Dangerous Prey

Written by Joel Metzger
Directed by Renee O'Connor

Halfway through the final season, and we're given a Gab-lite tale directed by Renee O'Connor. While the story isn't terribly original, it is well told.

The episode is inspired by a short story, The Most Dangerous Game (a story which has been made into at least one film, and has inspired dozens of similar knock-offs -- including the fifth season episode Succession). It centers on a man obsessed with hunting to the point that he no longer finds any challenge in regular animals -- he prefers human quarry. He has set up camp in a valley near the Amazon village we visited in Coming Home, the season premiere.

This hunter, Prince Morloch, has taken to hunting Amazon warriors. Xena and Gabrielle arrive at the village to find the queen missing. The queen turns up dead shortly thereafter, and Xena (with the impetuous Varia in tow) takes on the Prince and his squad of goons.

I personally believe that the show is at its best when the stories are simpler, focusing on the characters in specific situations, rather than artificially reaching for an epic, world-shattering tone. Even the great "epic" episodes (like, for example, God Fearing Child) focus on the characters rather than on events. In my opinion, this story has this characteristic in spades. The basic story is fairly simple and delivers plenty of adventure -- but it really shines in the three inter-character relationships.

First, there is Xena and Prince Morloch. I don't think that Xena has faced an opponent this dangerous since Callisto's glory days. The game of cat and mouse that plays out between Xena and the Prince is thoroughly engrossing, and it is wonderful to see Xena actually working to stay one step ahead of her opponent.

I have felt recently that Xena hasn't really been trying that hard to outthink the opposition. Callisto is gone, Ares hasn't presented a real challenge in years, and most of the other opponents Xena has faced weren't on the same tactical level that Xena is (even Athena was easily duped during the Twilight story arc). Like Morloch, Xena really shines when exercising the mental aspects of her warrior abilities. The fact that he can challenge her in melee combat adds to his threat level.

Then there was Morloch and his lackey, Raczar. As the struggle between Xena and the Prince progressed, Raczar started to realize that his boss was a very dangerous -- and insane -- man. He continued to serve out of fear, and it is small surprise that he disappeared when the climactic battle arrived.

I originally felt that the actor playing Raczar wasn't particularly good in the role, but as the story developed, I changed my mind. He grew into the role very nicely, adding a third dimension to a character that could very easily have remained a cardboard cutout. I wonder if this was a result of Renee's direction, or was in the script to begin with. Regardless, it was a subtle performance, and only added to the slowly increasing tension as the story progressed. Indeed, there are moments when I thought Raczar might change sides, helping Xena defeat his boss.

Finally, we have the relationship that developed between Xena and Varia. We've seen similar pairings, where Xena takes a hotheaded fighter under her wing and changes their outlook to that of a real warrior. What really stands out in this episode is not only how good Xena is at her job, but that she practices what she preaches. She has always led by example, and this episode demonstrates that very nicely. Xena polishes her short-term charge into a true Amazon leader.

Renee's direction resulted in a much cleaner episode than her previous credit; season four's Deja Vu All Over Again. I imagine it was because she spent so little time on screen as Gabrielle - it can be very difficult to wear multiple hats like that (especially for an inexperienced director), and Renee succeeds admirably. While her task was no doubt made easier by an experienced crew, the shots and interpretation of the story are hers, and she deserves credit for turning out an excellent episode. Indeed, if the contrast between this episode and Deja Vu is any indication, she may have a promising career as a director ahead of her.

The fight sequences give evidence of a natural eye for action -- no doubt developed on the set. The final duel between Xena and the hunter was borrowed from the Hong Kong action film, Twin Warriors, right down to the red cloth wall and Jenga-tower sword fight. Likewise, the extended sequence in the cave (with dueling chakram and triskelion) combined pulse-pounding action with nail-biting tension.

In the end, Xena proved her superiority by using the very adage she shared with Varia -- she knew when the battle was over, and when to walk away. That realization was the key to Xena's victory, and it lured Morloch to his death.

One final observation before I wrap this up. I think I know why Gabrielle is reluctant to become full-time Amazon royalty - it's what life insurance companies call a high-risk job. Since the series began, there have been a large number of Amazon leaders cut down in their prime, starting with Terreis in the classic Hooves and Harlots. The death rate has to be unsettling -- even for somebody as familiar with the Grim Reaper as Gabrielle is.

I really enjoyed this episode. While the plot is fairly simple, that simplicity doesn't detract from the engaging relationships and knuckle-whitening action. Renee should be proud to add this episode to her directing credits. It calls to mind classic episodes of seasons past while retaining the distinctive tone of season six. A lack of glaring plot holes contributes to the high score this episode receives -- a well deserved "A".

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