Hello World. Let's Talk about Xena: Warrior Princess
Because why not?
The Genesis of a Warrior Princess
"In a time of ancient gods, warlords, and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero..."
These words, echoing through living rooms across the globe in the mid-1990s, heralded the arrival of a revolutionary force in television: Xena: Warrior Princess.
What began as a spin-off from "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" quickly became a cultural juggernaut, redefining the landscape of action-adventure tv and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture, feminism, and LGBTQ+ representation.
From her origins as a villain to her transformation into an iconic hero, Xena's journey captivated audiences and broke new ground in storytelling.
The tale of Xena's creation is as epic as the myths she encountered. Originally conceived as a formidable antagonist in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," Xena's character, portrayed by the charismatic Lucy Lawless, struck a chord with audiences.
Robert Tapert, the executive producer, along with co-creator John Schulian, recognized the potential for something greater.
"We saw in Lucy's performance a complexity and depth that demanded further exploration," Tapert recalled in a 1997 interview with Entertainment Weekly.
"Xena wasn't just a villain; she was a hero waiting to be born."
The decision to create a spin-off series was a gamble that would pay off in ways no one could have predicted.
Xena: Warrior Princess premiered on September 4, 1995, and quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the television landscape.
Crafting a Legendary Duo
The casting of Lucy Lawless as Xena was a stroke of serendipity.
Initially, the role was offered to British actress Vanessa Angel, who had to bow out due to illness.
This near-miss opened the door for Lawless, whose portrayal would become iconic.
But Xena's journey wasn't meant to be a solitary one.
Enter Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle, the bard who would become Xena's companion, conscience, and soulmate.
Interestingly, the role of Gabrielle was initially offered to Sunny Doench, who turned it down.
This hidden gem of casting history ultimately led to the perfect pairing of Lawless and O'Connor, whose on-screen chemistry would become the heart of the series.
O'Connor reflected on this chemistry in a 2001 Whoosh! interview:
"From the moment Lucy and I met, there was this instant connection. It was as if Xena and Gabrielle had always existed, and we were just channeling them."
A World of Myths and Mayhem
Xena: Warrior Princess carved out a unique niche by blending historical elements, Greek mythology, and pure fantasy into a rich tapestry of storytelling.
The show's version of ancient Greece was brought to life in the lush landscapes of New Zealand, a decision that would influence fantasy productions for years to come.
Production designer Robert Gillies once remarked,
"New Zealand gave us the ability to create a mythical ancient world that felt both familiar and fantastical. One day we'd be filming in a dense forest that could be anywhere in time, the next we'd be on a beach that looked like it had never been touched by civilization."
Adding to the authenticity, the show often incorporated ancient languages, with characters speaking everything from Greek to Latin to Sanskrit. This attention to detail helped create a world that felt both expansive and grounded, despite its often outrageous plot lines.
A New Kind of Action Hero
Xena broke the mold of traditional action heroes.
She wasn't just strong; she was complex, flawed, and on a constant journey of redemption.
Her dark past as a warlord gave depth to her character, making her struggles and triumphs all the more compelling.
One of the most iconic demonstrations of Xena's prowess came in the episode "One Against an Army" (1998).
In a stunning sequence, Xena single-handedly takes on a Persian army, using her signature weapon, the chakram, to disarm dozens of soldiers in a matter of seconds.
This scene not only showcased the character's incredible fighting skills but also her strategic mind, as she used the environment and her opponents' weaknesses against them.
Gabrielle. The Heart of the Journey
While Xena provided the series with its warrior spirit, Gabrielle brought heart and humanity to their adventures.
Starting as a naive village girl with dreams of becoming a bard, Gabrielle's evolution into a skilled fighter and philosopher in her own right was central to the show's narrative.
Renee O'Connor spoke about Gabrielle's growth in a 2000 Starlog interview:
"Gabrielle's journey is really the audience's journey. She starts out wide-eyed and innocent, but through her experiences with Xena, she learns about the world, about fighting for what's right, and ultimately about herself."
