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shadlad24 · 3 years

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Foiled by a Foil

The Loss of Innocents

So, in “Sacrifice II,” this happens:

Several people have wondered why. Well, I believe having a flashback to something that happened literally a moment prior is meant to underscore the parallels between two characters, along with tying together all that another lost.

The warrior princess has murdered a once-innocent young girl whose life she ruined and soul she twisted, twice in as many seconds. Because yet again, her blind fury over Solan’s death has killed Gabrielle (to Xena’s perspective, anyway; I think Gabrielle very much had agency in that moment). Then that same impulsive thoughtlessness turned around and killed someone who had become Gabrielle’s foil even more than she was Xena’s. Callisto had finally overcome her lust for revenge to the point of wanting to die, just like Gabrielle forfeited multiple chances for vengeance and instead nearly drank the poison she gave Hope, which Xena witnessed.

Something forgotten far and wide is that in one instant Xena loses everyone whose lives hers revolved around, all she’s thought about, for years. Her only child is gone, and she has finally fully avenged him. Every other character who played a part in Solan’s death has been defeated and/or destroyed—Dahak, Hope, Gabrielle, and Callisto–all within minutes of each other. So, what does Xena have to live for? Her work is done.

And now, who remains beside her? Joxer? Ares? She doesn’t care for either one of them beyond mild affection and detached annoyance. Of course, there is no need to argue that Xena still has and loves Cyrene, but her mother has never commanded the same space in Xena’s heart, mind, or life that her partner and enemies do. Toris is a non-entity, and Lyceus, their father, and grandparents died long ago, as did M’Lila, Borias, Lao Ma, and Akemi.

Perhaps, too, beyond giving Callisto exactly what she wanted, which Xena had been against doing the whole episode, Xena realizes that she’s taken something huge from herself at the same time. At least if she had allowed Callisto to laugh and then blaze her merry way out of there, Xena would still have purpose. She could hunt Callisto to the ends of the earth for vengeance, would have someone other than herself to blame. Callisto helped Hope kill Solan; Callisto gloried in Gabrielle’s death, which could thinly be attributed to her as well. But now, by slaying Callisto, Xena has nothing.

The last major piece of the puzzle is that in dispatching Callisto, Xena finally sees the appeal of the immortal’s desire. Oblivion and the end of her suffering or the underworld and reunion with her loved ones, how much better would it be for Xena to be in either of those places rather than left behind in the realm of the living? Xena does not know but will soon go searching for that answer…

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena and gabrielle #gabrielle #callisto #sacrifice II #fan theory #the rift arc #parallels #solan #hope #dahak

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girl4music · 4 years

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Tarot representation in 'The Bitter Suite' with the Major Arcana: 22 Archetypes

The Rider-Waite tarot deck is really cleverly used in the episode 'The Bitter Suite'. It's mostly Major Arcana representation but there are also a few Minor Arcana cards represented in it too. That being of The King of Swords, The Queen of Pentacles and The Two of Cups. My reason for doing this post is to show people how creative and intelligent and artistic this episode actually is, AND WHY IT’S MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE!!!

The Tarot can teach us many things, but most of all that... just like the cards themselves... there are always two sides to every story. Enjoy!

0 – The Fool (Callisto’s first card in Illusia; Aleph.) - The Fool is the happy wanderer who sees the world through the eyes of a child. Most tarot experts agree that The Fool represents each of us—naive travelers through life, off on a grand adventure, out to learn whatever experience the tarot can teach us.

I – The Magician (Joxer’s second card in Illusia.) - The Magician is the skilled and cunning master of all he surveys. He represents an individual in control of life's tools and techniques, like those on the table in front of him. Typically, they include a cup, sword, pentacle, and wand—the four symbols of the Minor Arcana.

II – The High Priestess (Xena’s first card in Illusia.) - The High Priestess is the enigmatic keeper of spiritual secrets. Secretive and guarded, she knows the secrets life holds—but she shares them only with the wise.

III – The Empress (Gabrielle’s first card in Illusia.) - The Empress is the archetypal mother who nurtures and protects all of her creation, including humankind.

IV – The Emperor (Ares’ first card in Illusia. His second card is of The King of Swords but that is not part of the Major Arcana.) - The Emperor is the authoritative protector and provider who rules the known world. A father figure, he brings order out of chaos so that civilization can prosper.

V – The Hierophant (it’s possible Lila could represent this card.) - The Hierophant is a symbol of traditional authority and influence. He's the head of a hierarchy, determined to maintain his religious and cultural traditions.

