Review: To Helicon and Back

This is an incredibly powerful episode for many reasons. First and foremost, just as the Amazon nation is united under Varia, their very existence is threatened. Secondly, the action sequences are intense and realistic - recalling in many respects the opening battle scene in Saving Private Ryan - in fact, the film style used is very similar to the Normandy invasion sequence.

But this episode is truly remarkable not for its emotionally charged story and explosive action sequences - though as I said both of those elements are incredible. Instead, it should be looked at for the changes in Gabrielle since the earliest days of the series - as well as the changes in the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle.

Gone is the naïve and idealistic girl of the first two seasons. Also gone is the confused young woman from the second stage of the series. The capable warrior and queen that leads the surviving Amazons into a battle for their very existence is obviously descended from these earlier incarnations, but has learned - both from Xena and her own painful experiences - to put the doubt aside when the time comes to step forward and be the leader and hero these women need.

A comparison to other Gabcentric episodes will demonstrate some of the character development I'm speaking of. In the first season we have the episode The Greater Good, where Gabrielle must fill in for a virtually comatose warrior princess. Gabrielle does the best she can to raise a defense, but finds the situation a little bit out of her league - requiring the last minute intervention of Xena to save the day.

Compare that early episode to season three's When In Rome where Gabrielle really begins to demonstrate an independence from her mentor. The moral quandary she faces with the disposition of Crassus - a decision left almost entirely in her hands - demonstrates her character growth. In the same "era" of Gabrielle episodes we have the epic A Good Day where Gabrielle leads the charge against the armies of Rome. This episode marks the beginning of her spiritual quest, and her attempts to ignore the warrior path she has been following up until that point.

In most of these earlier episodes, Gabrielle ultimately turns to Xena for comfort and reassurance. She relies on her friend's greater wisdom and experience. In this episode, however, she refuses the comfort that Xena offers, and does what she knows is necessary to see that her people survive. At first she wants to let Xena lead the charge against Bellerophon, but when Amazon law prohibits Xena from doing so, she steps into the role and displays tremendous strength and skill.

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