Hooves and Harlots

• Xena and Gabrielle meet the Amazons.
  • "You know the Amazon ways and yet you’re not one of us," says Terreis to Xena. "And you’re really not one of us," she says, taking in Gabrielle.
    "Hey, don’t judge a scroll by its paper," replies Gabrielle.
• Terreis flirts with Gabrielle, who, of course, responds to it.
  • "The Amazon world is based on truth: on women’s individual strength."
    "Well I’m all for that!" says Gabrielle. "I’ve always considered myself a single minded person."
• There is tension between Xena and Ephiny.*
  • "Something about me you find interesting?" asks Xena.
    "Yes."
    "Wanna tell me?"
    "No."
    "Then stop staring at me before I take your eyes out."
• Xena is very protective of Gabrielle.
  • When they hear a twig snap, Xena yells "Gabrielle!" and then takes her hand.
• Gabrielle endangers herself for her new found friend, Terreis.
  • Gabrielle throws herself over Terreis to protect her from arrows.
  • As Terreis dies, she admires Gabrielle.
    • "What you did, only an Amazon would do for another Amazon. I want to give you my right of caste."
• Xena rides off towards centaur land, leaving Gabrielle in the Amazon village.
  • "This is probably the safest place for you to be. The Amazons will protect you because of Terreis."
    • Xena does not know about the right of caste. So the basis of her opinion must be on the obvious bond that developed between Gabrielle and Terreis. The Amazons will respect it.
• Gabrielle is dressed by the Amazons. sigh...
  • As they are dressing her, one of them describes Terreis: "Terreis was an Amazon in the purest sense."
    • Gabrielle smiles and rubs her breasts.
• The Amazons welcome Gabrielle with a party.
  • "Time to dance, princess," says one Amazon, drawing Gabrielle into the circle to dance with them.
• "She’s annoying. How have you put up with her?" Ephiny asks Xena, referring to Gabrielle.
  "Hey, she puts up with me fine!" responds Gabrielle.
• And finally, at the end, Gabrielle needs to make a promise to Xena that she will never keep any secrets from her.

Well, this is a momentous episode for Gabrielle. This is where she discovers her weapon of choice, the staff. It also marks her first fighting scene. Strangely enough though, she is back to her first outfit, the ‘peasant’ outfit. There is definitely some chemistry going on between Gabrielle and the Amazons, in particular Terreis. Meanwhile, Ephiny is on the prowl for some warrior princess action. i think this episode is well placed, for it marks Gabrielle’s return to women from her brief daliances in the past two episodes. Time for her now to get back to Xena.
*insight provided by Robert H.