VI – The Lovers (Xena and Gabrielle having a lover’s spat.) - The Lovers embody the twin principles of opposition and attraction. While an appearance by this couple could encourage any hopeless romantic, the card also signifies a choice to be made between two equally strong desires.

VII – The Chariot (the mode of transportation Xena and Ares ride on.) - The Chariot is a vehicle for forward motion and change. The young charioteer is in command of his physical and emotional drives, even when they seem to oppose each other.

VIII – Strength (Gabrielle’s third card in Illusia.) - Strength is the lovely lady with the heart of a lion. She gently holds the jaws of a powerful wild cat, patiently controlling a force that could otherwise eat her alive.

IX – The Hermit (Joxer’s third card in Illusia.) - The Hermit is a recluse, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He reflects on spiritual concerns, and carries the light of wisdom as a beacon for others to follow.

X – The Wheel of Fortune (drawn by Callisto with the four animal figures: (the Lion, the Ox, the Snake, the Eagle.), as well as Anubis and The Sphinx.) - The Wheel of Fortune is the spinning wheel of destiny and fate. Because nothing is certain but change itself, the Wheel of Fortune reminds us all that what goes up must also come down.

XI – Justice (Callisto’s second card in Illusia.) - Justice is both the giver and enforcer of laws. As the ultimate arbiter, she holds a two-edged sword—a reminder that fairness cuts both ways.

XII – The Hanged Man (Joxer’s first card in Illusia.) - The Hanged Man sacrifices his comfort and passions for a time, knowing that better things will occur as a result. He is the visionary who sacrifices one life to be rewarded with another.

XIII – Death (represented twice throughout the episode. When Xena kills Gabrielle and when Xena dons a purple shift and is tied to the cross.) - Death is the card of transition. Like the Grim Reaper, who clears away all that cannot survive, the card depicts the turning of a page, the completion of one chapter of life, and the exciting start of a new story.

XIV – Temperance (Gabrielle’s second card in Illusia.) - Temperance is the archangel of balance. With dexterity and grace, Temperance demonstrates that moderation can serve as a bridge to wholeness.

XV – The Devil (Dahak’s evil flame represents this card.) - The Devil is the dark and shadowy side of our existence. With tongue firmly in cheek, he demonstrates how a selfish devotion to material possessions and ill-conceived passions can tie us down and keep us from true happiness.

XVI – The Tower (the Halls of Echoes being struck by lightning.) - The Tower is a forceful clearing of pent-up energy that strikes like lightning. It's a bolt from the blue, and it can shake any overbuilt structure to its foundation.

XVII – The Star (this card is probably represented each time Xena and Gabrielle are naked, which happens 4 times in this episode.) - The Star is a shining light in the darkness. Like the goddess of the night, she's the blithe spirit who offers hope, inspiration, and guidance.

XVIII – The Moon (this is the card Ming Tien represents.) - The Moon is the ever-changing mirror of the sun, and a symbol of the unconscious mind. From its perch in the night sky, the moon represents secrets and mysteries that may not be understood—or even recognized.

XIX – The Sun (this is the card Solan represents.) - The Sun is a symbol of consciousness and action. It's the center of the universe, and the source of heat, illumination, and life on earth.

XX – Judgement (the is the dark figure with the trumpet.) - Judgment reveals all, heralds the dawn of a new world, and stands as a reminder of the power of forgiveness.

XXI – The World (this is what they return to to start all over again.) - The World depicts the never-ending, spiral dance of life. It's a card of completion and success—as well as the chance to start another round.

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shanie-the-toyaddict · 4 years

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MASTERLIST OF MUSIC VIDEOS

Here is a full listing of all of my music videos that I currently have made and saved to my computer. NOTE: Many of these are not currently available for viewing due to YT copyright ish.

I’m not currently posting links for most of them, but my YT channel is “Shanie O Maniac” if you want to look them up.

