Xena: Warrior Princess Episode 2.17: “The Execution”

[chavalah.livejournal.com]

This is a strange episode, sorta, because it really works in some ways and it really drops the ball in others. It’s also an episode that reminds me how much this show is only about two people—Xena and Gabrielle—and even the most substantial recurring characters (none of whom pop up here, but Meleager is back for the second and last time,) serve more as window dressing. Witness in point that the strongest parts of the ep weren’t what was happening or who it was happening to, but how Xena and Gabrielle grew and learned from it. (Also, Xena caught arrows with her bare hands, which is always a treat to see. :P)

The weaker parts were…well, the plot. It’s a murder mystery without any real depth, and a convenient ending to wrap that all up. The villain didn’t really have to be a villain, but it was the only way that the story could service the plot. They also lost out on some broader messages about the nature of capital punishment and justice, but I’m willing to give more of a pass about not tying all of that up into a neat, little bow. At least we got to hear some arguments, and whether they had any real bearing on the conclusion of the story is more secondary. Also, there was a minor continuity issue, but eh. Can’t be perfect all the time.

Summary is here, courtesy of whoosh.org.

( Spoilery thoughts )