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THE XENA E-XINE
Volume I, Issue 11 - June 9, 2000
Today's issue includes:
1. Feature Article -- "Season One: A rumination"
2. Xena quote/Xena Joke
3. Featured FanFic and Short Review -- "Yes," "Lend an
Ear"
4. Xena News -- "Bye-Bye Becker"
5. Featured WebPage Link -- Logomancy Xena Forum
6. Xena: Warrior Princess Episode Guide -- "The Reckoning" and
"The Titans"
7. Xena Thoughts -- The Meaning of Xena Seasons
8. Feedback
9. PRIVACY/NO SPAM POLICY!
10. Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
11. Credits
12. Archives
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1) Featured Article
| Season One: A rumination Bacchae2 June 3, 2000 |
| I didn't intend on this
becoming an autobio, but it's the only way I can approach this. SEASON ONE, looming up to
be tackled like those monolithic letters in the Hollywood sign. I can only go there in
retrospect. Well, of course, you say, how else, you're looking back, five years, a long
time and distance--and for this series, perhaps, more than most. We're all further down
the road, we've all changed, though some of us are still recognizable. Confession: my first episode was The Xena Scrolls. I was unable to visit Season One with the exception of a few reruns in prime time until USA |
| began showing the series. So I see it
perhaps a tad differently from y'all who've been there from the beginning. Through the
prism of Seasons Two and Three it's probably a whole lot different from catching it
head-on. F'rinstance, I was stunned to learn that anyone could've ever questioned the sidekick thing with our little Gabby. (Yeah, she chattered incessantly like a chipmunk sometimes, but she was just a tag-along kid back then, Ares' "irritating blonde.") For me it was more like love at first sight--even though she was in butch drag at the time, an ersatz Indy Jones chomping on a cheroot. It was really the flashbacks (and those hints of a possible subtext) that caught my inner eye. |
| I was on an
anti-gratuitous violence kick and it all looked kinda silly--even, I thought, if it was
about amazons and there just might, and certainly should be, some lesbian subtext (the
very word I used...as a theater major) at least. I only watched after seeing LL on her first Rosie appearance, so totally different from the character she portrays as to be near unrecognizable. Soft-spoken, almost demure. Fell in love with her at first sight too and decided to watch the show, been watching for better and for worse ever since (though I still haven't brought myself to thaw out "Fishsticks."). |
| So, getting back to the main theme here--Season One meant something different for me. A precious time capsule, a chance at catching up. It was like one of those comic book special origin issues. This was how they met. Gab wore that girlie dress through half the season?! Ah, that's where the staff came from? Now she's lost it. She's got it again. Her girlie clothes are back. Gone again. A long shot on Argo that doesn't match. Continuity?! This was the season of the intro not only of our couple, but of the amazons, |
| Gab's family, Xena's mother, brother,and
'father' (and I still say Ares is really her daddy; Incest is ok, but not an out and 'out'
relationship though both are quite in keeping with epic, mythic Greek tradition), Callisto
etc. The season that ended so positively, beautifully, meaningfully, memorably with Is
There a Doctor in the House. I'll have more to say about the individual episodes in
my continuing episode/subtext guide (scroll below for two more Season One eps). There are some very good eps from Sins of the Past to Is There a Doctor in the House. For a freshman year it's quite surprisingly good really. The characters and actresses are finding their way with each other, but the chemistry (and subtext) are there from the start. And a few eps were personal revelations (The |
| Greater Good as I mentioned in
the Steve Sears issue, # 9) for me--as well as The Reckoning, The Titans,
Altared States, A Fistful of Dinars, Ties That Bind, and, of
course, Is There a Doctor in the House, an exceptional ep by any standard. What can you say about such a trenchant and optimistic season that began with "You're not alone" and ended with "Don't leave me!" Gabrielle becomes her conscience and way to redemption and Xena wisely holds on like a drowning woman. We've rarely seen two more intriguing characters, aspects of darkness and light, yin and yang find each other and begin to piece together one of the great epic sagas |
| (and love stories, of course). Both characters grow so muchby the time Is There A Doctor In The House comes around. The ruthless warlord becomes a warrior who tries to stop a war that doesn't involve her, getting her friend critically injured in the process and we see her cry in front of everyone at the prospect of losing her beloved friend Gabrielle. A big change from that stoic, haunted woman who rode through that ransacked village and talked to the little boy in Sins of The Past. Rob Tapert, himself, in the 'Cinefantastique' Xena cover issue stated that there is no question that the series is to be viewed as a love story between Xena and Gabrielle...and then puckishly adds that whether they are sleeping together or not is none of |
| his business. Amen to that. ¨ |
2) Xena Quote/Xena Joke
Xena Quote
Gabrielle to Xena: "You know, I just thought of something! You're a
Warrior Princess and I'm an Amazon Princess! That's going to make such a
great story!"
