Xena: Warrior Princess 5x03 "Succession" Reaction
Added 2022-08-18 21:46:00 +0000 UTC
Comments
Another from Steven L. Sears. The writing of the concept and set up is great but I agree with Judson, the execution is off. It’s not showcasing Gabrielle’s abilities as a warrior. It’s showcasing that being a warrior is the only choice she’s got and she had far too many chances to prove herself as one and either never took them or failed. Not one of my favourites to be honest.
Girl4Music
2023-11-24 16:04:30 +0000 UTCThis episode had once of my favourite concepts on paper, but I wish they better nailed the execution. It was supposed to showcase Gabrielle, not just coming into her own, but really becoming an exceptional warrior. It came across like that in the dialogue, but I wish the direction emphasised that point more. It ended up seeming a little like Gabrielle having to have multiple chances and her weapon gifted to her by Ares to finally win. And also that she'd get overpowered even after Xena literally left Mavican injured and tied up for her. Which I know wasn't the episode's intention at all. I wish they showed more clearly that she was either caught off guard or trying to avoid a fight in those instances. Nonetheless, I appreciate the direction they are taking with her character a lot. While I will always be ambivalent about her ending up as a warrior despite her peaceful ideals. It is preferable to having her fight but always non-lethally because that seems like a half-measure. With her being a full warrior, in my head she is still fulfilling her peaceful ideals because she can embody a truly noble and heroic figure who can become a symbol for others to follow a righteous path. Xena, while certainly also a hero, can't have this influence because of her dark past.
Judson
2022-08-19 12:51:30 +0000 UTCCompletely agreed. And this is not a knock against Lucy. I once read an article which said that many female action heroes still retain either some daintiness or sex appeal in their fights, but Xena is unique in that she always looks like she is legitimately brawling. Which is 100% true. Gabrielle, on the other hand, really benefitted from Renee's natural athleticism and ability to do complex choreography. I find myself rewinding and rewatching some of her moves with the staff or sais in slow motion because she is so good!
Judson
2022-08-19 12:46:51 +0000 UTCI actually prefer watching Renee's fight scenes over Lucy's. Renee is the more athletic of the actresses on that show. And I believe she actually trained in a form or a couple of forms of martial arts.
Rey
2022-08-19 00:02:58 +0000 UTC
