Mindlessly fun cult hit 'Xena' fends off evil, critics in third season

With her battle cry, trademark lethal throwing ring, and tight leather outfit, "Xena: Warrior Princess" has quickly catapulted to the ranks of cult status in only two seasons.

Executive producer Sam Raimi debuted this show in September of 1995 to mixed reviews. That status changed oh so quickly.

Set against the backdrop of the Meditarranean Sea and the underlying regions, the show stars tall, lanky New Zealand native Lucy Lawless in the title role. Lawless does a wonderful job in creating a character who is ferocious, determined, vengeful, yet with glimpses of compassion.

With her able sidekick Gabrielle (Renee O' Connor), the duo traverses the continent, relishing in an assortment of adventures. The character of Gabrielle has undergone a huge transformation from an almost naive, obnoxious girl to a staff-wielding, combat ready woman. Add in the character Joxer (Ted Raimi) for comic relief and the almost mystical Calisto (Hudson Leick), and you have a diverse ensemble of people.

REVIEW
	Xena: Warrior Princess Syndicated

Week in and week out, loyal viewers are treated to a collage of characters both real and fictitious from anywhere from history, mythology, and folklore. Shows have included anywhere from Poseidon to a momentous encounter with the famous Roman emperor Julius Caesar. Writers of the show have also delved into the Bible, allowing Xena an encounter with Goliath and even having Xena pass the baby Jesus on a dirt road. Sometimes though, you will just see an old-fashioned episode where Xena has to rescue the damsel-in-distress.

In a sense, Xena is a breakthrough show. For one of the few times on television, you are able to see two women working together achieving goals through both force and brains. This is something refreshing to see. Also, the show isn't afraid to take chances: proudly featuring open-mouthed kisses between two female characters and interracial relationships.

Though these issues are tackled, make no mistake, Xena is a series that is not to be taken seriously. The program has been influenced greatly by old time karate shows films from the seventies. This is definitely evident in fight scenes where Xena comically is able to defy gravity doing triple somersaults through the air. This is yet another element that adds to the mystique of the show.

With the third season premiere slated for this Saturday, October 4, Xenaites (as they are faithfully called all over the planet), are gearing up for a brand new slate of episodes.

After only two short years, this show is world-renowned and is still growing in popularity. Already so popular, "Xena" hasn't achieved its potential and will likely keep getting bigger. As Xena treks into her latest season, this year might just be gigantic.

10-03-97