Doctor Who Videos [DW indicates New Who only videos]

Doctor Who: The Brigadier Tribute – Hero (Chad Kroeger)

Doctor Who: Companions – Friends Never Say Goodbye (Elton John) [Version I & II]

Doctor Who: 50 Years – Thks Fr Th Mmrs (Fall Out Boy)

DW: “A Christmas Carol” - Walking In The Air (Nightwish)

DW: The Doctor – I Stand Alone (Godsmack)

DW: The Eleventh Doctor – Raise Your Glass (P!NK)

Doctor Who: The Doctor and The Master – Princes of the Universe (Queen)

DW: The Pond Family – Who Wants To Live Forever (Queen)

DW: The Pond Family – Elevation (U2)

Doctor Who: The Doctor – Broken Dreams (WWE Drew McIntyre Theme)

DW: The Doctor & Sexy (The TARDIS) - Runaway (3 Doors Down)

How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother – What's My Age Again (Blink-182)

HIMYM: Barney Stinson – All That I’m Living For (Evanescence)

HIMYM: Barney/Ted - Do What You Want (OK Go)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy: Dark Willow – Down With The Sickness (Disturbed) [Version III]

Buffy: “Superstar” - The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest Theme [Version II]

Xena Warrior Princess

Xena: Xena/Ares - Shameless (Billy Joel)

Xena: Xena, Gabrielle, and Joxer – Holding Out For A Hero (Bonnie Tyler) [Video Vixen Remake]

Shane McMahon Tributes

Shane McMahon – You’re Gonna Go Far Kid (The Offspring)

Shane McMahon – Written In The Stars (Tinie Tempah)

Shane McMahon – Kings (Tribe Society) [Riff on actual WWE Video]

Shane McMahon – I Am The Fire (Halestorm) {Version I & II]

Shane McMahon – Feet on the Ground (Shawn Michaels DVD Song)

MISC Fandom

M*A*S*H – Weathered (Creed) [Version I & II]

MCU: Steve/Bucky - War (Poets of the Fall)

Sherlock – Where Is The Edge (Within Temptation)

Multi-Fandom

Shanie’s Fandom History – The Final Countdown (Europe) [Multiple Versions]

Fandom Crack – It's The End Of The World As We Know It (REM)

#Music Video Masterpost

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prurientpuddlejumper · 5 years

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My Gifs Masterlist

Brad Dourif

Raúl Esparza

Christopher Heyerdahl

Stargate Atlantis

Todd the Wraith (Stargate Atlantis)

Stargate SG-1

Sanctuary

Brahms Heelshire (The Boy, 2016)

Vincent Sinclair (House of Wax, 2005)

Chucky Movies

Death Machine

Frankenstein (2004)

Blade II

A Bit of Fry & Laurie

Hannibal/Community

Joxer

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lynnearlington · 5 years

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So I love Xena and my friends respect the love but they don’t really watch it, so I need someone to scream with me about how amazing Callisto is and how the season 3 storyline is just the best thing ever

Dude, my inbox is ALWAYS open for that content. Callisto was the Best and should have been a series regular all six seasons like can you imagine if they just gave her a redemption arc and instead of Joxer as the usual third wheel it was a trying-to-be-good-and-failing Callisto? Hudson did such a good job with her and I wish her redemption storyline was more organic and less like becomes an angel and impregnates Xena. Even if they just kept her as a bored immortal that popped in and chilled with them whenever Ares style it would have been so much better.

Season 3 is a gem, Sacrifice Part II is one of my all time favorite season finales on any show.

#Anonymous

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roaminganon · 6 years

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As much as people love to hate on Joxer, he was the most loyal friend they had. While they had visits from Hercules or Iolaus or Autolycus, Joxer was with them through the ups and downs in their lives. He was by their side when they were dealing with the adult Hope. He was with them when nearly all the gods were against them. He searched for them while at the same time taking care of Gabrielle’s scrolls and Argo and Argo II, while finding time to still be a husband and father and run a restaurant devoted to his friends. If that’s not a true friend, I don’t know what is.

#joxer the mighty #xena

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scarstarved · 1 year

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Ted Raimi as Joxer II Hercules: The Legendary Journeys · 4x5 “Stranger in a Strange World”

#hercules: the legendary journeys #h:tlj #herculesedit #xena: warrior princess #xenaedit #ted raimi #tedraimiedit #joxer the mighty #joxer ii #filmedit #filmgifs #tvedit #tvgifs #tvandfilm #televisiongifs #cinematv #cinemapix #gifs*

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scarstarved · 8 months

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Constantly waking up and thinking about how alternate Joxer's are battle-worn. Joxer II with a series of scars at his left brow, Roman Soldier Joxer with a scar against his right cheekbone.

Both have fought for their lives at times, so for all we know, they have more scars hidden under their chosen attire.

One of them being part of a resistance group, constantly fighting tooth-and-nail to keep their neck under a Godly Tyrant's whim. The other is a veteran of the front lines, becoming a part of the Praetorian Elite (wears purple garb that is challenging to come by and saved only for the Emperor's Guard).

