Top 60 Best Episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess
These would be my picks for the best episodes of Xena, in terms of writing, storyline, well-established characters and plot devices, and proper usage of moral complexity.
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- 1995–200145mNot Rated7.7 (554)TV EpisodeDirectorGarth MaxwellStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorAdrienne WilkinsonXena arrives home in Amphipolis with Gabrielle and Eve, only to find her home town deserted...and haunted.There's a few reasons why this episode is so awesome. Firstly, it features a very magnificent villain in inception and design: Mephistopheles, the blue/green-skinned king of hell. As if having the demonic appearance and wonderful skin tone, design, mannerism, and actually vile tactics weren't enough, Mephistopheles goes to the depths of possessing Gabrielle and being a psychotic monster just to invoke Xena to battle him in Hell's domain. The entire Hell arc was extremely awesome in its conception, but this episode was a killer kick for Horror genre fans as well as fans of villains. For one, the fight against Mephistopheles was very well-orchestrated. He manages to kick Xena full throttle in the back, sending her sprawling, whilst using his double-edged trident-like spear weapon. And is ever-successful at saying some of the most brilliant lines: "I thought you were the God-killer, Xena! How were the mighty Olympians so easily taken!?" And, anyone who destroys the demonic king of hell must take his throne, a task Xena doesn't want to undertake. But when being forced into a position between choosing that and allowing the king of hell to be made flesh and cause havoc on Earth's plains, Xena must challenge him to the death. The atmosphere is also very unique; there's corpses and skeletons everywhere; lots of blood and lots of ghastly hallucinations to go along with the fear factor of the episode; the house they enter is completely a fear-inducing joint, with numerous demonic and ghostly incarnations. Firstly, the episode gets bonus points for featuring an adult-oriented atmosphere; Eve must spill the blood of Eli in order to allow Mephistopheles to walk the Earth and be made flesh. Once this happens, Mephistopheles comes out from hell in a demonic storm of chaotic viciousness; his veins pulsating and the blood rushing though his pores, including his brutish eyes, which are also filled with a brimstone of vile hate. This scene is on par with the evil villain power-up scenes seen only in anime legends like Dragon Ball Z. This results in Mephistopheles fighting Xena, who is forced into slaying him, piercing his stomach and stating "So be it," choosing to take him out and become the king of hell rather than allow him to reign hell on earth. This, coupled with the overall battle mechanisms and the evil schemes of Mephistopheles make this episode a very memorable and great one not only from a horror fan's perspective, but also that of a fighting-character lover.
- DirectorMark BeesleyStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorAdrienne WilkinsonAn archangel called Lucifer is sent to Earth to force Xena to go to Hell as the new Queen and thus close the portal to Hell before evil takes control of the people, but the Warrior Princess decides to trick him to take her place.This episode is the follow-up to the Hell arc, which was previously featured in the Haunting of Amphipolis. As a sub-string connective plot point episode, this one also rocked hard. It portrayed the deadly and dark emotions lurking inside mortals when they are engrossed by the darkness in their hearts. First off, after Xena has slain Mephistopheles (my favorite villain in the entire series), she ends up being forced into taking his throne by the Archangels who were sent to enforce this agenda. To this end, they are unsuccessful to do so because Xena is smart enough to trick them in her own game. She lures the archangel Lucifer with her own evil intentions, forcing him to commit the seven deadly sins and pretty much making him the new Devil. Of course, Xena has that wonderful statement in the end to boot: "That's what makes us human, Lucifer. But in you, an Archangel, to succumb to such temptation, that's what makes you a monster." And then, we see the wonderful effects of Lucifer's transformation into the red-skinned horned devil. Of course, he is then kicked down to hell, where he is now Mephistopheles' replacement as the king of hell. The whole concept of Xena killing the devil Mephistopheles and then tricking Lucifer into committing the biblical seven deadly sins and having him succumb to the bowels of hell make this episode a very awesome one as well. When it comes to the overall moral value as well as the initial creative writing for characters like Mephistopheles and Lucifer, these episodes shine all the way through with their proper usage of brilliantly designed villains.
- DirectorMichael HurstStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorAdrienne WilkinsonGabrielles comes home to Potedaia, where she meets her sister Lila. There, Lila tells her that a man called Gurkhan kidnapped her daughter, Sarah, and eventually killed her parents and her husband. Looking for revenge, Gabrielle decides to Gurkhan's palace in the walled city of Moghador, in Northern Africa, with Xena, Eve and Virgil.Hands down one of the best episodes in the series run, not only for the storyline, dancing scenarios, and musical atmosphere, but also for the presence of the evil yet enjoyable Gurkhan. So basically, Gabrielle wants vengeance against Gurkhan and goes undercover to try and get to him. The best thing about this episode is the overall music selection as well as the matching of the bgm with the scenery. Particularly Gabrielle's belly-dancing sequence. It is phenomenal in terms of music choice; which in my opinion, is the absolute best musical piece in this entire series run. Of course, Gurkhan is later found out in his harem and Gabrielle wants to slice off his head but doesn't; instead, she covers his head and allows Gurkhan's own executioners to behead him. There is tremendous moral value and savage sexual drive while torture and sadistic pleasure go into play. The episode rolls through as an overall very serious one as well as extremely memorable due to Gurkhan's fate. The episode, as well as the character of Gurkhan, remain my second-favorite plot-line and character in the series. Coincidentally, the episode came only right after the brilliantly orchestrated Hell arc.