Xena Joke
Top 5 signs Gabrielle is being stalked by Argo
1. The silhouette of a knife-wielding Palomino appears on her shower curtain.
2. She finds a knit cap and FOUR bloody gloves.
3. Every time she turns around Argo quickly puts her head down to eat grass nonchalantly.
4. Lots of heavy neighing on the other end of the Far Talking Thing.
5. She finds muddy horseshoe prints in her secret diary scroll.
3) Featured Fan Fiction
Cated's FanFic Reviews
Yes
By: Catherine Wilson
http://www.tsoft.com/~cmwilson/Stories/Yes.html
Review by Cated: Vignette told through Xena's eyes as she ponders
Gabrielle's feelings for her. Nicely written.
I give Yes ***1/2 (3.5 stars) and a rating of PG.
Lend an Ear
By: BardWooHoo
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9662/LendanEar.html
Reviewed by Cated: In this story, set after In Sickness and In Hell, Xena
and Gabrielle travel to a beautiful, quiet place. There, Xena is haunted by painful
memories of her past, and Gabrielle offers her an ear. Together, they explore the bounds
of their bond.
I give Lend an Ear ***** (five stars) and a rating of PG13.
Please note that their are **Slight Spoilers for In Sickness and In Hell**.
| Star Rating |
| ***** | A must read if you are a Hard Core Nutball! |
| **** | It is worth your while to read. |
| *** | It's better than getting punched in the face by Xena. |
| ** | Maybe a go-round with Xena isn't a bad idea.. |
| * | Shoot me...shoot me now! |
4) Xena News
| Bye-Bye Becker Lady Adrell June 7, 2000 |
| Recent news from the
Xenaverse has it that director and sometimes writer of Xena: Warrior Princess, Josh
Becker, will no longer be working for Ren Pics. This has not been confirmed with Robert
Tapert or any other person at Ren Pics, but according to Becker himself the studio would
be “exclusively using New Zealand directors from now on” because the cost to use
locals is cheaper than directors from the States. After inquiring about the use of American directors in the first two episodes of the sixth season, Mr. Tapert supposedly told Becker that “there would be no comedies this season.” Seems surprising to have a season of Xena without comedies since Rob is known for his sense of humor. It seems clear that Tapert and company are not ousting all American directors, they are just no longer interested in using Becker. But according to Becker, Robert Tapert, whom he refers to as “the Great White Shark,” thinks Becker has been a leech on Tapert’s success. Becker continued on saying that Rob gave him jobs for no other reason than as favors. Becker states that Rob has become corrupted by his power and thinks himself better than others. Now that is the pot calling the kettle black. Having read Becker’s website myself, I have seen on more than one occasion his haughty attitude and mean-spirited jabs at fans, fans who essentially paid him his paychecks. Mr. Tapert has never acted in that manner with fans, which would indicate to any thinking person that Becker has the bigger ego between the two men. Fans were told at a recent convention that Becker’s obnoxious attitude, and not Rob’s, is the issue and reason for his being fired. Attitude is everything, and Becker is not exempt from having to be a decent person, as tough as that may be for him. Becker must not understand the meaning of “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” However we should remember some good that Becker brought to X:WP. He directed the Third Season comedy “Fins, Femmes, and Gems,” which was one of my favorites. Also “Blind Faith,” the episode in which Xena risks her life and her sight to save Gabrielle from certain death (saving Gabrielle…wasn’t that in every episode?). “Kindred Spirits” was one of the better Fifth Season episodes , although it is distinctly evident that Becker directed it with that unpalatable WWF scene at the end. Another funny but gross episode was “In Sickness and in Hell.” That still makes me laugh when I watch it. He did leave us with some good “gems” in his ungracious wake, whether you agree with how good those episodes were or not. Still, good move Rob and company! Becker’s attitude has never been one to praise. His words have sparked more controversy among fans than we’d like to remember. Becker did not see the vision of X:WP. In his words, it was just a job to him. He seemingly saw instead the vision of his false grandeur, which becomes clear when perusing his website. Another misconception about the online fans is that what we do (episode synopsis, fanfic, poems, writing down our thoughts in any way) is a waste of time, according to Becker, and has no effect on the show at all. I say to Becker, look at "The Way," buddy. It's on the air again BECAUSE of the "1%" of Xena online fans that wasted their time to get it brought back. If that's what 1% of people can do, then imagine the power of the rest of us that Becker doesn't acknowledge exist. We not only have the power to bring the show back, but we have the power to destroy the show as well. It's the law of economics, Becker. Supply and demand. If we demand it, they supply it and they get money for it. We stop watching and Xena goes bye-bye. We do make a difference! Undoubtedly, Becker will not be missed by a good number of people for his thankless attitude about Xena: Warrior Princess and the online Xena fans. But since Becker insists that those fans amount to only 1% of the total Xena fans, it shouldn’t really matter. The survey Ren Pics did of the online fans that yielded the 1% figure was done in the beginning of the show. Since that time, scores of new fans have popped online and continue to do so daily. Luckily, we fans will not have to be subjected any longer to the bumbling work of the “clueless breeder,” as one person close to Ren Pics called him. With decisions like this going on over at Ren Pics, coupled with Missy Good’s script, ROC supposedly directing an episode for the Sixth Season, and less Joxer (sorry to those Joxer fans for the jab), Season Six may actually be worth watching. Now all we need is the Sappho episode and our prayers will have beenanswered. ¨ |
5) Featured Xena Link
Logomancy Xena Forum
http://www.klio.net/XENA/
A well put together and upbeat site (perhaps a little
too much) with a link to tv
schedules, recent articles, photos, and a message board; a nice american (partially out of
ROC's former homebase Austin, Texas) adjunct to Mary D's page.