Also, aside from the intense saturation of color for both episodes to aid the viewer in differentiating timelines, both men are very tan.

One's a survivor who may have spent the earliest parts of his life at granaries and vineyards, or fishing and hunting, before becoming enslaved and forced to work the mines and quarries. His only choice is to rise and fight for freedom. The other is a soldier standing at his post on the wall, protecting civilians, roads, cargo and reserves, until war-sworn duties are called. He's then made to protect a tyrant's way of life. Each scenario has the sun beating down on you relentlessly. They've been worked and out in the elements.

The Joxer we know is relatively pale in comparison. He's also not marred.

Albeit well traveled, Joxer found company with others who allow him to be a little more reserved in what he does and where he finds himself. For the most part, there's no life or death decisions to be made regularly. He can pick and choose his whereabouts, along with the decision to stay and fight. He can always move with the shade and never get his hands dirty. The last thing he wants to do is hurt someone and have them respond in kind.

Joxer never gets hurt to the extent it would be displayed permanently.

#📝#analysis #joxer the mighty #xena: warrior princess #hercules: the legendary journeys #ted raimi #just me rambling with something i've been thinking about a lot. like it's actually eating at me

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scarstarved · 1 year

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I've been tagged by @slaasherslut for this one. Appreciate it, dear! 🫶💜

Favourite Color: Sea Green / Mint Currently Reading: 'You've Lost A Lot Of Blood' by Eric LaRocca Last Song: 'Bury Us' by Dead On A Sunday Last Movie: Open Grave (2013) *Rewatch. I recommend it Last Series: Psycho-Pass (2012-) *Rewatch. A comfort, really Sweet, Savoury or Spicy: Savoury Craving: Been craving this prime rib dip I would get as a kid from a place called Drysdale's II back when I used to live in Hawai'i. Found out they closed down/were bought out a few years after I moved away, and I've never been able to find a satisfying replacement. 😔 Tea or Coffee: Coffee! I drink Don Francisco's Hawaiian Hazelnut religiously.

Currently Working On: 4 wips, and it kills me. The last two are very self indulgent. Will I ever post these though? Who knows 🙃

A Travis (the Quarry) centered micro fic I've been staring at for a long time now that I can't set straight. It surrounds a very personal headcanon of mine and I'm being so fickle about it. It keeps trying to brute force its way into becoming a longer fic.

Another small micro fic for reader & Ares (Xena: WP) surrounding temple worship in search of a blessing for the following days' event.

Gonna be embarassed on this one, but... I have one of reader 'taking care' of Joxer (Xena: WP, again) recovering from feverish side effects of Lotus Wine.

And another is for Dennis (Skinner) getting lost in the intamacy of reader washing him clean.

Tagging: @leonkennedy-s, @mottles, @ukulelette, @andrew3garfield, @bloodcoveredgf, @vvayne, @xccentriktigress, @smolbeandrabbles, @dastmalchianss If any of you want 🙂 Absolutely no pressure. (And anyone else who would like to!)

#text #tag game #slaasherslut #ty for tagging me!

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shadlad24 · 3 years

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Solving Even More Problems with Ares, Part 1

Today, I answer my last five questions about Ares. Let’s begin!

How did his crazy deals with Gabrielle work?

Somehow I missed this way back when, but Gabrielle explains the main part of this issue in “Sacrifice II.” Ignore the verbal and mental gymnastics Ares and the Fates did; just listen to the sweet wabbit! haha Thanks, love! 😀❤

Otherwise, I think Ares was lying in “Soul Possession.” He never had Gabrielle’s soul, nor did the battling bard make a second deal with him. He didn’t even save her from the lava pit, I don’t think. Aphrodite did. Please check out that post and one I recently reblogged, A Favor to the God of War?, for further information on my skepticism about Ares’s claims. Or see the following collage.

Why does nothing that happened to him post-series make sense?

The future is changeable. We see a concrete example of this phenomenon with Xena’s vision over season four. Originally, Gabrielle has no discernible tattoos but clear whip marks around her torso. Too, she is so at peace that she keeps smiling while Xena falters and even when a nail about to be driven through her own hand. By the time the vision plays out, Gabrielle is much more upset. Tearful, helpless, and afraid, she silently pleads with Xena for reassurance and gets it. Then she gives some back. Also, both women’s facial wounds are different, the previous lash marks encircling Gabrielle’s waist are gone, she’s covered in henna tattoos, and Xena’s last words change verb tense.

