failed you? Have I not made sacrifices?” Ares: “Oh, yeah, yeah, you’ve been great about the sacrifice thing."

7) Atrius: “You’re just gonna ride off?” X: “Why shouldn’t I?” Atrius: “Because I’m your-” X: “No you’re not!” – She called that shit! She knows everything! 

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Xena: Season 1, Episode 19: "Altared States"

This is the episode where Gabrielle does henbane. There's really nothing else to say. It's glooorious!

SPOILERS: My reviews are full of them! I'll try to note when I'm about to spoil the series by posting [SERIES SPOILER] before said item and [END SPOILER] after.. Please don't read the review, unless you've seen the episode under discussion or don't care if I spoil it.

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"Happy Birthday" by Altered Images. Closest I could come to a video that could rep this awesome ep:

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