6) Xena: Warrior Princess Episode Guide
Episode Six The Reckoning and Episode Seven The Titans
The Reckoning
Lot of things reckoned with in this one. Ares' first appearance and attempted
manipulation/seduction of Xena. Xena's past. Her present and future with Gabrielle. Guilt,
loyalty. Gabrielle, stunned as she feels
the force of the dark fire that still burns within Xena ("Playing with the
tiger" as Melissa Good might term it) directed towards her for a violent moment
during Xena's lapse of control; Xena disbelieving as Gabrielle returns for her after the
incident. It never occurred to Gabrielle not to, she never gives up, it's what we love
about her (one of the things) and Xena is more touched by this simple act of courage and
friendship than perhaps any ever before. Xena is willing to turn herself over to certain
justice for Gabrielle's release, just as Gabrielle is willing to die with her friend as
she wraps the coils of rope around her own neck. This is such a selfless moment, a
defining moment in their friendship. Xena must be both
surprised and touched at the depth of Gabby the Advocate's emotional defense even though
she admonishes her for it as if it were merely a bit of bardic grandstanding. "This
isn't about you." But it is. Anything that concerns one of them is of utmost import
to the other. Ares and the dark side are very seductive, but Xena's clearly got his
number...so why did she lose it this season and come across quite often as weak and
foolish in relation to him?
Subtext rating: Reckoned with and
found willing. The little bard is positively passionate in defense of her W.P. and the
rapprochement at the cell's barred window isn't played like a buddy scene. No, not at
all. There is a sweet and sensual warmth and tenderness and something much stronger than
friendship binding them together. Lot of binding in this ep. A little 'bondage' and lots
of those ties that bind the growing and established bond between our heroines.
The Titans
Gabrielle once again assays the role of the fairy-tale
princess as she did in "Dreamworker." She's a natural for it with that peaches
and cream complexion, long golden hair and the rustic costume. Winsome, lissome, erstwhile
little girl. Delightfully ingratiating and funny. Especially when she realizes the 'might
be cool' parameters of unlocking the frozen Titans from their stoned soul sleep. Xena's
face when she finds Gab lying down on a bed ('resting') with the boy of the week is a
study in emotions which she may think she's fighting to conceal but which Gab sure reads
readily enough. And comes out swinging. "It's none of your business." Chastened
(and kicking herself for being so transparent?) Xena
agrees to those terms. Is Xena just being a protective elder sister, maternal in watching
over her young charge? Hardly. Seems a lot more personal and basic than that. And this
isn't the first time that we will
see that little moue on Xena's lips. The J word comes to mind. The plot device, the
McGuffin of Gab's virginity (which she seems so eager to lose)--used for 'laying' (uh, in
the properly legitimate sense of the verb) The Titans--had to be called into question with
the nondescript little wimpy monkish boy who was almost her first. Gab is deeply hurt by
Xena's perceived brusque treatment ("She has no respect for me.") so she's ready
to act out with the nearest guy. Thank heavens she grew out of that boy-crazy teen girl
thing fairly quickly. Thank the gods for Xena's instinctive intervention whatever its
motivation. Really, aw, Gab, you can do better than that. What a heated, passionate little
exchange between our girls. Sets the tone for their future. And Xena looks relieved later
when she finds out that Gab is, indeed, 'intact' despite her lie to the Titans about no
longer being a virgin. One must speculate on exactly how low Xena's heart dipped when she
heard that lie come from the young woman's lips.