As such, “The Xena Scrolls” came about through a timeline in which “Chakram” (and the story from there forward) went differently; for whatever reason, Xena did not combine the chakrams. Hence, the dark one remained in two pieces, and Xena and Eve gave Ares an ultimatum much later: Lie dormant while retaining limited access to his powers and the ability to be freed someday or die in the Twilight of the Gods. “The Xena Scrolls” then flows directly into “Déjà Vu All Over Again,” “Send in the Clones,” and “Soul Possession.” One caveat with that last episode? It comes from a scroll written by Joxer rather than Gabrielle. …Joxer, whose defining characteristics are being a deluded poser, pretending to be someone he’s not, making things up, and taking credit for other people’s achievements. Who would have copied down Ares’s words and presumably took them at face value.

So, not only did all the present-day episodes spawn from an alternate timeline, the final one was very likely a multifaceted lie. There was never a marriage contract between Xena and Ares in the main timeline, which is why he never demanded it back during the last half of the show as we saw it and why Xena didn’t remind him of it whenever he pestered her for an heir throughout the fifth season. This theory further explains how Alti “escaped” the sacred amber enchantment Yakut, Xena, and Gabrielle used to eternally trap the shamaness’s soul within her bones. Just a couple of episodes after the fork in the road that was “Chakram,” that version of her didn’t get tricked into it; the Ares-trapping version of Xena didn’t go to the Northern Steppes, dealt with Alti in another way, what have you.

Well, it all seems plausible to me, but what do you guys think? Lemme know! Thanks. 😀

Continue to Part 2.

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena and gabrielle #xena and ares #ares #ares and xena #fan theory #god of war #joxer the mighty #joxer #headcanon #alti

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shadlad24 · 3 years

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A Family Fling (Dark Version)

Or, That One Time Xena and Gabrielle Weren’t the Married Couple; Xena and Joxer Were… And That Wasn’t Even the Weirdest Part. Wut?

So, after the recent messes with the reblogs and perpetual dissatisfaction and editing, I’ve FINALLY made a new cracksub-episode post. Using the idea from Them Bones and Boneheads, I made this one going off of an old running commentary I did. I thought it’d be short, like What in the Gurkhan?, since this episode too is quite heartbreaking, but I ended up doing way too much, as I did with both “Bones” and The Comedy of Amphipolis. You’re welcome? :”) But, uh, sorry about the small text sometimes; the shots were generally a lot closer than I’m used to, which left a lot less space for the cracksubs, and I am short-circuiting on how to not be verbose. Also, why did I keep thinking I was making an FFLM and getting sidetracked by that notion so often? Halp. :”)

Ahem! Without further ado, I present to you the “A Family Affair” cracksubs!

Great beginning, the funniest moment from “Sacrifice II” and an explanation of Ares’s super confusing deal with Gabrielle. That’s totally not what he said, sweet pea, but thanks for putting it that way. X”)

So, for some reason, these two spend most of the episode bickering like an old married couple. Stop trying to replace Gabrielle, Joxer! Heh :”) #IfTheShoeFits

Yikes. / Yup.

And Xena’s back to her tendency that I highlighted in the “Mortal Beloved” section of More Funny Little Moments #2: Season 1, Episodes 13-24.

Hope gets to spend most of this post being a, well, relatively good mother to her son. X”P

Of course, Xena tosses away an effective tool against The Destroyer as soon as she sees it’s useful …just like she threw poor Gabriel though he could teleport.

If you don’t know what ^ is a reference too, then please click here.

*gif below*

They might not realize it, but the ladies of Gabrielle’s family have a lot in common with Xena. They too struggle with simple observation. X”D

*gif below*

^ calls back to FFLM#18. But this time, Gabrielle cannot for the life of her keep her hands off Lila. heh

No, the last two weren’t funny, but… yeah. I will always have deep sympathy for Hope. :”) Here’s an exploration of her POV during their last reunion and my analysis of her from this episode.

I swear, GabrEna are SO weird. X”) And they’ll only get worse…

(Ooh! If you have no idea how I came up with Xena and The Destroyer being half-siblings, then please check the tail end of this theory out.)

Yup.

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena and gabrielle #gabrielle #comedy #cracksubs #fan theory #edits #joxer the mighty #hope #the destroyer #ares #dahak

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shadlad24 · 3 years

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A Family Fling (Light Version)

Or, That One Time Xena and Gabrielle Weren’t the Married Couple; Xena and Joxer Were… And That Wasn’t Even the Weirdest Part. Wut?

So, rather than delete the original post, I’ve decided to make a separate version that cuts out most of the angst.

