Xena: Warrior Princess Episode 2.21: “Lost Mariner”

[chavalah.livejournal.com]

This is kind of like the Xenaverse's version of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (and a little bit of the TV show "Once Upon a Time"--more on that later) except that this came out first. :p More accurately, it plays into the fable of the Flying Dutchman.

It's also basically a rehash of the Odysseus/Ulysees story a few eps back, but it's way better. Part of that has to do with the actor, Tony Todd, who brings the emotional gravitas to his scenes. More than that, though, the story is more appealing. We don't have to put up with some loser who nearly abandons his wife for a second time, thanks to some schoolboy crush on Xena. Nah, Cecrops's story is much more tragic and sympathetic. And grounded in more Greek mythology! Sorta. :p (And some real life irony, thanks to the Xena wiki—there was a real-life cyclone nearby during filming!)

Overall, it's not a huge episode for our girls. I mean, Xena goes through hoops to make sure Gabs isn't cursed alone, which is awesome; our bard is either seasick or waxing poetic about beauty, and the warrior princess abrasively guilts and pep talks Cecrops to action. None of this is particularly new, or character progressive. But I enjoy the plot and the worldbuilding with this one.

Summary is here, courtesy of whoosh.org.

( Spoilery thoughts )