One Against An Army

Review by: Lord Nelson
lrdnlson@capital.net

This wonderful episode, so clean, simple and sweet, is possibly the perfect compliment to the emotionally wrenching and incredibly complex The Bitter Suite. It is so simple that there are only 5 characters in it. Xena, Gabrielle, Phillipides, Dorian the Spy, and 4 troops of Persian cavalry. Yet this is still Xena, for all of this episode's sweetness and emotional resonance has within it possibly the single most thrilling and powerful fight scene in the entire series. There are very few special effects in the episode. What there is in abundance is great writing, acting, physical effects (Yay Jayson Dunston) and editing (Go Jim Prior!)

The plot is incredibly simple. After Gabrielle sprains her ankle trying to do a front flip, (Xena cuts Gabrielle's boot off to treat the ankle, making Gabrielle demand that her boots be replaced. Remember this!) Xena and Gabrielle find that the Persian Army has landed on the Plains of Marathon. They've defeated the 300 Spartan troops that defended the only way off that plain, the pass at Marathon, and are marching on Athens. The only force between the Persians and the destruction of Greece are Xena and Gabrielle. Our heros decide to do what they can to hold up the Persians while the runner Phillipides goes to get the Athenian Military. Just before the first skirmish. Xena and Gabrielle meet someone named Dorian that purports to be a Spartan deserter. Clearly he is a spy. During the skirmish, Gabrielle, in trying to save the spy's life takes a poisoned Persian arrow in the back. This is the set up and the only plot necessary for the rest of the show is excellent, sustained, and intimate writing for Xena and Gabrielle.

A lot of people on this list have pointed out that this episode resembles a really good example of fan fiction. It does because it focuses on the relationship unerringly. But what this episode has that a lot of fanfic doesn't have is a light touch, as well as very realistic and unsentimental dialog. This is Gene O'Neil's and Noreen Tobin's first contribution to the Canon. The knowledge and insight that they bring to Xena shows long term fandom and tremendous sensitivity. This is added to by the fine work of a new director, Paul Lynch, whose work reminds me greatly of Anson Williams in "Remember Nothing." He uses his gentle hand to great effect in the very many closeups of the episode.

Now we come to the crux of the episode. It is my belief that this is the first episode that shows Gabrielle's and Xena's changed relationship to each other following the rift. It has deepened very greatly. Not only this, but Gabrielle is clearly is the leader of the two of them after she is wounded. Xena, from the moment of Gabrielle's wounding, is far more concerned with saving Gabrielle's life than saving Greece. Gabrielle is matter of fact, strong, and self sacrificing. Repeatedly, she reminds Xena that in this situation that her life does not count and Xena must forget her and save the greater good. Tellingly, Gabrielle reminds Xena that it was XENA herself that taught her that the greater good must be uppermost. Gabrielle faces her impending death with such calm courage that she steadies Xena! Xena admits it! "Gabrielle, you always told me that I was the brave one. Look at you now!"

With this base of wonderful, unsentimental dialog, Lucy and Renee explore their characters and the character's relationship to each other with their physical presenses. Never in an episode have looks in the eye, postures, smiles, and frowns meant so much! Words aren't necessary. Indeed, the entire period the two spend in Xena's armory could have been a pantomime and been just as effective. The story they tell is one of almost otherworldly mutual respect, and trust. Xena's attitude towards Gabrielle has changed so much since Sins of the Past. It is very clear from her attitude that Xena believes Gabrielle to be her superior in spirit if not in phyiscal ability, training, and experience. It is very clear that now Xena turns to Gabrielle for moral guidance as well as support. This must be a result of Gabrielle's forgiving her after The Bitter Suite.

Gabrielle's love of Xena has also greatly deepened. Her confidence in Xena's wisdom, courage and loyalty is now unbounded because she's found the way to Xena's humanity. Xena is much more open with her feelings about Gabrielle TO Gabrielle and the situation than ever before. Gabrielle does the job of a friend magnificently. With every look, Renee shows Gabrielle holding up the magnifying mirror to Xena's soul from moment to moment with a gentle compassion that is both romantic and very very real. The two say "I love you" to each other with tremendous simplicity and truth. This is GREAT ACTING and utterly delicious to watch.

Then comes the final fight. Edited with unerring accuracy by Jim Prior, it is reminiscent of the final fight scene in the old Gregory Peck war movie "Pork Chop Hill." The battle takes place entirely within, and on top of Xena's abandoned armory. Xena takes on 400 Persian cavalry (Xena calls them the Persian's best warriors) and destroys them as well as finds the antidote to the poison which is killing Gabrielle. This fight is close in, brutal and except for the usual Xena touches realistic. There is nobody better than Xena in close in combat and the Persians are made to pay and pay and pay. This fight is so devastating it had me weeping. It ends with an incredible shot of Xena holding up her sword. Lucy's face is starkly lighted and upon it is an expression of such joyfully wanton savagery that it made my heart stop. "Go home! There are thousands more like me!" She exclaims with fierce pride. This is great work by Lucy and the crowd of the Second Unit. BRAVO!

The fight ends with Xena having suffered the most damage since she ran The Gauntlet so long ago. She's got a cut on her arm. She's sweaty, dirty, exhausted has a bruise on her cheek and an abrasion on her forehead. After Xena gives Gabrielle the antidote and saves her life, Xena collpses in fatigue next to her friend. Then comes the single best concluding dialog in the entire series.

G: I thought you said that they were tough.

X: Must have caught them on an off day.

Camera pulls back to see them in profile laying side by side.

"You're hurt."

"No, I'll be all right. You just get some rest. We're moving out in a couple of hours."

G: Xena, when we get to Thessaly, you still owe me a new pair of boots.

In the background Xena shows the merest hint of a loving smile.

Cut to end slide.

PERFECT!!! GODS I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

LordNelson