This is one of those episodes where I only have one serious gripe, but it's really more about its placement in the season than the episode itself. It's hard for me to fully accept the fact that it takes place right after everything that happened in The Bitter Suite. Xena and Gabrielle practically tried to kill each other, went through one of the worst periods of their relationship, and then at the beginning of this episode they seem almost completely at ease with each other. I know some time has passed between those events, but I still miss the sense of consequence. After everything they've said and done to each other, I'd expect at least some discomfort, some silence, or a sense that they're still recovering from everything that happened. Because of this, it sometimes seems to me that it would make a lot more sense if this episode was set before Maternal Instincts. The deaths of Hope and Solan are not mentioned here at all, and Xena and Gabrielle's relationship seems to be in a completely different phase than the one they were in after The Bitter Suite. But when that little illogicality is put aside, it remains a masterpiece. Although on paper this is a war episode, in essence it is one of the most romantic stories the show has ever told. Maybe even the most romantic. The war, the army, the siege and the fight for Sparta are actually only the outer framework. The real story is about Xena and Gabrielle. About how well they know each other. How much they changed each other. How deeply they entered each other's lives and how unbreakable their relationship became. Everything that happens around them almost pales in comparison to what happens between the two of them.

Their conversations have a special power here. They seem like they were written for a stage play, not a television episode. There aren't many characters, there's no need for big explanations, and there's no hiding behind the action. Only Xena and Gabrielle, finally fully opening their souls to each other. They talk about how they have changed. About what they gave each other. About how neither of them is the person they were before they met. Gabrielle changed Xena, but Xena also changed Gabrielle. Their relationship is not one-way. It's not just the story of how Gabrielle saved Xena. And Xena gave Gabrielle strength, experience, protection and a whole new world view. One of the most beautiful aspects of their relationship in this episode is the fact that they really know each other to the core. Xena is ready to give up everything. From the fight. From the goal. From a bigger idea. Of everything she had been trying to achieve for years. If it costs Gabrielle's life, she's ready to throw it all away. And there you can see how important Gabrielle is to her. Xena can talk about the greater good, about saving other people, and about her responsibility to the world, but when Gabrielle finds herself on the brink of death, all of that becomes irrelevant. To Xena, Gabrielle is not just one person among many. She is the person without whom Xena can no longer imagine her own life. But it is Gabrielle who refuses to let her. And that is perhaps even more romantic. Because Gabrielle won't let Xena save her at the cost of everything else. She doesn't want Xena to betray what she believes in because of her. He does not want to let thousands of people die because of his love for her. She knows Xena well enough to know that such a decision would haunt her forever. That's why he doesn't let her choose between her and the world. And this shows how deeply he understands the person he loves. The two of them are not just talking here as friends. They speak as two people who have become part of the other's identity. As if they can no longer separate where one ends and the other begins. That's what makes their scenes so powerful. No need for big statements. Everything is felt in the way they look at each other, in their words and how willing they are to sacrifice for each other. This is one of those episodes where the subtext between them is so strong that it almost stops being subtext.

And Renee O'Connor is fantastic here. I really wish more people were willing to admit how good of an actress she is. Lucy is often automatically considered the big acting star of the show, which is fully deserved, but Renee shows here that she can keep up with her no problem. Her scenes with Lucy are so emotionally precise that it's hard to believe Gabrielle isn't just as important an acting challenge as Xena. She doesn't just play tenderness. It's not just morality at play. In her Gabrielle there is strength, stubbornness, fear, love and a willingness to stand up to even Xena when she knows it's the only way to stop her. And that's exactly why their relationship is so good. Neither is just weak or strong. None are just protectors or protected. Their roles are constantly changing. Once Xena saves Gabrielle. Another time Gabrielle saves Xena. And here they seem to be saving each other at the same time.

And then comes the fight. The scene where Xena stands alone against the Persian army is for me the best fight scene of the entire show. Not because it's necessarily the biggest or the most luxurious. It's not the most impressive effects or the biggest army we've seen. But the emotional weight of everything happening makes it incomparable. Xena doesn't just fight to save Sparta. He does not fight only for the army. Don't just fight for some abstract greater good. She fights for Gabrielle. For a dying person. For the person he loves. For your soulmate. Every punch, every movement and every moment of exhaustion carries that much more weight precisely because you know what's at stake. She must not fall because Gabrielle is waiting. Her struggle becomes an extension of her love. Every time he gets up, he gets up because he still has a reason. And that reason is not only duty. It's Gabrielle. That's why that scene is so powerful to me. It doesn't matter how many opponents are in front of her. It doesn't matter how tired she is. It doesn't matter how hopeless the situation is. Xena will continue to fight as long as there is even the slightest possibility of getting back at Gabrielle.

