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The series introduces us to the Amazon Nation for the first time. They
will become a recurring character. Xena and Gabrielle while traveling
through the forest accidentally cross into Amazon territory and are
greeted with hostility until Xena gives them the Amazon peace sign. It
befuddles the Amazons because Xena knows their sign but is not herself
an Amazon. It appears The Amazons are at war with the Centaurs who
mortally wound one of them. Gabrielle tries her best to save the Amazon
but to no avail. Thanks to her unselfish act Gabrielle is inducted into
the Amazon nation by order of the Amazon Queen Melosa. While Gabrielle
goes through training, Xena along with the feisty Amazon Ephiny track
down the real murderer of the slain Amazon and learn that it wasn't a
Centaur but the warlord Krykus, who hopes to start a war between the
Amazons and the Centaurs in order to steal both their lands. Xena and
Ephiny race back to Amazon camp to inform Melosa of this and to spare
the life of the captured Centaur. But Melosa does not believe them so
Xena has to fight Melosa in a one on one fight. Xena wins and urges
Melosa to side with the Centaur leader to battle Krykus. After the two
nations team up and win, they finally start an attempt at peace between
them. And Gabrielle is now officially an Amazon. Hooves & Harlots is
another winner in the Xena annals with strong performances by the
entire cast. Danielle Cormack is especially good as Ephiny, who at first
resents Xena and Gabrielle but later comes to respect them. The Amazons
would make welcomed returns later on in the series.
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