Ep 19. Altared States

In the nineteenth episode of season one of Xena: Warrior Princess, titled "Altared States," Xena and Gabrielle journey to a town where a religious cult has taken over. The cult leader, named Tarses, has convinced the people of the town to follow him based on his claims of prophetic visions. However, Xena and Gabrielle quickly realize that Tarses is using drugs to induce his "visions" and control his followers.

Xena and Gabrielle try to persuade the townspeople to see through Tarses' lies, but they are met with resistance and even violence. Meanwhile, Tarses begins to see Xena as a threat to his power and decides to use her as a human sacrifice in a twisted ceremony to appease his god.

As Xena faces her impending sacrifice, Gabrielle does everything in her power to save her friend and put a stop to Tarses' cult. With the help of a sympathetic cult member named Gwyneth, Gabrielle comes up with a plan to expose Tarses' fraud and liberate the townspeople from his control.

In "Altared States," Xena and Gabrielle also confront their own beliefs and prejudices as they navigate the complex dynamics of the cult and its followers. The episode offers commentary on the dangers of blind faith and the importance of independent thought.

Overall, "Altared States" is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode that showcases the strength and resilience of Xena and Gabrielle as they fight for justice and freedom.