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Part of series: Xena: Warrior Princess [TV Series]: Created by John Schulian and Robert Tapert, the New Zealand-filmed Xena: Warrior Princess was a spin-off of the tongue-in-cheek sword and sorcery series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. As introduced on Hercules, Xena (Lucy Lawless) was a fierce and formidable villainess, the leader of a vast army bent on destruction and devastation. There was some justification for this: As a child, Xena had witnessed the destruction of her home village and the brutal murder of her brother at the hands of a despotic warlord. At first forming her army to protect other peasants like herself, she became consumed with a lust for power and was soon conquering for the sake of being the conqueror. But through her association with the virtuous Hercules, Xena experienced an epiphany, casting off her former evil ways and devoting the rest of her life to making amends to her victims and protecting the innocent -- a task complicated by the many enemies she had made during her Warrior Princess years, who neither forgave nor forgot, and by the unsavory alliances she had forged during those same years. No sooner had Xena seen the light than she rescued the citizens of a village besieged by yet another evil warlord. Among those saved was young and beautiful Gabrielle (Renee OConnor), an aspiring bard (writer and artist) who became Xenas constant companion, first because she idolized the former warrior princess and was eager to experience adventure first-hand, but ultimately because she was Xenas devoted friend and confidant. In the course of the series six seasons, Xena and Gabrielle journeyed through Greece, Italy, Scandanavia, Africa, India, and China, with side trips to the Underworld -- ruled by Xenas erstwhile crony Hades -- and to the future, in which the two heroines found themselves in reincarnated form. Predicated on the theory that anything is possible in a fantasy series, both Xena and Gabrielle were killed and resurrected on several occasions, and both bore children who grew up to become their nemeses: Xenas daughter Eve (Adrienne Wilkinson) reached adulthood as the much-feared warrior queen Livia, the lover of war god Ares (Kevin Smith), while Gabrielles offspring Hope (Amy Morrison), whose father was force of darkness Dahak, would have to be killed at her mothers hand in order to save Mankind (Xena also had reason to despise Hope; it was she who killed Xenas long-estranged son, Solon). In one memorable instance, Xena briefly assumed the form of another woman -- a metamorphosis necessitated by a real-life accident which sidelined Lucy Lawless for several weeks. Lest this all sound a bit grim and morbid, it must be noted that the series, like its predecessor, Hercules, had a healthy, irreverent sense of humor, as encapsulated by the light-hearted disclaimers which appeared at the end of each episode. There was also time to spoof such modern-day phenomena as beauty contests, spaghetti Westerns, Danny Kaye films, theme parks, pro wrestling, Broadway musicals, and even such TV shows as You Are There and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There was also a cheerily contemptuous disregard for the time line of real history, with Xena and Gabrielle crossing the paths of Julius Caesar, Ulysses, Genghis Khan, Cleopatra, David and Goliath, Brunnhilde, and many other past celebrities, both genuine and imaginary. Generally, the series jocular treatment of Myth, Mysticism, Religion, and Reality was accepted in the spirit in which it was intended; but on one occasion, an angry protest from a Hindu extremist group obliged the producers to remove the fourth season episode The Way from the series rerun package. Of Xenas many recurring characters, the best known and most often seen included Xena and Gabrielles clumsy, wannabe warrior friend Joxer (Ted Raimi); Xenas mortal enemy, the blonde female warrior Callisto (Hudson Leick); troublesome traveling salesman Salmoneus (Robert Trebor); self-proclaimed king of thieves Autolycus (Bruce Campbell); Amazon princess Ephiny (Danielle Cormack), who enabled Gabrielle to join her all-female tribe; teenaged Amazon Amarice (Jennifer Sky), who became to Gabrielle what Gabrielle was to Xena; healer and shaman Eli (Timothy Omundson), Gabrielles spiritual mentor; and an impressive array of immortals, including the aforementioned Ares and Hades, goddess of love Aphrodite (Alexandra Tydings), sea deity Poseidon (Charles Siebert, who also directed several episodes), and the puckish Cupid (Karl Urban, who also played Julius Caesar). And, of course, the star of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Kevin Sorbo, made a few courtesy calls on Xena. Syndicated in the U.S. beginning September 15, 1995, Xena: Warrior Princess was subsequently telecast in practically every English-speaking country in the world, then went on to virtually every other country where television existed. