1. Does "Xena" rule, or what?
-- C. Paglia, Philadelphia
Most
definitely. This syndicated spinoff from Sam Raimi's "Hercules: The
Legendary Journeys" is the perfect antidote to "Dr. Quinn, Medicine
Woman's" Martha-Stewart-on-the-frontier sanctimony. "Xena: Warrior
Princess" is just as anachronistic as "Dr. Quinn" in its
portrayal of a strong woman beset by strangely modern dilemmas, but it's
infinitely hipper and funnier. "Xena" is the coolest cult fave around,
as well as one of the highest-rated shows in first-run syndication.
Like
"Hercules,"Xena takes the comic book tour of ancient
Star Lucy
Lawless (honest!) is a strapping, buff, black-haired Amazon poured into a
leather bustier and skimpy skirt. Stalking her prey with supreme confidence,
scowling under her bangs, Xena looks like one of the big-boned Petersen sisters
from the Bangles. Unlike Lynda Carter, TV's "Wonder Woman," Lawless is
no prissily made-up beauty queen (also, unlike Carter, her breasts and costume
move in the same direction when she runs).
Xena is
terrifically surly, and you can't blame her. Her whole village was destroyed by
marauders, her brother was killed, she doesn't know who her father is and her
barmaid mother doesn't approve of Xena's career path. Xena is as misunderstood a
bad girl as Catwoman or Madonna (who must look at Xena's breastplate costume and
biceps and drool). Xena used to fight and kill out of anger over her brother's
death, but ever since her tryst with that happy-go-lucky dude Herc, she's been
trying to use her fighting skills for the good of mankind.
And, man,
can she fight! Xena has more martial arts moves in her arsenal than Jackie Chan,
and when those don't work she's got her trusty spear, whip and "round
killing thing," a razor-sharp discus-like object. Never has a superheroine
been allowed to display such enjoyment of the fight -- when she somersaults and
kicks her way into battle, Xena ululates like a Middle Eastern woman and she's
got a hang time of, like, hours.
Along for
the ride is Xena's sidekick, Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor), a young virginal bard
seeking excitement. The two have a prickly relationship with single
mother/teenage daughter overtones. But let's not put too fine a point on the
subtext. The glory of "Xena" is that she can kick the crap out of
anybody -- guy, god, goddess, snake-headed monster, whatever. So, yes,
"Xena" does rule.