Directed by TJ Scott
Written by RJ Stewart
Xena must battle the fierce woman warrior Callisto, who is bent on revenge for the death of her family. This episode not only marks the first appearance of Hudson Leick as Callisto (obviously) but also Ted Raimi as Joxer.
Tropes
- Create Your Own Villain: Ten years ago, Xena's army burned down the village of Cirra, leaving a young Callisto as the soul survivor. She dedicates her life to avenging her family on Xena, and it mentally warps her.
- Curbstomp Battle: Joxer is constantly beaten by Gabrielle despite how many times he tries to capture her.
- Dark Action Girl: Callisto herself.
- Death Seeker: Callisto ultimately sought to end her life in her fight with Xena. Xena wouldn't give her the satisfaction.
- Establishing Character Moment: When Xena throws her chakram to knock out a few baddies, she's shocked to see Callisto catching it in her hand. She is the first mortal enemy that caught the chakram and is the biggest reason why so many people remember her on the show.Callisto: You want it? Come and get it.
- Evil Counterpart: Callisto is as skilled a warrior as Xena herself and can do anything the Warrior Princess can, including catching Xena's own chakram.
- Heel–Face Turn: Joxer.
- I Surrender, Suckers: When Gabrielle accepts Joxer's handshake, she's immediately placed in an armlock. Thankfully, her other arm is free ti give him an elbow to the face that disorients him
- Ineffectual Sympathetic Villain: Joxer wants to prove that he is a capable warlord, yet he couldn't even capture Xena's sidekick. Gabrielle eventually feels sorry for his failures.
- Inescapable Net: Averted. Joxer thought he caught Gabrielle when he throws one on her, but she quickly gets out before he could incapacitate her.
- Kill It with Fire: A mob tries to burn down the jail holding Callisto for her crimes.
- Unwilling Suspension: Callisto's forces hangs Gabrielle dozens of feet in the air while leaving the rope to a fire for added pressure to Xena.