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Includes seasons: Xena: Warrior Princess - Season 03: Season three of Xena: Warrior Princess was the series most eventful 22 episodes to date -- as well as the most mobile, with Xena (Lucy Lawless) and her friend and chronicler, Gabrielle (Renee OConnor), traveling far and wide, from the British Isles to the far-off Orient. It is, in fact, during the ladies odyssey to the land of Chin that the viewer learns more secrets of Xenas checkered past, including her debt to the philosopher Lao Ma -- and the birth of a son we never knew she had. In the seasons lighter moments, teenaged warrior wannabe Tara (Shiri Appleby) tries to supplant Gabrielle as Xenas traveling companion. And everyone suffers from the comic intrusions of aspiring warrior Joxer (Ted Raimi), capricious Goddess of Love Aphrodite (Alexandra Tydings), and self-proclaimed King of Thieves Autolycus (Bruce Campbell). On the darker side, war god Ares (Kevin Smith) continues to be a thorn in Xenas side. Even more disturbing, Gabrielle is impregnated by the demonic god Dahuk, giving birth to a daughter ironically named Hope (Amy Morrison), who literally grows up before her eyes -- as the incarnation of pure evil. Hope ultimately kills Xenas son, Solan (David Taylor), briefly causing a bitter rift between the grieving mothers, and is herself killed -- twice. It is the second demise of Hope which also costs the life of Gabrielle, a tragedy on which Xena: Warrior Princess concludes its third season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Includes episodes: Xena: Warrior Princess - The Furies: The third season of Xena: Warrior Princess gets off to an ominous start when war god Ares (Kevin Smith) demands that Xena (Lucy Lawless) stand judgment before the Furies, charged with the terrible crime of leaving her fathers murder unavenged. Her sentence: Giggling insanity and endless persecution. It is up to Xenas traveling companion, Gabrielle (Renee OConnor), to rescue the Warrior Princess by identifying the murderer -- but before this can happen, the crazed Xena may well kill her own mother (Darien Takle). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The Dirty Half Dozen: Xena (Lucy Lawless) once again faces destruction at the hands of war god Ares (Kevin Smith), who has formed a new and powerful army under warlord, Agathon (Jonno Roberts). With no other options, Xena and Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) must forge their own ragtag army, consisting of four condemned prisoners. Unfortunately, Ares has a distinct and dangerous advantage: newly forged armor and weapons that render Ares and his minions all but invulnerable. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The Deliverer: It is off to Brittania for Xena (Lucy Lawless), Gabrielle (Renee OConnor), and Khrafstar (Marton Csokas), the high priest of a new monotheistic cult. The trios mission: to thwart the impending invasion of Julius Caesar (Karl Urban). But the battle may be lost before it begins when Gabrielle, tricked into shedding the blood of an innocent, is forced into an unholy union with satanic god Dahuk. Among other events, a certain well-known archaic British landmark comes into being in this episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - Gabrielles Hope: Xena (Lucy Lawless) is puzzled when Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) is surrounded by worshippers, referring to her as The Source. The reason for this phenomenon becomes terrifyingly clear when Gabrielle gives birth after what must be the shortest pregnancy of all time. In an even more terrifying development, Gabrielles new daughter, Hope, almost instantly grows into full womanhood -- as the embodiment of pure evil, the result of her mothers brief alliance with satanic god Dahuk. Now Gabrielle is on the horns of a devastating dilemma: Should she nurture Hope, Daughter of Darkness, or kill her own offspring? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The Debt, Part 1: In the first episode of a two-part story, Xena (Lucy Lawless) is summoned to the oriental land of Chin, there to finish her task of killing the Green Dragon, who has become too big and must be made small again. First however, she must find some way of justifying an impending murder to Gabrielle (Renee OConnor). This Xena does -- or tries to do -- by relating the story of a long-ago feud and kidnapping, events in which she was inextricably bound up. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The Debt, Part 2: In the conclusion of a two-part story, Xena (Lucy Lawless) has journeyed to the land of Chin to fulfill her promise to kill the Green Dragon. Alas, she is thwarted in this mission by Gabrielle (Renee OConnor), who cannot bring herself to condone murder under any circumstances. As a result of Gabrielles interference, Xena is sentenced to death. As she awaits her fate, Xena muses over her past relationship with Lao Ma (Jacqueline Kim) -- and the birth of one Ming Tien. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The King of Assassins: Already on the run from a vengeful war lord, self-proclaimed king of thieves Autolycus (Bruce Campbell) is plagued by the suddenly deadly behavior of the lovable Joxer (Ted Raimi). Turns out that its not Joxer at all, but instead his lookalike brother, Jett (Jeremy Birchall), a professional assassin. Together with Gabrielle (Renee OConnor), Joxer and Autolycus must prevent Jett from carrying out his latest mission: the murder of Queen Cleopatra (Gina Torres). Of course, it would make matters easier if there was anyone who could tell Joxer and Jett apart.... