Season 2, episode 19
In Ulysses, Xena and Gabrielle have a Poseidon adventure when they help Ulysses the good king of Ithaca regain his island kingdom from the nasty God of the Sea’s pirate henchmen.
Whilst walking along the seashore Gabrielle and Xena come across a man fighting three others. When more men join in against this one man, the pair decide to intervene. They learn that the man is Ulysses and he is on his way to Ithaca. He has been living in a cave and trying to get his ship back from pirates that have been sent by God of the Seas, Poseidon.
As if on cue, Poseidon rises up from the sea and tells Xena to mind her own business and he won’t harm her. Of course, Xena declines his offer and decides to help Ulysses.
With a plan that involves Gabrielle playing dresses up and performing the Dance of the Three Veil, the three of them manage to fight off the pirates and regain control of the ship. On their way to Ithaca, they encounter the Sirens who try to lure Ulysses with their song but Xena manages to subdue him by singing her own song to counter their influence.
They eventually reach Ithaca and after performing a task that involves threading a bow, Ulysses wins back his wife and his kingdom.
Unfortunately, I watched this episode and did not enjoy it. I’m used to Gabby throwing herself at the man of the week but, Xena. This was too ridiculous for words.
Add to that the actor playing him (John D’Aquino) was just all wrong. The guy was a smoothy and we were supposed to believe that Xena went for that type. I don’t think so. Okay, it gave us the chance to explore the subtext as Gabrielle digested the fact that Xena was attracted to Ulysses, I just wished they’d found a more convincing actor for the part. This guy belonged in Dallas or some other daytime soap.
Disclaimer: Despite Gabrielle’s incessant hurling, Ulysses’ ship was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.
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