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I believe Tapert inserted symbolism thats misinterpreted as a "ghost" appearance of Xena to Gabrielle at the end of FIN II. It was only to allow visual affirmation Xena was with Gabrielle (not meant as a ghost, now you see her now you don't). It was simply symbolic (very creative I might add).

I do not think there was ever any intent Gabrielle appear a nutcase talking to a Xena-ghost or talking to herself. Such interpretation I believe is to misinterpret the purpose of the scene (including why now you see her, now you don't).

The series had a history that established bodily form after death did not mean the body was actually there. In Fallen Angel for example we saw both Xena and Gabrielle on a precipice waiting until the angels came while their physical bodies still hung on crosses. Were they ghost ? I don't think so.

I do not think Xena was a Japa ghost either. Just because she died in Japa it didn't change her spirit. Logically as shown in prior deaths Xena's spirit would still be governed/determined by who she was not where she was.

We saw Xena in The Quest dead and saw her body in a transitionaly state of some kind where she hung on a cross and had an encounter with M'Lila while her physical body was inside a sarcophagus. M'Lila did not read Xena's mind nor did Xena read M'Lila's, they had a conversation. It was M'Lila who told Xena the dead can hear the living but...Gabrielle pleading a'loud (talking) Xena heard not read her mind or hear her thoughts. I've no clue where that idea came from in this topic.

Each to his/her own opinion of course but clearly the final moments of FIN II were not intended to depict Xena was a ghost (that suggestion originally came from the fandom from mostly those who did not like FIN and were understandably angry and hurt by the ending/finale). When you consider the forum was t.v. they simply did those scenes to be symbolic, not actual. The intent was clearly as I say above, to show Xena's spirit was with Gabrielle. They enhanced that with dialogue with Xena actually explaining she would always be in Gabrielle' heart --"I'll always remain --your heart." I have always loved those final moments because the symbolism affirmed Xena ended where I believe loved one's do end--which is in the heart of those they love and who love them. Indeed Xena will go where Gabrielle goes until Gabrielle dies and just like in Fallen Angel along with episodes that showed them in future lives, X&G will meet time and time again. That is what the series presented about death and afterlives so I've no reason to speculate or think differently.