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - Warrior...Priestess...Tramp: This episode introduces yet another in a long line of Xena lookalikes: Leah, the high priestess of the Hestian Virgins (a role played, of course, by Lucy Lawless). When Leah is threatened with death, bordello operator Meg (who also is the spitting image of Xena, and is also enacted by Lucy Lawless) offers to take her place. And as is customary in episodes of this nature, Xenas friend Joxer (Ted Raimi) is hopelessly confused. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The Quill Is Mightier...: Though flattered by Gabrielles (Renee OConnor) ongoing efforts to chronicle her exploits for posterity, Xena (Lucy Lawless) suggests that her friend forsake facts for the moment and turn to fiction writing. Unfortunately, this occurs just when the jealous Aphrodite (Alexandra Tydings), angered that even little kiddies prefer Xena to her, has decided to cast a spell upon Gabrielles scrolls. As a result, everything that Gabrielle has written down suddenly becomes reality -- and suffice to say that it isnt a pretty sight. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - The Bitter Suite: Now that Gabrielles unholy daughter, Hope, has killed Xenas son, Solan, an action that also cost Hope her life, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) are bitter enemies. But before they can act upon their mutual hatred, the two former comrades are transported to Illsuia, a dream world patterned after tarot cards. Here, with the help of several series semi-regulars, Xena and Gabrielle are forced to confront their feelings -- and, possibly, find forgiveness. This is the celebrated musical episode, with everyone expressing their emotions in song (even the war god Ares [Kevin Smith]!) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - One Against an Army: Xena (Lucy Lawless) must work solo in this episode -- and she certainly has her hands full. First and foremost, Xena struggles to prevent the Persian Army from conquering and plundering Greece. And as if this werent burden enough, the Warrior Princess races to save Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) from the deadly poison administered by an arrow (it would seem that poor Gabrielle has an Achilles ankle). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - King Con: Its The Sting, warrior-princess style, when Xena (Lucy Lawless) teams up with a pair of slick con artists. The reason? Xenas friend Joxer (Ted Raimi) has been cheated out of a huge sum of money by the father-son owners of a gambling house -- and has been beaten to a pulp for good measure. Now it is Xenas turn to cheat the cheaters, and it will require a myriad of clever guises and dextrous plot twists to do so. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - When in Rome...: When her comrade in arms Vercinix (Tamati Rice), leader of the Gauls, is captured by Julius Caesar (Karl Urban), Xena (Lucy Lawless) tries to negotiate a trade. If Vercinix is set free, she will release her own captive, Roman aristocrat Crassus (Matthew Chamberlain). As to the question of whether or not Caesar will uphold his end of the bargain, suffice to say that Xena ends up outnumbered in the gladiatorial arena. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - Vanishing Act: A 20-foot peace statue, erected to maintain a truce between two warring villages, has been stolen. Everyone thinks that Autolycus (Bruce Campbell) is the culprit, but this time hes innocent. After recovering the statue and returning it to its rightful owners, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) must re-steal the monument so that Autolycus will not lose his standing as King of Thieves -- and then everybody involved has to re-re-steal the darn thing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - Sacrifice, Part 1: In part one of Xena: Warrior Princess third-season finale, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) try to prevent Gabbys friend Seraphim (Jodie Rimmer) from sacrificing her life to revive a so-called goddess. Even worse: that goddess is none other than Gabrielles evil daughter, Hope, killed by Xena in an earlier episode. All this intrigue has been cooked up by two other enemies from Xenas past: Ares (Kevin Smith) and Callisto (Hudson Leick). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Xena: Warrior Princess - Sacrifice, Part 2: In the concluding episode of Xena: Warrior Princess third-season finale, Gabrielles evil-incarnate daughter, Hope, has been reborn -- in the form of Gabrielle (Renee OConnor) herself. Hope then conspires with Ares (Kevin Smith) to create a race of superbeings to take over the world. It is up to Xena and the real Gabrielle to destroy Hope -- but will Gabrielle be destroyed in the process? This is the first of several Xena season-ending cliffhangers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide