Episode 35 of the Xena rewrite project is out, available on www.xena2.com. Below is a pdf link, a single entry discussing an aspect of an episode (following ones will be posted in Alexandria Library & Gallery), and an episode summary. Xena: Warrior Princess 2.0 reimagines the original into a serialized, character driven TV show with 30 episodes per year.
Extreme care went into the crafting of Xena and M’Lila interactions. The intent was to blur the lines, keep it ambiguous throughout and yet make it clear that Xena preferred men exclusively and was not interested in women. You might say that was impossible and contradictory task and I would agree with you, except I think the Muse has actually managed to do it.
In the original, Xena is emotionally closer to women than men. This is explored here, adding yet another layer to a complex story. M’Lila preference is never stated, yet I believe it extends to both sexes: she can manipulate and seduce either gender with ease and boy, is she good.
Caesar is no slouch in that department but he does have an advantage of a sexual angle that is not available to M’Lila. That does not hamper her in the least, merely slows her progress. Surprisingly, Xena is the naïve innocent in this tale, caught in a fight between two predators.
Xena is sixteen and her emotional development stopped with Lyceus’ death. She has not reinforced and hardened the walls around her heart. Yet. There is time to reach her but no one at this point in her life has her best interests in mind. Like Caesar, M’Lila wants to use Xena. Xena is a troubled teenager who needs help and not a prize to be won. She deserves better. Problem is: life in Ancient Greece (and general) is harsh on the young.
Destiny Part One, episode 35, summary:
The world is young Xena’s oyster. Then Caesar offers her Rome. Can life get any better? Remember, we shape our destiny, for good or bad. Xena sure does.
