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'In the time of ancient Gods, Warlords and Kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty Princess forged in the heat of battle...her courage will change the world.'
Since before these words were heard in September of 1995, Xena gained huge following among Sci-Fi and non-Sci-Fi fans alike. Xena's journey began as a guest role in a trio of episodes for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. In the first episode in the trilogy entitled 'Warrior Princess', Xena (played by Lucy Lawless) was a hardened, merciless warlord plotting to use Iolous against Hercules in an effort to rid the world of the "Son of Zeus". The plan failed. Which led to the events of the second episode of the trilogy. In the episode 'The Gauntlet' Xena's Lieutenant Darphus takes over her army and makes her run the gauntlet. After surviving the gauntlet, Xena joins forces with Hercules and Iolous to try and stop Darphus. Finally in the last episode of the trilogy 'Unchained Heart', Hercules tries to help Xena see that there is good that she can do. He also tries to get her to see that she must atone for her past misdeeds by doing those good deeds and help in the fight against evil. Soon after 'Unchained Heart', the 'Powers that be' decided that Xena deserved her own show and the ground work was set to begin the hit Sci-Fi fantasy series Xena: Warrior Princess. They also decided that, like Hercules, Xena needed someone to help in her battle against the darkness. Enter Gabrielle (played by Renee O'Connor), a naïve young village girl from Potidaea. From the start the match between Lawless and O'Connor was a good one. The off-screen friendship adds a believable element and chemistry to the friendship of Xena and Gabrielle. I personally think that the characters wouldn't have caught on with other actresses in the roles, as they have with Lawless and O'Connor. As to the question of subtext between Xena and Gabrielle (aka are they or aren't they), well everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I think it's all in how you choose to see the characters. The Xena: Warrior Princess fandom has flourished and grown by leaps and bounds since its debut in 1995. As has its Internet presence. Here are a couple of my favourite sites for Xena. (For more sites and info about Xena and Hercules check out Josh Harrison's Hercules and Xena page here at Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/herc... Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article A Look at Xena: Warrior Princess in Sci-Fi TV is owned by . Permission to republish A Look at Xena: Warrior Princess in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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