Ep 16. Lifeblood

Xena: Warrior Princess season 5 episode 16 titled "Lifeblood" is an action-packed episode that centers around a group of women who are hunted by an army of men, led by the ruthless General Grachus.

The episode begins with Xena and Gabrielle reaching a small village, where they find a group of women under attack by Grachus and his army. The women, who are part of a cult that worships a goddess named Demeter, are being hunted for their blood, which the men believe will give them supernatural powers.

Xena and Gabrielle soon discover that Grachus has a personal vendetta against the cult, as he believes that they are responsible for the death of his wife and child. He has made it his mission to wipe out every member of the cult and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

Xena and Gabrielle decide to help the women, and with the help of a young boy named Erkandor, they devise a plan to protect the cult. They start by creating a distraction, which allows the woman to escape to a nearby temple.

The plan seems to be working well until Grachus and his men discover the temple, and a brutal battle ensues. Xena and Gabrielle fight fiercely, but they are outnumbered and overpowered by Grachus' army. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, the goddess Demeter appears, and her presence alone is enough to strike fear in the hearts of the men.

With the help of Demeter and the power of the goddess' magic, the women are able to defeat Grachus and his army. In the end, the women are safe, and Xena and Gabrielle realize the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting against injustice.

"Lifeblood" is a powerful episode that showcases the strength and tenacity of women in the face of adversity. Through the character of Xena, played by actress Lucy Lawless, the show highlights the importance of standing up for the oppressed and fighting for what is just, all while delivering non-stop action and thrills.