Season 1: A Legend is Born

It all began in May of 1995. Hercules converted a young and talented warrior by the name of Xena to the cause of good. In September of that year, she set out on her own journey of redemption in the episode Sins of the Past.

While other episodes in the first season would prove to be equally important in future developments, I don't think anything can surpass the premiere episode in terms of importance. It isn't the best episode of the series, but it is the prototype, and it lays the foundation for everything that is to come. It is, in many ways, the definitive episode.

The first few episodes introduce ideas that are more fully developed later on. One of the most notable ideas being the idea of Gabrielle's Blood Innocence (shattered during the third season). The friendship between the women begins to blossom, and the first hints of lesbian subtext appear.

I personally believe the next important episode in the series is Hooves & Harlots, which introduces Ephiny and the Amazons. Gabrielle's initiation into the ranks of the Amazons is in many ways the first step down the path of her growth as a hero. Ephiny -- one of the most popular recurring Xenaverse allies -- makes her first appearance here, and this episode establishes the character of the Amazons for years to come.

Other significant moments include the first season clip show Athens City Academy of the Performing Bards, which establishes the annual tradition of offbeat flashback shows. The Royal Couple of Thieves introduces Autolycus, who would become another popular recurring character.

Of course, it is impossible to forget Callisto, which introduces Xena's most dangerous adversary, and one of the most controversial characters in the series - Joxer the Mighty. While Callisto's introduction to the show is a very enjoyable episode, I don't personally believe the character hit her stride until later.

My favorite episode in the first season was the broadcast finale, Is There A Doctor In The House? This dark episode foreshadows the intense drama of later seasons, and contains one of the most powerful moment in the series - Xena's frenzied attempt to bring her friend back to life. This moment is one of Lucy's personal favorites, and cements the importance of Gabrielle in the Warrior Princess' life.

Other significant moments in the first season include the introduction of Ares. Kevin Smith's hair looks absolutely horrid in The Reckoning, but the slimy, seductive aspects of the character will be a major recurring element in later episodes. Lila and Cyrene are introduced as well, and they will become popular allies as the series progresses.

The tone of this season is more even than later years would be - the show doesn't stretch to the outer reaches of comedy or drama at any point (except, perhaps, during the aforementioned Doctor). It maintains a pleasant, heroic attitude that is easy to digest. Other shows would try to copy the comfort and ease present in the first season, and almost all would fail.

I personally don't feel that the first season is the best the series has to offer, but it lays the groundwork for everything that comes after.

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