Subtext rating: Don't it make your blue eyes green?--if looks could burn
you with their smouldering smoky intensity LL would need to wear those Raybans full-time.
[Ed.'s note: Both well-done and entertaining eps; a pleasure to re-view.]
7) Xena Thoughts
The Meaning of Xena Seasons
By Lady Adrell
Season 1: This season was about friendship and Gabby's belief in Xena
when Xena didn't have belief in
herself. Definitely the "Frendship" season.
Season 2: This season was about Gabby trying to be what she needed to be
to hang with Xena and Xena
trying to see Gabby as an equal and not a farmer's daughter. That was also the "Major
Subtext" season.
Season 3: This season was the "I Love You" season. It was the
season of growing the friendship bond, the rift, and the coming back together as a
stronger couple. This season showed that love can transcend
anything.
Season 4: This season was the "Search For Enlightenment"
season, where Gab was trying to find
her purpose in life, which then made Xena rethink her life and path. Look inside yourself
Gabby!
Season 5: There was no Season 5!!!!!!!!
(If there was a Season 5, then it would have to be dubbed the "Who Dropped the
Ball" season. A season of
babies and blunders, dead Amazons <booooo!> and deader scripts.)
8) Feedback
Comments about the Pre-Missy Issue
[For those readers who didn't know, the last
issue was put together while the Chief Editor and usual publisher was off gallivanting
around Orlando. Outside help was brought in and the Head Writer took up the slack so that
the Xine could be published anyway.]
"Just read the new issue of the xine. The issue looks good -- for someone who was
"gone" when it was put
out, LadyA had a lot of stuff in there!. Liked the sarcastic lowered expectations
article...LadyA, you
are soooo bad!"
-- Moon Child
"Great xine as usual - way to make the best of a difficult situation again! I enjoyed
the pesonal
aspects you both brought to the Missy articles, it added much sincerity to the hosanna's.
A nice
introduction to the subject of Missydom, and a good percusor to the full Missy xine. And,
I think everyone should be using Lady Adrell's LE rating scale - the article was cheeky
& fun....and accurate! It's really the only way to put up with Xena anymore and keep
our sanity! Also, very much enjoyed the ep reviews. Personally, I find the two eps
reviewed fairly forgettable ones - they weren't bad, just not
memorable. But, it's nice to know there's something that your reviewer found worth writing
about -
something that has me thinking of watching the eps again, where I wouldn't have before.
"And a last thought...how in the world could Australia, of all places, not show Xena?
Well, perhaps it's not an Australian type of program...but Aussie Xenites are some of the
most fervent fans of the show. It appears they need all the help they can get - glad you
added the link to the station. Every Xenite everywhere needs to spam that station til they
cry uncle!"
-- Sue Winter
"Another good Xine! You both do a good job of sharing some of what it feels like to
have been touched by the fiction of Missy Good. I have yet to have that experience myself,
so I appreciated being able to catch a glimpse of what the experience is like through your
words. It also sounds like, just as with XWP, the world of Missy's fiction goes far beyond
the actual product itself to an entire community and movement.
"Lady Adrell, your Lowered Expectations lesson was wonderful. Helps me understand how
you manage to still find enjoyment in episodes that make me cringe, while you are
obviously still very much aware of all that has been wrong this past season. The sarcasm
in the article was well placed, he he.
"Enjoyed your perceptive episode/subtext reviews again, Bacchae. "Cradle of
Hope" and "The Path Not
Taken" are both entertaining early season one eps, IMO, though neither is exceptional
or comes close to
being a classic.
"Anyway, good job, and extra points for you Bacchae for toiling to put this out while
Lady Adrell lounged
in leisure and luxury in Orlando. *grin*"
-- Brian Davis
If you have any comments, suggestions for content, or articles to submit to this xine,
then please contact
Lady Adrell at exine@exine.tvheaven.com
(We are accepting submissions for featured articles. Send to above address.)
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11) Credits
The Xena E-Xine Staff:
Chief Editor/Head Reporter/Writer: Lady Adrell
Editor/Head Writer: Bacchae2
Assistant Editor: Cindy
FanFic Critic: Cated
Website Analyst: Staff
Episode Guides: Bacchae2
12) Archives
To read previous articles, please go to http://exine.tvheaven.com/archive.html
Less ranting went into the production of this Xine, but
don't hold your breath, ranting will be back very
soon!
You have permission to forward this to other people, and by all means, please do.
All imagines of Xena: Warrior Princess are
© Copyright and Trademarks of MCA Universal, Renaissance Pictures, and Studio USA. All
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The contents of this E-Xine may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all
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without the consent of the author as long as the author's name and contact information are
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