53: 4x09 "Past Imperfect"

This week on XENA: WARRIOR PODCAST, what’s past is present. Vera, Katie, and Livy take on the imperfect but hugely ambitious 4x09 “Past Imperfect.” We discuss this episode’s complex, emotionally ambiguous treatment of Xena and Borias, its introduction of another interesting(...ish) female villain, and its dense web of intratextual referencing, including the production’s unprecedented decision to reshoot a complete scene from “Orphan of War.” Plus: why we love Gabrielle’s angry voice, Satrina’s! hilarious! monologuing!, our new fave ship Boreipus, our least favorite plot device the Ixion Stone, and Katie’s new lock screen. RIP Borias! 

ALSO, SHIRTS! SHIRTS! SHIRTS! And even more merch! Our Xena Did It First design is now available on Redbubble. Head on over to our shop and proudly let the world know XENA DID IT FIRST! 

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52: 4x08 "Crusader"

This week on XENA: WARRIOR PODCAST, convert or die! Vera, Katie, and Livy worship at the feet of 4x08 “Crusader,” which introduces one of the show’s most fascinating antagonists. We discuss Najara as this episode’s point-of-view character, her many intriguing parallels with Callisto, and her role as a quasi-Joan of Arc, who for some reason the late-Nineties was totally obsessed with (The Messenger RULEZ). Plus: the problematic (coin!) novelty of seeing two women fight over ownership of a third, Gabrielle’s heart eyes, Najara Queen of Sick Burns, the glorious return of Vera’s favorite goon Theodorus, and Xena’s good chewing tooth. Also the greatest mystery of all: where the fuck were those swans?    
 

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51: 4x07 "Locked Up and Tied Down"

This week on XENA: WARRIOR PODCAST, we’re singing the Shark Island Prison Blues. Vera, Katie, and Livy are sentenced to watch 4x07 “Locked Up and Tied Down,” the eleventh-best episode of all time! We discuss the continuing awesomeness of director Rick Jacobson the slo-mo king (long may he reign!), why Xena’s scripts sometimes explain too much, and this ep’s elaboration on some of the most important Xena themes: redemption, rehabilitation, and justice. Plus: meet Thalassa, a.k.a. Crabs Woman, who has the distinction of being Gabrielle’s first Girlfriend of the Week (Crabs and Gabs!), ableism and villainy, Xena’s unflattering prison rags, and rats, why is it always rats? 

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50: 4x06 "A Tale of Two Muses"

This week on XENA: WARRIOR PODCAST, move your body! Join dancing queens Vera, Katie, and Livy as we sashay our way through 4x06 “A Tale of Two Muses,” XWP’s joyous homage to the 80’s classic, ‘Footloose.’ We discuss the episode’s playful political satire as it takes on social conservatism, censorship, repressive religious regimes, and corrupt authoritarians -- all explored through the medium of dance. Dance? DANCE! Plus: the return of Tara and Tara’s terrible wig, Autolycus dressed as a beekeeping Victorian ghost, Gabrielle the Riverdancing rebel, and Lucy Lawless cutting very, very loose. The funky chicken, seriously?!?!   
 

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49: 4x05 "A Good Day"

This week on XENA: WARRIOR PODCAST, make love not war! Vera, Katie, and Livy don their best battle armor and take on 4x05 “A Good Day,” the most fiercely anti-war episode to date and the continuation of the series-long arc charting Gabrielle’s relationship with violence. We debate questions such as, who has the bigger dick, Caesar or Pompey (correct answer: Xena), how much of Xena’s planning is driven by her obsession with Caesar (correct answer: A LOT), and the ultimate, did Gabrielle miss her javelin throw by accident or on purpose (correct answer: ???). Plus: double arm grabs, the Lady with many names, and our new fave director, Rick Jacobson, is crowned King of Slo-Mo after that glorious fire montage. Rick! Rick! Rick!

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