Lots of people like Raymond, but everybody loves Xena, right? True, in a sense - the show does have an undeniable charm, however inconsistencies in the programme's quality are glaringly obvious when watching an entire season. Lacking the benefit of an interweaving story arc such as that of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while there are many characters within the world of Xena that are a constant, the fact that there is no real definable beginning or end for any given season often limits the show's long term appeal. It tends to leave one with the feeling that each episode is newborn within the world of Xena. This isn't altogether a bad thing, however, as the characters are certainly well defined enough to carry any given tale on its own, let alone providing service to long time fans when they reappear from time to time. It's just that without any clearly definable story arcs spread throughout the series, the pay-off for the long-term viewer doesn't quite reach its potential.
That said, those that love Xena do so for good reason. These are adventures, pure and simple. Any given episode will usually have plenty to offer in its 40 minute timespan, and if you stay for longer, chances are a surprise will pop up every now and then to reward you. The action comes hard and fast, and was certainly the most stylised on TV before a certain vampire slayer raised the stakes (sorry). The writing is also undeniably clever, seamlessly incorporating everything from basic Greek mythology to fashion pageants and covering a broad range of emotional atmosphere from deep despair to riotous slapstick. Or if none of the above grabs your attention, could it be the feminist overtones or hedonistic delights one garners from Xena and Gabrielle's tightrope relationship?
Whatever your stance on the series, however, the second season of Xena: Warrior Princess remains one of its strongest. Despite a slow start, volume one of the second series still holds a great deal of memorable episodes:
Orphan of War
Upon joining forces with the Centaurs to battle the warlord, Dagnine, Xena's biggest weakness comes back to haunt her in the form of her one and only son.
Remember Nothing
After a regrettable killing, Xena vows to the three fates that she would give up her warrior ways for a peaceful new start. Her wish is magically granted, however she must resist the urge to spill a single drop of blood for this life to continue. But without the mighty Xena around in the world she has wished for, this proves to be more difficult than she could have possibly imagined.
Giant Killer
It's David and Goliath, Xena style. When Goliath the giant refuses to heed his old friend Xena's advice against the corrupting path of revenge, a conflict ensues that pits the humble David against Goliath. We all know what happens from here.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
After running into Joxer, who happens to be carrying the disembodied and disgruntled head of Orpheus, Xena and Gabrielle accompany the pair on their journey to reclaim Orpheus's body from Bacchus and prevent the evil god of wine from further transforming any more innocent girls into the vampire-like Bacchi. Where's the Buffster when you need her?
The Return of Callisto
The terminally evil Callisto has escaped from her cell and is in hot pursuit of Xena in order to exact revenge. Meanwhile, Perdicus turns up and asks Gabrielle to marry him. Callisto decides the best way to get to Xena will be through Gabrielle and the innocent Perdicus.
Warrior... Princess... Tramp
Xena has received a call from her uncanny lookalike, Princess Diana, as her father is near death. What neither of them had counted on, however, is a woman named Meg. Oh, did I mention that she too, is the spitting image of Xena?
Intimate Stranger
Xena is having trouble sleeping. She is constantly having nightmares about Callisto, but little does she know that Ares and Callisto have struck up a body swapping deal between them. Xena is pulled into the underworld, while Callisto escapes with her body. Xena then escapes in Callisto's body and has one day to catch up with her.
Ten Little Warlords
Still trapped in Callisto's body, Xena receives an invitation from Ares to a gathering of warlords. Why they have all been summoned is unclear, and when Xena runs into Ares himself, who knows full well that it is Xena in Callisto's body, the pair set off to find out who is behind the suspicious invitation.
A Solstice Carol
When Xena and Gabrielle stumble upon a community that is being punished by their king for celebrating Solstice Eve, not to mention being forced to pay exorbitant tax demands, they take it upon themselves to teach the king the true meaning of Solstice.
The Xena Scrolls
It's 1940 and an archaeological dig site overseen by Indiana Gabrielle (Jones) is on the verge of uncovering the Xena Scrolls. Xena goes secretary, Joxer goes French and the threat of Ares is ever apparent.
Here She Comes... Miss Amphipolis
Ever had the feeling that beauty pageants are evil? Well it just so happens that Salmonius' beauty pageant is on the verge of starting an all out war. Xena poses as Miss Amphipolis to prevent the outbreak and protect the other contestants from assassination.
