Return of the Valkyrie Part 2

Anyway, Odin rides in and the Vikings all kneel. Dean starts to, but Beo pulls him back up. Hee hee! Beo knows who has the real power! Odin says, "Xena, this isn't much of a reunion." "You can kill me if you want," Xena replies, "But I'm not the warrior princess you seek." Wannabe says "You heard the woman, Odin. Kill her!" Odin silences her (her name really is Walltrial!) , and then says, "If you're not, Xena, who are you?" "I don't know." He asks, "Do you know who I am?" "She says your name is Odin," Xena replies, then adds definantly, "but I don't know you from your horse." Hee hee! Come to think of it, Odin does have a horse face and enough hair for a mane! Odin tells his Valkyries to return to Valhalar (sic) to leave the noble warriors on their journey. Xena watches them ride off, feeling like she's won. "You see? We saw them off without violence." But Beo knows he'll be back...he knows Xena is more valuable alive than dead.

Back in Valhala, the wannabe and Odin are talking. The plan is the same as last week. Letting Xena get the ring, and then getting it back from her. Sure, make Xena do the dirty work! Wannabe thinks Odin is going to give the ring to her, and doesn't like it when she realizes Odin wants the ring. He tells her the Valkyries will not let Grinhilda stop Xena from getting the ring. But wannabe isn't listening. "On my life, Xena will die before she gets close enough to those flames to singe an eyebrow," she sneers as Odin leaves her. I just pictured Xena with a singed eyebrow. This cannot happen! She has to have an eyebrow to cock upward for that quirky expression we all know and love!

Xena's sitting alone in a firelit room. She looks at her wedding ring, and slowly removes it. Guess who shows up! Yay! It's Gabbers!! Xena's a wee bit freaked though! "Are you a demon?" she whispers. "Or my own mind made mad?" Xena is sure obsessed with "madness" this episode! "I am the truth of who you are," Gabs replies, "Our souls are united, Xena." It almost sounds like she says, "Your souls are united, Xena." She reaches out to touch Xena's face, but Xena jerks away with a gasp. In walks Beowulf, and Gabs is gone. Nice talk coming...

Xena (realization slowly creeping in): This Gabrielle truly loved Xena, didn't she?

Beo: And will till the end of time. Gabrielle saved you from what you were. As you must now save her.
X: I've heard the men talking. They say that Xena created this monster that awaits us.
B (nodding): Grinhilda.
X: It's true, then?
B: I have waited a long time to return these to you.

He holds out Xena's chakram.

X: What's it for?
B: You'll know...when the time comes, you'll know.

Xena takes the chakram. Now even though she's still referring to Xena in the third person, it's apparent she's no longer in denial. When she takes the chakram this time, she picks it up by the middle piece, instead of the blade she grabbed last week. I think there's some significance in that. Don't know why, just feel like being philosophical. She takes the chakram without hesistance and it feels comfortable in her hand.

They approach the ring of fire, finally! Xena stares into it...Gab is just barely visible. "Beowulf, if I am not the one?" "You are," Beowulf assures her, "Brunhilda's fire will recognnize you as Gabrielle's soulmate." Hey, I just noticed the moon was high in the sky! Heh heh! Xena gets close enough to the fire to singe an eyebrow (but doesn't!) staring at Gabrielle. She has the same look at the beginning of Fallen Angel. I love her in white! A face forms in the flames...cool special effects! We hear Brun's voice (guess that's why she's in the credits!) "Xena, Xena, the love in your heart burn stronger than any flame. You belong together, Xena" Xena reaches out to touch the flame, and, oh brother, here comes the Xena wannabe. But you know what...Xena is back! Whoo hoo! Finally!! When I heard that warcry and saw her do that backflip, I cheered! Beowulf and Dean are in on the fight too, and it's another vicious one. Hey, Xena's got go-go boots under that dress! The wannabe gets a shot in at Xena's upper arm...of course, and sneers, "Makes me sick to see you've grown so soft." Huh? Xena is kicking her butt, and she isn't using a sword. Xena looks pissed that Wannabe has cut her and retorts, " Softness and weakness are two different things." I have no quarrel with you. I am here only for Gabrielle!" Yeah!! Heh heh, Wannabe knows how to push buttons..."You sound like one of those pathetic lovesick boys who burn themselves to a crisp." Uh, not exactly, Dean throws Xena a sword, finally!, and the Ephiny wannabe launches a dagger at him, stabbing him. Something about that really, REALLY makes Xena angry. She offers one mean sword thrust at the Xena wannabe, and then they circle each other. I swear, I thought of two roosters in a cockfight! Xena's look alone would be enough for me to raise a white flag!! The swordfight goes on, and Wannabe knocks Xena to her warrior butt. Their swords cross and Wannabe snarls, "I've waited a long time for this." Xena's response? A growled, made-me-laugh-hysterically "Wait longer," and she kicks the Wannabe into the flames! Toast anyone?

