An epic episode where we meet both the Amazons and centaurs for the first time. Gabrielle becomes royalty, and Xena ends an old blood feud in order to prevent a war.
SYNOPSIS
While traveling through a woods, Xena and Gabrielle fall into the custody of the Amazons upon whose hunting land they have entered. They need to get permission from Amazon queen Melosa in order to secure safe passage, but they are all ambushed before arriving safely to the Amazon base. Gabrielle shields as friendly young Amazon named Terreis with her own body in order to protect her from a hail of arrows, but it's too late. With her last breath Terries thanks Gabrielle and bestows her right of cast upon her. Xena does not notice this fact. They make it to the Amazon base, and centaur by the name of Krykus is placed in custody for the murderous attack. While Xena heads off to speak with Krykus' father King Tyldus, Gabrielle finds out that gaining the right of cast from the deceased Amazon Terries means that she inherits everything from her. Gabrielle is now an Amazon princess!
Xena asks King Tyldus to not wage war against the Amazons. She personally knows just how excellent the centaurs are at war since they are intelligent, quick, and agile. However, King Tyldus says that war will happen if he does not get Krykus back, and that Xena will also be in danger of centaur wrath if it comes to this. Meanwhile, Gabrielle is learning all about Amazon life, and how proficient weapon use is important to them. She enjoys learning how to use a fighting staff, but is terrified to learn that it's her job to carry out the execution of Krykus tomorrow at noon. Xena believes that Krykus did not murder the young Amazon, and that neither the centaurs or Amazons really want a war with each other (even though they do have a very troubled past). She is not alone in this theory, as the young Amazon warrior Ephiny doubts Krykus' guilt as well. Xena and Ephiny secretly investigate the murder scene during the night, and find some potent evidence that show a man mounted on a horse, and not a centaur, may be the one responsible. They also find centaur arrows at the encampment of human men who work as weapons merchants. This bolsters Xena's theory that arms dealer Mesas committed the murder in order to start a war from which he would profit.
The following morning Xena tells Queen Melosa that the execution cannot go forth since Krykus is innocent. This does not go over well, but Gabrielle has the right to fight the queen over the disagreement. Fortunately, she can also have Xena fight in her place as her champion, and this is the wise decision she makes. After an intense duel between the two, Xena defeats Melosa, and the execution is on hold. Suddenly they notice that the centaurs have surrounded the Amazon camp in order to prevent the execution. Xena explains to all parties the powerful evidence she found that has resulted in Krykus' release and reuniting with his father. She also points the blame for the murder to the one human who is tagging alone with the centaurs; Celano, a cowardly pathetic looking man. Celano flees while the centaurs and Amazons decide to work together to attack the camp of arms dealer Mesas.
It's a complete blowout as the surprised human men are no match for combined force containing centaurs, Amazon warriors, and of course Xena. In a huge moment, Gabrielle fights successfully as she shows off her new skills using a warrior's staff. Xena kills the coward Celano, and Melosa detains Mesas in order to put him on trail for his crimes. The centaurs and Amazons have made friendship thanks to both Xena and Gabrielle. As a farewell, Xena reminds them that although their friendship will be fruitful, the temptation to renew war is often not far off.
NOTES
The Amazons and centaurs live according to their values, and they always take care of their own. Gabrielle is now a princess. To quote the Amazon princess Terries killed at the beginning of the episode, "It's a man's world, Gabrielle. Not because it should be, but because we let them have it."
Enter: Amazons, Centaurs, Queen Melosa, Ephiny, Krykus, King Tyldus
1 out of 1 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink