Endgame

This episode is essentially the first part of a two-part season finale. As such, it sets up a great deal of conflict, but does little to resolve any of it. Indeed, this episode rests firmly on the shoulders of the other arc episodes of the season -- without knowledge of what has gone before, many of this episode's nuances are lost.

It opens with what shocked and angered many fans -- the death of Ephiny at the hands of Brutus, Caesar's right hand man. That act sets the wheels of destiny into motion, and before all is said and done, Xena finds herself making choices that will fulfill the fatal prophecy witnessed in the season opener, Adventures in the Sin Trade.

After being portrayed by the same actor for several episodes, Brutus is now played by a different actor. The new Brutus gives a gravity to the role that was lacking in his previous appearances. This is particularly apt, given the significance he plays in the events here and in the next episode (The Ides of March).

Gabrielle seems to waver back and forth here between her old philosophy and her new. It seems that Steve Sears can't decide whether "The Way" is for her or not. One moment she appears willing to sacrifice everything for this new belief, the next she's urging her troops over the wall to fight the Romans. This inconsistency does not help deliver the message. If anything, it obscures it. That is not necessarily a good place to be at the end of a season.

The good points of this episode, however, far outweigh the bad. The rescue of the captured Amazons, for instance, is one of the best fight scenes in recent memory. For someone who isn't technically an Amazon, Xena is taking this whole thing rather personally. In fact, the whole affair seems to be Xena's carefully orchestrated plan -- Even Gabrielle's offer of peace to Caesar.

Also of note is the young Amazon, Amarice (played by Jennifer Sky). Her role here seems to be the hot-headed young warrior, a reminder, perhaps, of where Gabrielle was years before. There is more to this new character, however. She keeps talking about how different it is in "her tribe" and questioning the leadership decisions made by Gabrielle. She tags along for several more episodes, and we learn some of her secrets in season five.

The relationship between Xena and Gabrielle is rather quiet in this story. Despite all the indications of a philosophical conflict about to erupt, they get along pretty well. Whether this is because Sears is reluctant to have philosophical differences divide the two, or for some other reason, is unclear. Speculation at the time pointed toward a reluctance to have a new "rift" between the lead characters.

Once again, Gabrielle passes the Amazon crown on to a new queen. She seems reluctant to actually accept leadership of the tribe, despite the fact they keep looking to her for it.

Despite its shortcomings, which are largely due to the reason it is the first half of a two-part story, this is a solid episode. It is complex, and driven by tensions that bubble below the surface. From an action standpoint, Xena's plan is complex enough to keep you involved, and of course the Amazons, as always, make a better episode.

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