Ep 12. Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts

Set in a fantasy world inspired by ancient Greece, Xena: Warrior Princess follows the adventures of the fierce and skilled warrior Xena (played by Lucy Lawless) as she travels through various lands, battling evil and righting wrongs. In season 1 episode 12, titled "Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts," Xena finds herself drawn into a complex and dangerous political scheme when she travels to the city of Troy to help an old friend.

The episode begins with Xena and her companion Gabrielle (played by Renee O'Connor) traveling to Troy to visit their friend Helen (played by Diane Kruger), who is now married to King Priam (played by David Ackroyd). Xena and Gabrielle are surprised to find that their friend is deeply unhappy in her new life, as she has been forced to marry Priam in order to secure a truce between Troy and Sparta. Helen confides in Xena that she is being watched and monitored at all times, and fears that she will never be able to escape Troy and return home.

Meanwhile, Xena is approached by a group of Greeks who claim to be defectors from the mainland. The Greeks claim that they have defected because they have discovered a secret weapon that will allow them to defeat Troy once and for all. Xena is suspicious of the Greeks, but agrees to help them when she learns that they have kidnapped Gabrielle and are using her as leverage.

Xena sets out to infiltrate Troy and steal the secret weapon, which she believes will give her the upper hand in negotiations with the Greeks. However, as she gets closer to the Greeks and their plan, she begins to realize that there is far more at stake than she originally thought. The Greeks' true intentions are revealed, and Xena must use all of her skills and intelligence to prevent them from destroying Troy and the people she has come to care for.

"Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts" is a tense and complex episode that sees Xena grappling with themes of loyalty, trust, and betrayal. The episode is full of action and suspense, as Xena and Gabrielle find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of political intrigue and manipulation.

The episode also features a strong and nuanced performance from Lucy Lawless, who brings a depth and complexity to her portrayal of Xena. Xena is a fierce warrior who is not afraid to use violence when necessary, but she is also a deeply principled and empathetic woman who cares deeply for her friends and allies. In "Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts," we see both sides of Xena's character as she fights to protect Troy from an insidious and dangerous threat.

Overall, "Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts" is a standout episode of Xena: Warrior Princess that showcases the strengths of the series: strong performances, complex storytelling, and thrilling action. If you are a fan of epic fantasy and adventure, this is an episode not to be missed.