Without further ado, I present to you a lighter “A Family Affair” cracksubs!

So, for some reason, these two spend most of the episode bickering like an old married couple. Stop trying to replace Gabrielle, Joxer! Heh :”) #IfTheShoeFits

Aaand Xena’s back to her tendency that I highlighted in the “Mortal Beloved” section of More Funny Little Moments #2: Season 1, Episodes 13-24.

Hope gets to spend most of this post being a pretty “typical” mother to her son. X”P

Of course, Xena tosses away an effective tool against The Destroyer as soon as she sees that it’s useful …just like she threw poor Gabriel though he could teleport.

If you don’t know what ^ is a reference too, then please click here.

*gif below*

D’aw. I kinda like when Gabrielle gets to be the dumb-butt once in a while. Heh Perhaps she got into the habit from hanging out with Aphrodite all summer?

They might not realize it, but the ladies of Gabrielle’s family have a lot in common with Xena. They too struggle with simple observation. X”D

*gif below*

^ calls back to FFLM#18. But this time, Gabrielle cannot for the life of her keep her hands off Lila. heh

I swear, GabrEna are SO weird. X”) And they’ll only get worse…

(Ooh! If you have no idea how I came up with Xena and The Destroyer being half-siblings, then please check the tail end of this theory out.)

Yup.

Previous Episode Cracksubs: The Comedy of Amphipolis, What in the Gurkhan?, and Them Bones and Boneheads.

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena and gabrielle #gabrielle #comedy #cracksubs #fan theory #edits #joxer the mighty #hope #the destroyer #ares #dahak

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shadlad24 · 3 years

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Running Commentary on “A Family Affair”

Again since I feel like it, here is the running commentary I typed up while watching AFA for the first time and chatting with a friend. If this isn’t my favorite episode, then it is at least one of the most poignant to me.

(Notes grouped by scene; some scenes skipped ’cuz my friend likes to wander off and sometimes, I try to not be obsessive. heh + Fail.)

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Aww, Joxie. For once. X')

I like that he’s a bit more human, but I also don’t like it ’cuz it means that one forum was right. He WILL have a much bigger role this season, won’t he? :(

LOL / Geez, Xena!

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I have a feeling that this is Hope. Yeah, something’s off... Xena shiver-twitched like it was Ares appearing behind her. + No way would Gabrielle have greeted Joxer that way, right? Especially not with how he butted in between her and Xena; she’d respond to that much more like she did upon reawakening in “Forget Me Not,” no? This seems more like someone who only knows that Joxer is almost as close to Gabrielle as Xena is (per that Hope-Joxer conversation from “Sacrifice II”) would think to react to seeing him again.

…Maybe they’re trying to make us like him more since he is gonna be around more from now on? Like, if Gabrielle, the loving angel who hates this fool, is happy Joxer is here, then I guess we gotta be happy with him too… Dang it.

Ooooookay? So, Gabby/Hope fell a long time, got knocked into a crevice of magical safety (despite falling straight down with no possible wind or collision) and passed out, all that… But HOW did she get out of the pit? ...It was Ares again, wasn’t it? *eye roll*

Aw, Hope got good at being human, though not Gabrielle, perhaps. :’) She’s even almost matched Gabrielle’s voice, and she looks so happy. :’) But how does she know Gabby’s catchphrase, “By the gods”? Maybe both picked it up from GW’s family?

Why is she being so weird about the killings? This is definitely not Gabby. Why is she in Potidaea? Hmm…

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-_- / XD Joxer is so …DUMB! “Any sister of Gabrielle’s is part of her family!” Ya don’t say?

Also, LOL @ G’s father. If he thinks Xena was bad for Gabby from the tiny bit he knows now, then imagine him knowing that Xena treated Gabby horribly; abandoned her; ignored her; couldn’t care less about her feelings; tried to kill her child, again and again; tried to kill HER again and again… :’)

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Xena throwing the apple to Hope reminds me of Philemon (?) throwing an apple to Xena, and figuring out, by Xena catching it, that “Princess Diana” was not herself. Perhaps this Xena-Hope moment is meant to be a callback that Philemon-Xena moment, a hint that Xena DOES have an inkling that “Gabrielle” is not as she seems. GW has been shown to sometimes be clumsy, right? It could match… [This idea really plays well during one of the bloopers from this exact moment, where Renee misses catching the apple, and then instantly squishes her face into an adorably silly, definitely NOT-Hope expression XD]

Okay, yeah. The monster runs right past Gabrielle without even trying to get her, and she doesn’t move out of its way or to do a thing to help Xena.

