Amac Productions

Those caves get mighty full before the episode ends.

Ares and Gabrielle bonded…? What?

Xena uses a ton of fish as weapons to save the day.

Three naked Gabrielles courtesy of Joxer.

And oh so much more. Geez.

While this may be another Xena – lite episode, it stills holds its own and is remarkably entertaining. Like the running gag that Joxer doesn’t realize that the play on words means he’s the jerk.

Which is not really a word I would use to describe him, but I could also understand it as something Gabrielle might think from time to time that the scroll picked up on.

It’s a wild episode from start to finish.

Xena asks Gabrielle to try writing something else for a change, like fiction, and make someone else the hero instead of Xena. Gabrielle opts to do so, making herself the hero. Aphrodite – who is mad that Xena is getting so much credit for love in the world, enchants the scroll to make everything come true. Except the scroll takes everything literally.

Thus, the chaos.

Gabrielle accidentally sends Xena away and can’t bring her back. She depowers two gods by mistake and can’t return their powers. Leaves the scroll unattended with Joxer.

I actually think one of the pinches to Joxer’s nose was unnecessary.

When did I start liking Joxer? I don’t want him to be called a jerk, and I think Gabrielle may have been too hard on him this episode.

Like selling his scabbard to apologize to her and accidentally losing the scroll was not his fault. He didn’t know it was in there and you didn’t tell him.

You cannot be mad at him for that.

Especially, since he tried to do something nice to make up for the three naked Gabrielles.

Nope.

The three naked Gabrielles was a bit much for me until Xena seemed oddly into at the end. Which, now I have thoughts and questions Xena.

Whew.

Overall, I enjoyed this episode and I’m not usually into the Xena lite episodes because we lack Xena and Xena and Gabrielle moments.

However, this episode was amazing for adding in the fun dynamic of Ares and Aphrodite.

These two gods go back a long way. Have a history of their own that the actors make us feel in their interactions. Like siblings or family or friends you’ve known forever.

Like Aphrodite knowing that Ares was manipulating her but doing it anyway because she might get what she wanted out of it, regardless.

I really enjoyed their dynamic with each other and would love to see more.

I also love that they bring something to the table for this episode without Xena, because there’s never a dull moment.

Joxer asks Aphrodite for advice and she gives him a standard answer. Her own words, which get him into trouble later. Aphrodite appears to recognize that Joxer wants more from Gabrielle. However, she also appears to know he has no chance because of the bond between Gabrielle and Xena.

As she herself points out, she was disappointed to break up Xena and Gabrielle’s major lovefest.

While you could argue that Aphrodite could also see platonic love between people, there was little platonic love happening between those two.

Everything about that scene screamed reunited lovers.

Didn’t it?

Their hug, their relief at being together. The look on Xena’s face when she said she saw everyone who ever meant anything to her in her life, except for Gabrielle. Her look was soft and sweet and completely in love. I know, I’ve seen it on my screen every time I video chat my girlfriend.

So completely enamored.

The causal moment where Xena pulls something out and says her mother says hi.

Because of course wherever Xena is headed Gabrielle will be there too.

My parents do it. Say hi when you talk to her.

Because they know you will.

I loved Xena’s face when she said she saw three naked Gabrielles. Like she was thinking of all the fun she could have with them…

Anyway!

Aphrodite is a delight as she learns being human isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Having to bath and take care of your hair without godlike powers.

Ares’ face when dealing with her smell.

His annoyance that he can’t start the invasion.

That one guy who kept asking if that was the signal. Every single time anything happened. I’m surprised the warlord didn’t just off him right there. I might have.

There’s one more thing though.

The moment Gabrielle and Ares bonded over their mutual interest in Xena. Or admiration for her. Or attraction. Whatever frame you’d prefer.

This moment is quite interesting to me.

They’re both interested in Xena. But Ares wants the darkest parts of her. For Xena to abandon her crusade for the light and return to him in darkness. He admires her tact and ability to outthink people, even him.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle understands the darkness will always be part of Xena, but she doesn’t want it to ever consume her again. She loves her whole. The light and the dark.

You could say they love only a part of Xena, but I think that’s not right.

That Ares loves the dark.

While Gabrielle only loves the light.

Except, Gabrielle has seen Xena at her worst and wants her anyway. Trusts her. Learns from her. Respects her. Understands her in a way Ares will never.

Ares does want only her darkest parts. He’s seen her at her best and admires it, but it also frustrates him. She won’t ever see eye to eye with him again if he can’t tempt her back into darkness. He needs her to be dark for him to love her and vice versa.

Xena once worshipped Ares.

She no longer does.

She’s left him behind.

Choosing Gabrielle as her future. A lighter future.

Now, I’m not saying that Gabrielle would stand by Xena if she decided to be a warlord again. Because I don’t think she will. But unlike Ares, Gabrielle will always be able to tempt Xena away. Back to the light.

Unlike Ares, who will never be able to tempt her into darkness again.

She’d have to lose Gabrielle entirely to lose herself like that again.

It’s an interesting dynamic to be sure. Like she’s meant to be with Gabrielle. Not Ares. Meaning Gabrielle can reach all parts of Xena while Ares will only ever understand a few.

Also, this is the first episode where the rift between them doesn’t feel so sizable. Like we’re getting back on even footing with the two of them again. Which – you know – if I were writing this, it would be a perfect time to for things to come to a head.

I’m scared.

Onto to next week! If anyone needs be I’ll be hiding under my blankets whimpering until it’s over. Thank you for reading! Wish me luck!

Spread the love and read on!