And when all is said and done, this episode is perhaps the purest definition of their relationship. Two people who changed thanks to each other. Two people who would give their lives for each other. Two people who know each other so well that they know what the other wants even when they are against it. And two people who, despite all the tragedies, fights and injuries, cannot imagine a world in which the other does not exist. That is why it is difficult for me to see it only as a war episode. War is just a backdrop. The real battle is the one Xena fights to keep Gabrielle safe. And that's exactly why this, despite all my reservations about its place in the chronology, is one of the greatest masterpieces of the entire show.

So happy! 😍😍😍 Now I can binge watch anytime I want. Will be my first re-watch since 2001. I am so excited 😱🤩

Probably the two biggest influences on Xena's life. Who prevails in this ultimate magical battle of Good and Evil.

Both women are willing to kill.

Full power for both.

Y’all catch this on Lucy Lawless’ instagram?????????

*Edit* realized it was from a fan page 🙄. That’s a lotta nerve to speak as though it’s coming from her. That’s crossing the line beyond a fan. I’m keeping this up though because i think it’s making for interesting conversation.

Pure hand to hand! Takes place in a bar with bottles, stool, and other objects littered around the place.

Both are drunk and enraged. Who wins ?

Xena has returned to a life of evil after the death of Gabrielle. The Amazons of past and present unite to try and stop her. Can they defeat her, or does Xena destroy another tribe ?

Xena is armed with sword and chakram.

She is bloodlusted.

The Amazons are all armed with their weapons of choice and are willing to kill Xena.

Fight takes place in The Amazons Forest.

If there's one episode that best shows just how brave and willing to take risks the series was, it's this one. After several extremely dark and poignant episodes, when Xena and Gabrielle hit the bottom of their relationship, the screenwriters decided to resolve their biggest conflict through a musical. On paper, it sounds like an idea that should never work. Actually, I totally understand the fans who never liked that decision. I can understand why it seems inappropriate to some that the most important emotional showdown in the entire series takes place through a song. But with me, the effect is completely opposite. For me, this is an absolute masterpiece, one of the best episodes of the entire series and an example of how sometimes the craziest ideas give the best results.

The beginning, however, is anything but fairy-tale. On the contrary. It's incredibly difficult to watch. The famous scene where Xena drags Gabrielle through the paths is one of the most disturbing moments in the entire series. Many rightly call it the Gab-Drag scene, but to me it has always seemed much more serious than that. Honestly, it could very easily be seen as a form of relationship abuse. As much as I understand Xena's anger, as much as I understand that she lost her son and that she sees Gabrielle as the person who unintentionally led to his death, it's hard for me to watch the way she humiliates and hurts her. Yes, Xena has a right to be furious. He has a right to suffer. He has the right not to forgive. But the pain he then inflicts on Gabrielle leaves a bitter taste and shows how much both of them have hit emotional rock bottom. The two of them are then no longer a warrior and a bard. They are two broken women who no longer know how to talk to each other.

And then everything changes.

Instead of continuing in the same tone, the episode introduces us to a world that looks like a lavish stage play or a classic Hollywood musical. Visually, it has always reminded me of The Wizard of Oz. It is full of vivid colors, imaginative costumes, symbolism and almost unreal scenes. And the most beautiful thing is that this fairy-tale appearance does not at any moment diminish the weight of the story. On the contrary. It is because of this contrast that emotions become even stronger. It's like we're watching a fairy tale from the outside, while inside one of the most painful stories the series has ever told unfolds.

The songs here are not thrown in to entertain the audience or show that the cast can sing. Each song is a continuation of the dialogue. Every line is what Xena and Gabrielle were unable to say to each other. Through music, everything that they have suppressed for months comes out of them. Anger. Guilt. A feeling of betrayal. Remorse. Love. Longing. The need for forgiveness. That's why this episode is so special to me. If all those scenes were just conversations, they probably wouldn't have had nearly the same effect. Music gives them an almost poetic dimension and allows emotions to speak louder than words.

Through songs, both of them throw out all the poison they carried inside. Both hurt each other, but finally listen to each other. It may be the first time after everything that has happened that they really try to understand each other's pain and not just their own.

The reconciliation of Xena and Gabrielle is for me one of the most beautiful moments of the entire series. After everything they said and did to each other, after Solan and Hope's death, after betrayals, lies and mutual accusations, they finally come to a place where it doesn't matter anymore who was more guilty. It doesn't matter anymore who made the mistake first. There are only two people left who don't want to lose each other. That moment when they find each other again has a power that few television series can achieve. It doesn't feel like a simple goodbye. It seems as if they have both rediscovered a part of themselves that they lost.

