Review: Path of Vengeance

The Amazon saga continues in this episode, showing that sometimes even the best of intentions can lead to trouble. It is a solid script, with several wonderful moments that hearken back to the classic episodes of the past.

Varia has been busy since we last saw her (in Dangerous Prey). She has brought together the various Amazon tribes and united them into a single council (ostensibly led by Varia herself). Her intent, ultimately, is to wage war on Rome and get revenge for the treatment the Amazon sisterhood has suffered at Imperial hands.

None other than Ares put this idea into her head. No sooner has he regained his divinity than he is off working for his goal of peace through force of arms. It seems that even this extended period of time as a mortal has not dulled his thirst for conquest. He may be an evil, manipulative bastard, but he loves his job - and does well in it.

Into this military preparation arrives Eve, who has returned to Amazon lands bearing her message of peace. She is captured by Varia's troops, and is put on trial for breaking her banishment (passed down in Coming Home). Xena and Gabrielle arrive on the scene, and sort out the multiple problems that present themselves.

The root of all these problems is Varia herself. Despite the lessons she learned at Xena's side (again, in Dangerous Prey), Ares has hardened her heart. As always, his true goals are hidden behind a layer of deception that Xena - and Gabrielle - see through almost at once. He is interested in a war - one big enough to restore some of the power he lost while he was mortal. The ultimate fate of Rome or the Amazon nation is of little consequence to him.

I really enjoyed this episode. Eve's righteousness wasn't grating (like it sometimes is), and she appeared willing to face the consequences of her return to Amazon territory - this quiet dedication is wonderful, and probably comes from her mother. Xena's frustration - with Eve and Varia - makes her job more difficult. Indeed, Xena has trouble handling the situation because she has very little influence in the political arena - that is where Gabrielle excels.

It was very nice to see Gabrielle's status as an Amazon queen emphasized. While she is not at the head of any specific tribe, all the queens that are gathered in this episode have heard of her, and recognize her wisdom. Gabrielle does what she can within the bounds of Amazon law, and despite her failure does a fine job of it.

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