Review: A Friend in Need 2
The other lesson is perhaps even more important. Gabrielle accepted her friend's choice. She did not invalidate Xena's sacrifice by acting out of her own selfish need. Instead, she realized that Xena would always be with her, even in death. Carrying on the battle for the greater good is what Xena would want - and the greatest way to honor her life.
In the same way, we should celebrate the life of Xena. Even though the series has ended, it will always remain a part of our hearts. We should strive to carry on the lessons we have learned over the years, honoring the memory of a show that has made us more than we could have ever hoped to be.
There are several bits and pieces in this episode that jumped out at me, and I would like to highlight a few of them.
First of all, the episode opens with Xena burying her armor. This is a very significant moment. As you may recall, we first met Xena (in the series, at least) as she was burying her armor. The series is framed by these two events. In the series premiere, it was an attempt to turn away from the warrior path she had been following. In the finale, it appears to be an act of acceptance.
Xena went out the way I always felt she should - in glorious battle, taking as many of the enemy with her as she could. Despite multiple arrow wounds (I counted six, though there were probably more) she mows down soldiers like they were so much wheat. It is only with her lifeblood ebbing away that she is finally brought down.
What was up with the massive explosion? I know that science and history are a little skewed in the Xenaverse, but could somebody explain to me why it looked like Xena had set off a small-yield nuclear weapon? The firestorm and subsequent gale-force winds were way out of proportion with the amount of gunpowder.
I really liked that Gabrielle put the pieces together and figured out that Xena wasn't expecting to come back.
The plan to defeat Yodoshi wasn't particularly convoluted, as far as Xena plans go. Get the anklet that summons him, set a trap, and then kill him. Of course, nothing is ever that simple. It turns out Yodoshi is drinking from the Fountain of Strength - the same fountain that Gabrielle is taking Xena's ashes to.
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