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Episode #120
Written by Joel Metzger Directed by Rick Jacobson
There are two major themes running through this episode, and they are what I would like to focus on in this commentary. The first theme that I noticed was that everything that happened in this episode was (directly or indirectly) a result of Xena's choices. The theft of the Rheingold, the creation of the ring and Grinhilda's transformation - even Odin's corruption happen because of young Xena's lust for power and her decision to forsake love. This is familiar territory - this is hardly the first time Xena has performed a "clean-up" mission to atone for choices she made in the past. In fact, this strongly parallels the storyline from another epic, "The Debt", where Xena travels to Chin to repair damage she caused as a bloodthirsty warlord. There is a noticeable contrast between the Ring Arc and "The Debt" however. Both involve (at least initially) Xena traveling to eliminate a monster she created, the reasons she goes are very different. In "The Debt" she is driven by a need for vengeance, while in this story she is driven by the need to atone for a crime committed against another. Xena feels responsible for the trouble the monstrous Grinhilda has caused, and wants to put the former Valkyrie to rest. Gabrielle is different in this cycle as well. In "The Debt" she was emotionally vulnerable, desperately clinging to Xena as an anchor in a life that had been turned upside down. The events in Britannia left her scarred and vulnerable to manipulation by Ares, believing she was acting in Xena's best interest. In this storyline, she is a more mature, emotionally secure woman who understands her role as Xena's boon companion. She doesn't follow Xena to stop her, but rather she goes to help her accomplish the mission. Alone, Xena is attempting a suicide mission. Together, they have a chance to defeat the forces allied against them. The theme of choice and consequence manifests in other situations as well. Brunhilda's defiance of Odin's order is an example, as is Xena's desperate use of the Ring's power. Choices are made, and the consequences of those choices are gladly faced. The other major theme running through this episode is love - mainly Gabrielle's love for Xena, and how her love affects those around her. For the first time Gabrielle has people fighting at her side out of devotion to her.
The copyright of the article Review: The Ring in Hercules & Xena is owned by Josh Harrison. Permission to republish Review: The Ring in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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