Beowulf tangles with Ephiny's number one fan, and wins, then tells Xena she has to go through the flames now, we can't wait any longer. No kidding! But Xena looks on in horror as Beowulf is stabbed from behind by, say it with me now, Grinhilda. Even as he's dying, Beo manages, "Xena go...Gabrielle needs you, Xena...goooo!!" Xena hesitates for oh, about a millisecond, and then makes an awesome dive into the ring of fire. Through the flames are a few still pictures of her and Gabs...nice touch. Xena somersaults to a landing and the carpet...uh...ground moves beneath her. She approaches Gab Van Winkle, and finds out what the chakram is for. Seems it slices, dices, and cuts through thorny vines. The look on Xena's face is very serious, but there is definitely recognition there. She bends in for the kiss. Sorry to say it's not a full on the mouth kiss. It's more of a on the mouth off center just a bit kiss, but it's very soft and tender. There are a few flashbacks of different moments, overvoiced with dialogue that doesn't necessarily match that particular scene. All the dialogue was from "Sins of the Past". Well chosen clips though, and very brief. Xena slowly pulls back and Gabs' eyes flutter open. You know, I thought Cyane was a fast changer, but I never even saw Xena and Gabbers change clothes, but suddenly, Xena's in her leathers and Gabs is in her two piece ensemble. Oh my, Gabrielle has beautiful eyes. Her eyes focus on Xena's face, and she smiles brightly. "Xena!" This was the time I realized Gabbers had long hair. Now for everyone who is asking, it did NOT look like a wig, not to me. It was the same bright blonde Gabber's has had all season, only a lot longer. And it's cut differently than Gabs' hair of past seasons. I had gotten used to a short haired Gabs, but I like this way too.

Gabs whispers, "I dreamed you'd come back for me." "It's like I was in a dream too. I forgot everything." She puts a hand to Gabs' face. "Even though I didn't remember you, I felt your presence. I knew I would never be complete unless those shadows were brought into the light." I teared up at that. What a beautiful sentiment!

Why can't these girls get five minutes alone in this trilogy? This is the perfect time for some nice talk, but no, Grinhilda has to growl, and Xena has to fight...again. Brunhilda's voice whispers, "Xena...the ring...the ring." Gabrielle hods it out to Xena, and says, "Xena, don't put it on again." Hee hee...what's the matter, Gabs...all caught up on your sleep? Xena holds it up. "I forged this ring. Now I have to use it to undo all the evil it has caused." The ring of fire disappears. I love close ups of Xena's war cry! She jumps at Grinhilda who swats her away like some giant warrior-shaped mosquito. Grinhilda knocks her into a cave. Is it the lair they fought in last week? Maybe that's why Grinhilda hangs out around the ring of fire! Now the George Bush Xena speaks. Remember, Grin is trying to attack her during all this talk, so Xena is doing a lot of dodging....Evasive maneuvers! "Grinhilda, listen to me...You weren't always this way. It was MY actions that turned you into this beast!" Dodge..." Grinhilda, I put the evil into this ring, I can undo it to if only you-" Flip. Xena holds up the ring which begins to glow brightly. This distracts Xena and Grin pins her arms to her sides, and lifts her up by the upper arms. Where's Gabs with the chakram when you need her? Xena ain't done talking though. "Grinhilda, look inside your heart! Find the woman you once were. Forgive me....forgive me...forgive me." Then Xena breaks into song from The Bitter Suite! Nah, just making sure you were still paying attention. Xena throws back her head and cries out in anguish as we cut to Gabrielle and Beowulf outside. "Xena?" cries Gabs, and she looks as she's going to move to the cave, but when the explosion starts, she pulls Beowulf in the opposite direction. Xena walks out of the cave, none the worse for the wear, and holds up the Rhinegold, formerly known as the Ring to show Gabrielle all is okay. Grinhilda walks out of the cave. "Grinhilda?" Gabs asks. "That's right," Xena repiles. She turns to Beo. "Beowulf, I'll always be indebted to you for bringing me back here." "I needed the best. The legends didn't lie, Xena, you are the greatest warrior I've ever known." Xena whispers back, "Thank you, Friend." She sees two horses waiting for them, and puts a hand on Grin's shoulder. "Let's take you home." Gabs hugs Beo and says, "Thank you." "I'll miss you," he says, with a fond smile. "You have a good heart, Beoulf," she responds. "If it hadn't been for you, I'd still be in Brunhilda's flames." She gives a tiny laugh. Beowulf answers, "I think we both know Xena would have found you eventually." I think that statement says a lot. He knew he didn't have a chance with Gabs, but was bent on saving her anyway. I like that. He kisses Gabs hand, and she walks toward Xena who is waiting patiently on one of the horses. Gabs turns and smiles at the air. "Thank you, Brunhilda," she says. Hey, Gabs has braids in her hair! "God's speed, Gabrielle," Brun's voice whispers back. Gabrielle climbs on a rock and takes Xena's offered hand to climb up behind her. Check out Xena's hand on Gabs butt! I guess she doesn't want Gabbers to go tumbling off backwards! Xena leads the flying horses into the sky as Beo and Dean watch. Dean starts to say something, but Beo cuts him off with a hand. "Not a word, Wigwaff (or whatever)...not a word".

