"Ulysses"
One word sums it up: awkward.
I
remember liking this episode in 2009. This is the first time I've
watched it, though, since watching seasons 3-6 for the first time. Now, it kind of hurts to watch certain parts of "Ulysses." For instance, at the beginning when
Gabrielle is standing in the shot in the background between Ulysses and
Xena (which is done on purpose), you just feel her panic and
fight-or-flight mode kick in.
[SERIES SPOILER] This might be the last episode where, I think, the makers of the show try pair Xena and Gabrielle up with other people. If I remember right (and I think I do), this is the last time Xena has a written love interest other than Gabrielle. I know that’s a tall order, considering there are four more seasons to go (and I’m not really including season 5, which, as far as I’m concerned, doesn’t really count. What I'm trying to say is, if my calcs are corr, not until season 5 does Xena take on another lover, sort of… God, season 5 is such a train wreck; I almost can’t wait to rewatch it knowing what I know.) [END SPOILER]
Despite the ultimate focus of "Ulysses," this episode is loaded with subtext. And what a platform!
I touched on these briefly in the review template, but all of the subtext incidents beg for far more coverage, which I will now provide. As an ancient mythological journalist, this is exactly the kind of shit I live for.
1) So, Xena and Ulysses start talking after teaming up during their first battle together. Gabrielle is framed between them in the background. If this were just a normal story about Xena and U-dawg falling in love, there would be no reason to show Gabrielle's reaction to this at all. Putting her between them is an obvious nod to jealousy.
2) While Ulysses and Xena talk at night as Gabrielle sleeps, they address the idea that Ulysses will find love again someday. Gabrielle, coincidentally, interrupts the tender moment, claiming thirst as her excuse. You know, some would say there are no coincidences.
3) What the hell was that appraising, surprised look that Xena gave Gabrielle when she spots her dancing "erotically?" And Gabrielle seems pleased with the reaction. Then Xena says: "Hey boys. I want in on the fun, too." - I'm a little unclear about whose fun she wants in on.
4) Gabrielle sports an unpleasant, shocked expression when she and Ulysses admire Xena and Ulysses says, "What a woman."
5) Ulysses says, “We'd be going up against a god. Your friend-” Gabrielle cuts in, “-goes where Xena goes.” Not only do Gabrielle and Xena finish each others sentences, they are inseparable.
6) Ulysses tells Xena he's found his soulmate, but Xena does not say it back. Xena and Ulysses kiss. After Ulysses walks away from Xena, the camera pans to a once-sleeping Gabrielle, who's now awake and looks sad. Why include this, if not to say, "OUCH."
7) Gabrielle confronts Xena about her feelings for Ulysses, saying, "I need to know." Besides being understanding and grown-up about it, this is not the sort of thing or way a friend asks another friend about a new love.
Gabrielle then says, “Promise me one thing. You’ll follow your heart and don't worry about me.” Xena says so sweetly, “You're part of my heart.” Gabrielle says, “Xena, do you remember what you told me when Perdicus asked me to marry him? You said that seeing me happy would make you happy. I feel the same way.” I told my ex this once before-the exact same thing-when another person walked into the picture of our relationship. Xena proceeds to say, “Gabrielle, you’ve been so good for me, I don’t think I would ever have let myself feel the way I feel now about Ulysses if it wasn’t for you teaching me how to love.” Let's just wait a minute... I know what Xena means to say with this and Gabrielle takes it the way Xena obviously means it, but I believe this statement is way more revealing than it seems. Think about it for a sec.
8) Xena tries to discourage Ulysses from liking her, supposedly because she wants to give him and Penelope a clear shot at their marriage. She says, “Let me lay it on the line for you, Ulysses. You’re not my type.” Why say this? Why not just say, “The feeling's not mutual?”
9) Might I also note, that Xena says these horrible things to Ulysses to give him a chance to figure out for himself if he truly loves her. Ulysses, in the end, sees her hurtful words for what they are and approaches Xena again, saying he realizes what she was doing and still wants to be with her. She then thinks of Penelope and completely thwarts the advance once and for all.
Look, if you love someone and they tell you they love you back, you don’t just throw that away.
I love Xena. She is so deep, cares for people, is pulled to people, but she is a nomad and must keep moving. Regardless of everything, she has the balls to acknowledge her feelings as they arise.
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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1) X: “I’m gonna have to push this all the way through. It’s gonna hurt.” U: “As if it hasn’t been hurting up to now? (she pushes it through) That’ll wake you up in the morning!” - This is fucking funny.
2) U: “I’d like to see that chakram in action. I’ve never seen one before.” X: “Yeah, I guess it’s unique to me.” - I love this line of Xena's. The chakram is totally unique to her, which is awesome.
3) G: “Sirens? Their song is said to call all men who hear it to their death on the rocks of the island.” X: “All men. I’m not a man.” U: “Yeah, I’ve noticed.” – I know there’s something notable about this quote; I just can’t figure out what.
4) I’m so happy you’re back to reclaim your kingdom, be reunited with your wife.” U: “My wife? But, Meticles, Penelope is dead.” – Wah-wah waaah.
5) X: “Well, isn’t that just a typical man? I give you a few smiles and a kiss, and you’re convinced that I’m in love with you. You’re kidding yourself. I was embarrassed with all that mush you were spewing the other night. The only reason I didn’t shoot you down right then is because I didn’t think you could handle it. So let me lay it on the line for you, Ulysses. You’re not my type.” – Jesus Christ; that’s harsh. Wouldn’t the truth have sufficed just as well?
6) X: “What about Penelope?” U: “I don’t love her, anymore.” X: “Does she love you? She does.” U: “I don’t know if she loves me; I don’t know.” X: “Ulysses, your kingdom needs you. Your wife needs you. You’re home at last. Whatever you feel toward me will pass.” – I find it interesting and awesome that Xena won’t let Ulysses hurt another woman.
"Satellites" by Guster - Here's a song that has nothing to do with anything, only that I just heard it for the first time a few minutes ago and kind of like it:
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