!!! Lookit her face! This is Hope.

Wow, it gets bright in Potidaea quick!

(Why didn’t Hope help her son? She could have used her powers and pretended like they were his— thrown Xena around or even killed her—while pretending to be get tossed around too, no? Dumb.)

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Ha! Xena gets it too. Finally!

What the? Joxer’s quote is weird again! “I guess the person you saw in your vision really was Hope after all!” when neither one of them ever thought that it was her until that moment. LOL That’d be like if right when Gabrielle first started throwing up after “The Deliverer,” Xena was like, “Ah-ha! So you ARE gonna be the mother of darkness after all! JUST as I suspected!” Pft

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HEEEE!!! GabrEna (HopEna? XD) twin faces! Why does Hope make such a Gabrielle-like expression upon hearing that the bridge has been out of order for years? No one but us can see her face, and Gabrielle never made that expression that near Hope X’D Tsk, tsk, Ren! You’re already obviously NOT GW, so what’s with the face? XP <3

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And aw to Mr. Spiky! He’s so sad! Moreso than Hope does even, he just wants his momma’s love! :’) Such a sad baby.

Hope calls him beautiful :’) Aww! ...But does she hurt him? He keeps acting like he’s afraid she’s going to hit him. Maybe he’s just trying to keep from scratching or skewering her? Hm, okay.

Does he have a name besides The Destroyer? No? Let’s give him a name. I vote for Hodaries (HOpe, DAhak, GabRIelle, ArES)

Also... I feel like I gotta ask: If he’s that big and spiky at just a few weeks/months old… then how in the world did Hope give birth to him? OUCH! …And, uh, did she …nurse him?

And wasn’t he supposed to be one of six? What happened to that idea? Also-also, why does he look like none of his family members? He doesn’t even look like The Deliverer.

Ooh, ooh! I know! Hope got Gabrielle’s outer appearance and Dahak’s inner evil, while her son is the opposite. He looks like evil/Dahak on the outside, but is a sweetie like his grandma is on the inside. Awwwww!!!! That’s so... beautiful! And sad.

Ahem.

Hee!!! Ren’s angelic face is scarier than the friggin spike-ball demon thing XD Doesn’t Hope’s expression upon being scratched just scream, “Just WAIT until you’re done killing Xena tonight, mister! I’mma spank you something FIERCE!”? XD Can’t you just see teeny-tiny Ren with the giant spike demon over her knee, holding his tail out of the way and smacking his behind? XD

But did Hope hit him once he scratched her? ’cuz there’s a big WHACK! right after, but I can’t see what caused it.

Sorry; focusing.

Aw, she looks contrite? Regretful? …Huh. Yes, she reacts to sudden pain with anger, but she quickly calms down and reaches out to the one who hurt her. It’s kinda sweet in a way. Her reassurances do seem sincere. …Then again, her having to tell him that she won’t hurt him implies that she has in the past. Hm… And she does, as ever, keep her eyes on the prize. :’)

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Aw, Ren’s hair looks purdier than ever. They must have let Princess Diana brush it or something. XD [No, ‘twas Aphrodite X’D] And it’s over her shoulders instead of behind them. Is that what this is? *heart eyes* haha

AWWWWW! Gabby comes forward the same way a tiny tot wanting to walk to mommy but scared of falling down would. And the look on Xena’s face is definitely, “Myyyyyy baaaaaayyyybeeeeee!” but not romantically; Gabby’s her beloved little buddy with Lyceus/Solan hair :’)

(I definitely don’t think we saw Gabrielle walking through the forest more than once, by the way. It was all Hope after the first shot. Look at how she carries herself, shoulders tense and arms barely moving, chin and knees leading, fully ready to attack anything she comes across, presumably Xena; Gabrielle does not move like that.)

Awwwww! Xena says, "Oh, sweetheart! I’m so sorry!" while GW just stares in shock.

Why is GW acting like Xena’s the one back from the dead? XD SHE’s the one who jumped into a volcano. XD But for some reason, she’s like, “Oh em gee! You’re alive! I don’t know HOW you survived, standing around with that god-killing dagger! I thought you were a goner for sure!” She can’t even speak. :’) + Xena came at her screaming and ready to cut her in half, then asked if she’s really Gabrielle. Why is it a surprise that Hope survived??? Like, uh... Did you really think Xena would greet you like that in any other circumstance? LOL

(Then again, at the end of last season, she heard all about how the goddess of Dahak was going to be reborn, tackled Xena from slashing the cocoon so that Xena wouldn’t kill Hope and die, etc., etc. …But the second she’s sees an exact replica of herself coming out of that cocoon, she’s like, “Hope???” LOL! Like, “No! ’tis me! Autolycus! Don't you recognize me?” XD XD XD)

I swear, this girl… “You thought I was dead?” Seriously, WHAT is she expecting to hear? “Psh, no. You were carrying your money sack when you fell down that pit. You still owe me 50 dinars! That’s what I was REALLY worried about!”