Gabs was just dying to ride on one of those flying horses, you know she was! "You all right?" Xena asks her, to which she gets an emphatic, "Yeah!" This time, the close ups are good, but the long shot is very poorly done. Xena and Grin exchange...err...grins....and they ride to Valhala. Xena marches in by herself, and is stopped by some guards. Odin seems surprised to see Xena and to see she's "found herself again". Guess what he wants? The ring, of course. Xena says, "I have brought something back that belongs here yes." Odin expresses disbelief and Xena whispers in full Xena form, "Grinhilda is the best thing that happened to Valhala before it was poisoned with my bloodlust." Odin wants to know what she wants, and Grin wants to be head Valkyris again. Odin says "I'll think about it," and Xena approaches him. "Don't think too long." Love the delivery on that line! Odin knows she has the power to kill gods, but I think he doesn't hesitate just because Xena is...well...she's Xena. "Welcome back, Grinhilda," he says.

Xena turns to Gabs who had entered with Grin. "Thirty five years ago. The shame makes it feel like it was yesterday." Well, technically, it was thirty six years ago, but who am I to argue with the Warrior Princess? Gabs replies, "Memories are powerful, Xena. I'm just thankful that yours brought you back to me." They are walking out of the room. "There's one that's still troubling me," Xena replies.

Did someone say Rhine maidens? Boy, they weren't happy to see her! "Stay back, Xena! You took all we had years ago!" Seems like Rhine Maiden One bears a grudge! Can't blame her! This Xena isn't disguising her expression though. It's easy to tell she's being sincere when she holds up the Rhinegold, telling them she's there to apologize and return it. Gabriellle is watching all this from the edge of the river. Xena swims over to RM1 and hands the Rhinegold to her, causing her to say, "What magic has made Xena into such a noble creature that she would give up the power of the Rhinegold?" I knew the answer. So do you. "It wasn't magic," she replies, and looks over at Gabs with a love filled expression. Gabs just smiles back, her nose wrinkling. She looks so much younger with this hairstyle...it's a wonderful moment, even better than the exchange of Who's Gurkhan? We fade out on Gabrielle's smile.

So that's it...a play by play call of the episode the way I saw it. The episode was a bit rushed, so many loose ties to finish up, but all in all, a terrific end to a fantastic trilogy. True, nothing was really answered in the Xena-Gabs relationship, but it's nice to see it reaffirmed in such strong style. Can't wait for the next episodes!

The disclaimer is "Any similarities between our story and the classic fairy tale is purely coincidental." Sure it is. But my question is...even though Xena didn't consumate her marriage, is she technically married to Rothgar?

By the gods, I hope not!

Here's Gary's thoughts on this one...

This is the third and final episode about Odin and the Valks. First,the music,very Wagner-like,was haunting and well-done. The costuming was good and most of the problems got solved at the end. Best of all,Gabby gets her long hair back,after sleeping in Brunhilda's flames for a year as Xena has a memory loss.

Odin does not appear to be a very powerful god at all. As the Greek gods do,he tosses fireballs which are dodged easily.Xena bats them aside as a baseball.

The Valks are described as having "special powers",but the only one shown to have this is Brunhilda,who can turn herself into a protective pillar of fire to keep Gab safe while Xena tries to find her memory.

Remember,Xena kills two Valks who are pushed off their flying horses and fall to their death. Beowulf kills a Valk,and Xena pushes one into the flame to her death. There is no special power to save these Valks,who,according to legend,are mortals who escort the dead warriors to Valhalla.

Why didn't Odin try to get the Rhine Gold from the Rhine Maidens....Xena,not a god,was able to do this and forge a ring. Odin certainly would have been able to do this,as a god....

He doesn't seem to be much of a warrior-god....just rides around and acts a little mean,esp. to his Valks.

Beowulf,last episode,The Ring,got stabbed pretty well with a sword thrust from a Valk....in Return,he gets stuck thru the body by a hand or finger from the monster,who looks a lot like the monster in Alien....same sort of general appearance,but seems to be made of a wood-like substance.In any case,he bounces back in each episode as if he was not hurt.

His young warrior buddy gets hit with a thrown dagger and goes down,but is okay at the end of the episode. These guys are tough!

The ending with Xena asking over and over for forgiveness from the monster,and her asking forgiveness from the Rhine Maidens was good.Remember in Forgiven,she didn't want to ask for forgiveness. Maybe after all she has bee thru,she is changing and can really think she will be forgiven this time.

A nice touch was the Sleeping Beauty scene where Xena finally kisses Gab to wake her up.Notice,the two of them do not share a kiss.....Xena kisses Gab.There is a difference(not that it makes any difference between friends),but it reminded me of King Con,where the guy kisses Xena----they do not share a kiss or Xena does not kiss HIM. It still was a great scene,and seeing Gab with her hair extensions,as in Season 1,until her real hair grew in, was great. Also,her outfit was a little different. I really hope they can get back to saving villages and kicking warlord butt,as they always used to do. We do not need any more "growing".If they haven't established who and what they are by now,they never will. I give this episode an "A". Here's hoping that the re-runs do not take too long before we can see the next new ones.

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Return of the Valkyrie Part 1
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