Xena's farewell to Solan is equally touching to me. It is the moment when he finally allows himself to let go of his son. After all the rage that drove her, she is finally alone with her grief. No revenge. No hate. Just a mother saying goodbye to a child she will never hug again. It's one of those scenes that makes a lump in your throat every time, no matter how many times you watch it.

I can't help but praise the production itself. Visually, this is one of the most beautiful episodes of the entire series. The scenography, costumes, choreography and the way each musical number is directed leave the impression of a real movie musical. It's hard to believe that this is a television series from the nineties. Everything looks lavish, creative and full of detail, yet never overshadows the story. On the contrary, it serves her.

In the end, I think this episode is about something much bigger than goodbyes. It speaks to the depth of the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle. No matter how much they hurt themselves, knowingly or unknowingly. No matter how many lies, deception, anger and disappointment. No matter how much they inflict wounds on each other that seem impossible to heal. The two will always find their way back to each other.

And that is exactly what for me represents the essence of their relationship. It is not a relationship that exists because it is perfect. It exists precisely because it survived what would destroy almost any other relationship. They forgive what seems unforgivable. They understand what seems incomprehensible. And they choose each other even when it would be much easier to leave forever. That's why I don't see this episode as just a story of reconciliation. I experience it as the final confirmation that Xena and Gabrielle are soul mates. Not because they never hurt each other, but because, despite everything, neither one ever truly stops loving the other.

I found it at my library and it's charming! Basically covers various things from seasons 1-3 from the perspective of our favorite battling bard.

I am a newer fan of all things Xena and will be attending the convention in October for the first time! I’m a little confused. If i just get the general admission package, can I still see Lucy and Renee speak?

I have been a Xenaite since I started watching the show in 1997 when I was six years old and I'm very impressed at how active the Xena fanbase or as Lucy would call us Hardcore Nutballs, the show ended twenty six years ago this summer and I'm still seeing new fans online every day.

I made this for World Wide Slash this past weekend! I’ve recently started watching Xena and my feelings from s1 just had to be put into music video form. I love them so much! 💜💜💜

look what I just discovered and downloaded❤️❤️❤️ 30 minutes ago😁

I really enjoyed The Odyssey tonight & plan to go back & see it again in multiple formats (I’ll be getting the dvd, too). We talked about it afterwards & the 1st thing that came to mind was Xena! It had that kind of feel to it, & I started to reassess the chances of a Xena movie in light of it.

There was a lot of skepticism The Odyssey would do well, & lots of criticism of its supposed inaccuracies & diversity, but the film seems to be winning people over on its own merits. I think the biggest obstacle to getting a Xena film made over the years was very possibly a disagreement between Rob’s vision (which includes a very non-traditional approach to the Greek myths) & what a studio will finance based on what they think is popular in the moment. Movies go through a different process than tv shows. You can (or could, 30 years ago) get more time & benefit of the doubt in developing a show & finding an audience. Not so with movies, which need to be instantly successful, & so get a lot of second-guessing & safeguarding by the studios. That’s not a process that’s conducive to how Xena works, as I see it.

The Odyssey may have changed that calculation, though. Nolan had the clout to get it made his way, and he’s delivering, financially. The question being asked by studios, no doubt, is can he go back to ancient Greece & do it again? The answer is no: he doesn’t want to. But there is someone else who can: Rob Tapert & Sam Raimi!

They can tell a powerful, moving story using the same ingredients, & they have an iconic star like Matt Damon who can depict a story taking place over decades: Lucy Lawless! She’s about the same age as Matt, & Xena’s story is just as epic as Odysseus’s. Not to mention, Xena is the real person behind the Odyssey legend, as we know! Plus, there’s a romance for the ages. Literally, over the many ages to the present!

I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s phone calls & emails on this subject happening as we speak, & some reconsideration going on in the upper echelons of movie studios. It would be Hollywood malpractice not to pursue this idea. Rob, call your office!!

we all know that Xena dies to end the series but do you think all you Xenites there should be a reboot? and if so who would you like to see as Xena and Gabby?

i cannot watch this episode without crying. xena's face while talking to solan gets me every time. you can just tell that she regrets abandoning him, even though it might have been the right choice at the time. i wish we could have seen more of their bond before solan's death </3

Callisto aka Psycho Barbie!

Livia returns and kills Xena. Gabrielle is out for revenge. Gabrielle is end of series.

Fight to the death.

Gabrielle has the chakram and her two sai.

Livia has her sword.

Who wins ?