- DirectorJohn LaingStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorKarl UrbanWhen Julius Caesar captures Vercinix, Xena captures Crassus to trade for him. But Crassus plays with Gabrielle's head during the trip, leading her to doubt Xena's motives and judgment.By far my favorite episode in the third season. The character of Crassus was extremely well-played as an overall role in this episode. Crassus is captured by Xena and Gabrielle, who must save this guy named Vercinix. They do so, but must switch Crassus with Vercinix, who happens to be in Rome's jail cell. Caesar has promised a beheading and when Crassus is brought forth rather than Vercinix, he is confused, but must sacrifice his loyalty to Crassus because the crowd of the coliseum wants blood. Crassus screams for his life as he is beheaded. So basically, Gabrielle walks away as she plays a part in Crassus' murder. The overall terror and savage execution make this one a masterpiece episode. The character of Crassus stood out not only as a brilliant plot device but also as a great villain with an excellent death scene.
- 1995–200145mNot Rated7.7 (576)TV EpisodeDirectorRob TapertStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorMichelle AngWhen Xena dies in order to fight Yodoshi as a ghost, Gabrielle starts a dangerous journey to retrieve her friend's body and put her ashes into the Fountain of Strength, which will bring her back from the dead.This episode was one of my favorite endings; I loved to see Xena meet this unforgettable and tragic end and sacrifice herself for the thousands of lives that she had taken earlier in her life. But that was merely the moral aspect of the episode's greatness. What of the awesomeness of Yodoshi and his "Dragonball-esque" battle against Xena; that was quite memorable. I loved the fight scene as well as the villain Yodoshi. There was great impression placed on Xena's final battle; but the best part was the ever-so-eloquent slicing beheading of Yodoshi in one swift strike, allowing his head to roll on the ground as Xena turned away from her fallen opponent in anime-style awesomeness, not looking back at the grisly visage of her final foe. This was by far one of my favorite death scenes in the series as well, for being such an honorable battle in essence and conception. Also, I loved Xena's decision in the end to stay dead even though Gabrielle could have barely managed to revive her. All their journeys and decisions led to this fateful moment; the moment that Xena decides to perish and allow her vanquished souls to be freed from eternal torment in purgatory. And so, Gabrielle is seen on the boat all alone in the end, riding away into the sunset; but she keeps Xena's presence in her heart, which makes the episode's already great presence even more awesome. Personally, I prefer when episodes are of this tragic caliber to the light-hearted or goofy overtone. With full sincerity, if it were not for serious drama and tragedy befalling everyone, then the series would not have been as good as it was. This episode is a fine example of why the series was so great. It is because of these losses and sadness that envelops the show that makes it so special. If something were to last forever, then it wouldn't be as good. So I am one of the fans who loved this bitter and savage ending to this great story.
- DirectorJosh BeckerStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorJeremy RobertsXena and Gabrielle join two men of doubtful reputation (including Xena's ex-fiancé) in order to find the Treasure of the Sumerians and prevent the wrong hands from getting the most valuable part of it: Ambrosia, the food of the gods, which grants immortality.This is my favorite episode in the first season. It features a handful of very awesome characters; particularly Thersites. He's an assassin with a thirst for money and riches so he goes through any means to get it; be it murder or mayhem. Well, he ends up joining with Xena and Gabrielle temporarily just so they can acquire the ambrosia, this mystical and mythical fruit that's supposed to be able to make mortals into gods. Then there's this other fellow, Petracles, whom is not originally trusted by Xena and ends up being a more honorable warrior. Of course, Thersites ends up going his way to acquire the ambrosia, and ends up slaying Petracles in the process in the end. He himself is slain by Xena and there's a grand directing perspective here from the upper angle portraying their bodies; all for the ambrosia, which Xena tosses away, disposing of it. There is great morality and mortality found in this episode, and there overall emphasis on the characters of Thersites and Petracles was very well orchestrated. Personally, I found Thersites to be the best character in the first season as a stand-alone plot device. His movement was fluid and his actions defined him. There was a solid usage of philosophical connotations as well; the story telling viewers that chasing something can get you killed; and greed being a strong detrimental factor. There's also other nice ways that these messages have been incorporated throughout the episode, but the best is the fact that the characters go on a journey, some are killed in the process, whilst others learn from the error of their ways. This teaches that not all fates are intertwined and there's great misfortune to befall those who defy common logic. The story is not the only thing that shines as the directing here was phenomenal; a gorgeous job indeed.
- DirectorKen GirottiStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTimothy OmundsonWhen Caesar, advised by Callisto, fixes a price for Xena's head, the Warrior Princess believes it's finally the time to kill him - even if that may lead her and Gabrielle to the death by crucifixion she saw in Alti's vision.
