Chariots of War

This second episode is very interesting... specially because it shows many of the things that Xena:WP will not be like at all in the future! Just by watching this episode, someone could think that we are just in front of another action show, with a mix of drama, humour, fights, and light boy-on-girl romance. Well... just wait and see!! The show will change so much...

In spite of the strong straight (and even gender-conventional, I dare say) aspects of this episode, it actually introduces some elements that will be crucial in the rest of the series. One of the main issues is the dilemma between fight and peace: When is fighting morally OK? Are we ever obliged to fight for the greater good? Or is peace always the best solution? Are dialogue and negotiation always/ever possible?

This episode addresses all these questions. And, in effect, we get to see both Xena and Gabrielle flirting with guys... which is very cute, I have to say!
We witness Xena as she gets to know a new guy, and she even considers leaving the road and settling down with this nice man and his three children... and we see Gabrielle hitting it on with a 'bad boy' for the first time... and, boy, is she persuasive!!
I think it is interesting to see how both Xena and Gabrielle are attracted to characters that are very similar to the other one! Xena's Darius is sweet and gentle and peaceful and generous... and Gabrielle's Sphaerus is a warlord, violent and tormented and dark... sounds familiar? Of course! It's the 'opposites attract' rule... which will be explored quite a lot in the future! And we know what opposite characters will get much closer in the near future...

Just a last note: at the end of the episode, Xena is sad that she has to leave Darius and his family and she asks Gabrielle: "Do you ever miss your family?". Gabrielle answers, happy to chat for once: "Yeah... sometimes... but not as much when I am with you". And this... wins Xena over! And we can see that she starts her journey along with Gabrielle, relaxed and happy and sure that she is doing the right thing. Because it feels right for her!