Altared States

Finally, after a bunch of subtext-lite episodes comes this! It starts off with the camera panning by Xena's clothing hanging up on some trees, and the sounds of water and giggling. "How's that?" asks Gabrielle. "Very good." purrs Xena. "Really?" "Come on, Gabrielle, you've been wanting to do this for ages. Just reach under this rock...give it your best shot." "Okay..." Gabrielle swimming nude with Xena, ducks her head under water. Xena pauses, then smiles, satisfied with something. Gabrielle emerges with a fish. Later, evil guy of the week is talking to his troops about Xena: "All you have to do is look at her to see she's unnatural! An affront to God! A woman with the strength of 10 men?! Out in the world alone save only her scrawny little companion? It's a complete abomniation!" Interesting that this religious -right sounding speech comes in an episode about one true god. Anyway, Gabrielle gets drugged with henbane and collapses at Xena's feet saying, "By the gods...you're beautiful!" Also, They are both trapped on a rope in a well. The way Gabrielle climbs up Xena's body is rather suggestive. Afterwards she asks "Did I hurt you?" "No no," responds Xena, "loving every moment of it." (Thanks, SapphicPoetess!) Too bad this otherwise excellent episode has a cheesy-ass ending.