- DirectorJohn FawcettStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTed RaimiJulius Caesar escapes from the Underworld and changes the loom of the Fates, so he changes destiny. He now is married with Xena and rule powerful Roman Empire, Gabrielle is a successful theatre writer who misses a more interesting life and Joxer is a Roman soldier.
- DirectorOley SassoneStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorKevin SmithXena travels to Britannia to assist her former ally Boadicea in her rebellion against Caesar. Gabrielle travels with her and makes a new friend, Khrafstar, who tells her about his one god. However, Gabrielle doesn't know that this journey will change her life forever.
- DirectorRob TapertStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorEbonie SmithXena is seriously hurt in Cirra's ruins by a huge log and she enters into a coma. While Gabrielle carries her to a doctor in order to try to save her life, she remembers how ten winters ago she met Julius Caesar and became the Destroyer of Nations.
- DirectorGarth MaxwellStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorAdrienne WilkinsonArchangel Michael asks Xena and Gabrielle to kill Caligula, Emperor of Rome turned into a god, who is pursuing Eve and the other Elijans. When Xena arrives to Rome, Ares prevent her from killing Caligula, because that would mean Aphrodite's death.
- DirectorOley SassoneStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorJacqueline KimAfter being betrayed by Gabrielle, Xena is carried to the Green Dragon's prison, where she'll wait her execution. There she continues remembering the days she spent with Lao Ma, and the chance she gave her to change her life.
- DirectorOley SassoneStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorJacqueline KimXena is asked to come to the far kingdom of Chin to kill a person. She decides to do it, although Gabrielle doesn't understand why Xena is going to give up the last years she has dedicated to the Greater Good and become a murderer again. While they're travelling, Xena tells Gabrielle a story of her past which would explain what she is going to do.
- DirectorOley SassoneStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTed RaimiXena and Gabrielle face their anger and deceptions in an odd in-between world, guided by Solan, Xena's son. This is the first musical episode of Xena: Warrior Princess to feature its own original soundtrack.
- DirectorRick JacobsonStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTed RaimiA disturbing vision draws Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer back to the city of Chin, where the power-hungry warlord Khan has joined forces with the evil spirits of Pao Ssu and her brother, Ming T'ien.
- 1995–200145mNot Rated7.6 (495)TV EpisodeDirectorMichael HurstStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTsianina JoelsonVaria is kidnapped by Belerophon, the son of Artemis, and Gabrielle leads the Amazons to his fortress in Helicon to rescue the Queen.
- DirectorRick JacobsonStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTed RaimiWhen the Olympians gods discover that Livia is Eve, they again fear the Twilight prophecy. Athena sends the Furies to a special mission: they must turn Gabrielle mad until she kills Eve. However, when Eve is initiated in the Way of Love, Xena is given the power to kill gods.
- 1995–200145mNot Rated7.6 (523)TV EpisodeDirectorRob TapertStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorMichelle AngA dead woman from Xena's past sends a monk to ask the warrior princess for help. Xena and Gabrielle travel to the far land of Japa, which Xena visited a long time ago, to face an evil spirit and his army.
- DirectorJohn FawcettStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTed RaimiXena and Gabrielle's souls reach Heaven, but they have to face their old enemy, Callisto, who is now a demon and kidnaps Gabrielle and carries her to Hell. In the Earth, Joxer, Amarice and Eli decide to recover Xena and Gabrielle's bodies from the crosses where they died.
- DirectorJohn LaingStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorBruce CampbellGabrielle discovers Autolycus is embarking in a ship of slaves and she and Xena find themselves travelling with him. But everything changes when a giant wave provoked by the eruption of Mount Etna makes the ship sink and they must find a way to get out the ship and survive.
- DirectorGarth MaxwellStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorJennifer SkyEphiny, Queen of the Amazons, dies in a battle against the Romans, killed by Caesar's right hand, Brutus. Gabrielle must return as the new Queen to the Amazon territory, where she has to decide whether she forgives Brutus or not. However, Brutus is not the only menace: Pompey is also planning to attack them.
- DirectorGarth MaxwellStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorTim ThomersonWhen Meleager, the hero who once saved Gabrielle's village, is condemned for murder, Gabrielle and Xena have only one turn of the sand dial to produce evidence that he is innocent.
- 1995–200145mNot Rated8.2 (594)TV EpisodeDirectorPaul LynchStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorDouglas KamoWhen the Persian army lands, intending to capture Greece, they expect easy pickings -- but Xena and an injured Gabrielle are in their way.
- 1995–200145mNot Rated7.5 (504)TV EpisodeDirectorRick JacobsonStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorKatrina BrowneXena is condemned to spend the rest of her life in Shark Island Prison for the murder of a woman called Thalassa when she was the Destroyer of Nations. She agrees to serve the sentences and starts her hard, new life, but Gabrielle knows the situation is unfair and decides to travel to Shark Island disguised as a healer.
- DirectorPaul LynchStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorKathryn MorrisXena finds a heavy rival in her love to Gabrielle: the leader of a fundamentalist religion who seduces the blonde bard.