Xena: Warrior Princess Episode 1.17: “The Royal Couple of Thieves”

[chavalah.livejournal.com]

This episode introduces one of the most beloved, repeat-role side-characters of “Xena”…(well, technically he’d already debuted over at “Hercules” where Iolaus almost dies for his crime of stealing some jewels. But like in this story, Autolycus, “The King of Thieves” actually has a bit of a heart under his posturing exterior.)

From the offset, comedic character actor Bruce Campbell pulls the whole thing off with aplomb. I should probably also give kudos to the writers for his hilarious and witty lines. In a show that’s been filled with supporting characters who come and go, Autolycus makes a lasting impression. We’ll be seeing him again soon!

This week also delves a little into my own religion, Judaism…or at least the Xenaverse’s take on religious history and mythology. It was actually a pretty flattering betrayal (not always the case, like in another episode I can recall,) but something about it rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was likening an important religious doctrine to “a weapon.” Maybe—and this is likely me reading into things that aren’t there—it was like saying that monotheistic belief was somehow “the right truth” that was waiting in the wings for a more modern time period, but the truth is that Hebrew religion is older than Greco-Roman religion. (And on that note, what the hell are a bunch of Hebrews with important religious artifacts doing randomly in Greece?) Of course, all of this and more falls under Xenaverse’s doctrine of mixing and twisting real-world events for the sake of the show. It’s done out of the desire for entertainment, but religious groups often take umbrage, most prominently in season four, I believe. But enough of my philosophizing; on with the show!

( Episode Summary and Spoilers )