The dynamic between Xena and Gabrielle became the core of the show, their relationship defying simple categorization and becoming a topic of much discussion and analysis among fans and critics alike.
Pushing Boundaries in Storytelling
Xena: Warrior Princess was never content to rest on its laurels.
The show consistently pushed boundaries in its storytelling, tackling serious themes while maintaining its trademark blend of action, drama, and often campy humor.
Notable episodes like "The Bitter Suite" (1998) broke new ground.
This Emmy-winning musical episode dealt with the deep rift between Xena and Gabrielle following tragic events, using song and symbolism to explore themes of grief, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Another standout, "The Way" (1998), courted controversy with its exploration of religious themes, blending elements of Hinduism with the show's mystical world.
This willingness to engage with complex ideas set Xena apart from many of its contemporaries in the action-adventure genre.
A Feminist Icon
In the landscape of 1990s tv, Xena emerged as a powerful feminist icon.
The show challenged gender roles and expectations, presenting female characters who were strong, independent, and complex.
Dr. Amanda Kornfeld, in her 2003 paper "Xena, Warrior Princess: Post-feminist Icon," argued:
"Xena represented a new type of female hero, one who was physically powerful but also emotionally vulnerable, capable of great violence but driven by a desire to do good. This complexity allowed her to transcend traditional gender stereotypes and become a feminist icon for a new generation."
The influence of Xena can be seen in subsequent female-led action series, from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to more recent shows like "Wonder Woman" and "The 100."
LGBTQ+ Representation
One of the most significant aspects of Xena's cultural impact was its portrayal of the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle.
While never explicitly stated within the show, the subtext of a romantic relationship between the two characters was clear to many viewers and became a cornerstone of the series' appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences.
A prime example of this subtext can be found in the episode "A Day in the Life" (1997).
In one scene, Xena and Gabrielle playfully banter while bathing together, their intimate comfort with each other speaking volumes about the depth of their relationship.
This representation, revolutionary for its time, provided visibility and validation for LGBTQ+ viewers starved for representation in mainstream media.
The legacy of Xena's "subtext" has influenced how queer relationships are portrayed on television, paving the way for more explicit representation in later years.
The Xena Army
The passionate fanbase that grew around Xena: Warrior Princess was a phenomenon in itself.
Xena conventions sprang up around the world, bringing together thousands of devoted fans to celebrate the show.
Online communities flourished, with fan fiction and artwork proliferating across the early internet.
The creativity of the fandom was astounding, with some fan-written stories rivaling the show itself in complexity and depth.
One particularly noteworthy fan project was the "Xena Movie Campaign" in 2015, where fans raised over $150,000 in hopes of convincing studios to produce a Xena feature film.
While the movie didn't materialize, this campaign demonstrated the enduring passion of the Xena fandom decades after the show's conclusion.
Influence on Pop Culture
The success of Xena: Warrior Princess helped usher in a new era of fantasy television.
Shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Charmed," and later, "Game of Thrones," owe a debt to the trail blazed by Xena.
Also, the show's use of New Zealand as a filming location helped establish the country as a prime destination for fantasy productions. With Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, being the obvious one to point out.
Xena's influence extended far beyond television.
A number of videos games based on the series were made.
The character appeared in video games, comic books, and novels, expanding the universe created by the show.
At fan conventions, Xena cosplay became a staple, with elaborate recreations of the characters' iconic outfits.
The show's impact on popular culture can be seen in the numerous references and parodies across various media.
For instance, the animated series "Futurama" featured a main character named "Leela", which we could argue is an homage to Xena.
In the Digital Age
In the era of streaming and social media, Xena has found new life and new audiences.
Online platforms have facilitated ongoing discussions and analyses of the show, introducing it to generations who were too young to watch during its original run.
In the years since the show, the possibility of a Xena reboot had been a topic of much speculation and excitement. Lucy Lawless herself addressed this in a 2019 interview with Gamespot:
"I think it's a great idea. The world needs those positive female role models. But whoever takes it on needs to understand the essence of what made Xena special. It wasn't just the action; it was the heart."
And in 2024 we got just that! Here's the trailer for the new movie starring Gal Gadot.