“And hooo’lee CRAP am I glad you’re back! Now you can pay me back, so I can pay Joxer for taking a job as bait for Hope and Hodaries! Or I can pay those two to make sure they kill him. Either way, I don’t have to travel with him anymore! It’s a sure thing now! WOO!” XD

Seriously, why did Xena do that to the fool, though, by the way? XD Other fans saw the mission she gave him as sweet and respectful, but I saw it as monstrous. She practically sent Joxer to his death by having him go hang out with the animals that Hodaries has been killing and eating for who knows how long. [Goats were the long, twisted skeletons in the trees, no?] And if it wasn’t bad enough to send Joxer straight into Hodaries’s food supply, she also didn’t bother going to check on him or even think about him after reuniting with Gabrielle! LOL Jerk Xena

At the same time, she’s so sweet to Gabrielle here :”D Looook at her! This tiny moment totally gets me in the awz. She’s like, “I’m so glad you’re back!”

“I mean, sorry! Listening to your sad story at full attention!”

Her expression switches so quick. Awwwww!

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Hope looks like a child, cuddling that doll :’) And she still wants her mommy underneath it all, doesn’t she? She says she doesn’t care but is so obvious that she could not care more. :(

...It’s too bad Gabrielle never got to really talk to Hope. And it’s really too bad that Hope never got to know how much Gabrielle loved her in the beginning. Maybe if she had known, she would have turned out differently…

People give Hodaries flack/slack not being big, strong, or evil enough, but we can’t forget that he’s presumably the same age (if not double) that Hope was when she killed Solan. Gabrielle said in “Maternal Instincts” that it had been just a couple of months since everything in Brittania and this is four months after “Sacrifice,” so yeah. …I wonder how long Hope was pregnant. [Yes, Hope was only a few months old when Ares impregnated her—which SUPER ew!— and then not yet a year old when she dies for the final time here T_T] Ahem. Anyway, are Hodaries’s and Hope’s similar age a strike against her or a bonus point for him? Was he redeemable while she wasn’t? Or could they both been redeemable, her right after killing Solan? Or was Hodaries too far gone, and so Xena was right to orchestrate his death? Hm…

Op, Gabby’s being kinda dumb again… :’) “I saw you in the fire! Nobody could survive that!” says the girl who was on fire for... quite a long time, really, but came out of it without a single burn. That’s how she supposedly conceived Hope, isn’t it? (I still think Khrafstar assaulted her and planted a seed for Dahak to… uh, fertilize, if you will, but anyway…)

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Is Gabby being hurt when The Destroyer hugs her? She looks like she is in pain... + Awww! She’s so widdle! (This reminds me of when she screamed “It’s YOUR fault!” in “The Bitter Suite” and had to crane her head back to look Xena in the face, presumably even while on the balls of her feet X’D)

Awwww!!! They’re so saaaaaaaaaad!!! And Gabby’s really sad watching them die. Noooooo!!!! “Moooommaaaaaaaaa!!!!” Hodaries cries. At least Hope can finally hug him? T_T Oh! And he cradles her so, so gently… Awwwwwwww!!!

Ohh!!! Gabby wants to go to them! Mean Xena! …Maybe.

Poor Gabrielle, though! How many times does she have to lose Hope?! Literally and figuratively! That was the fifth friggin time, at least! In one year, no less.

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Interestingly, she has quick-changing reactions to Xena as well. But hers are quite different. This almost looks like hatred.

While here is fondness half a second later. I wonder what it means. ...I hope not another rift arc...

Will Gabrielle tell her family about Hope and The Destroyer? What will they do with the bodies and such? + I wonder what Hope told the family the whole time she was living with them; she seems to have obviously stirred up her grandparents against Xena, but did she mention her own existence? Even if in the way veiled way Gabrielle told Ephiny about Hope? Hmm…

Please click here for a final summation.

#xena #xena warrior princess #gabrielle #joxer the mighty #joxer #hope #the destroyer #dahak #a family affair #running commentary

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