The reviews presented on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the XWPVS xenastaff, but the opinions of the individual reviewers.

Review for "Future Echoes" (XWPVS 8.3)
by: David J. Duncan

"Future Echoes" brings certain themes to the audience's attention. As with the other episodes, communication is a big deal. But also, self-doubt presents itself as a dangerous adversary to the Warrior Princess and the Bard in this episode as well, landing them square in the midst of a critical crossroads. The trip to the crossroads and their path involves a deep understanding of the series and of Xena's inner struggle as well.

The Teaser establishes the basis of this journey of self-discovery within their larger journey. Within a fall landscape (signaling a transition, nice detail), Gabrielle and Xena paddle their canoe upstream. Gabrielle poses a question of why they keep fighting warlords if more keep popping up to take the place of the defeated ones. Xena has no answer. Here, the seed of doubt is planted (or shows its face?) for them both. Xena has knowledge but won't share it. Gabrielle wants to do well, but doubts the result. Then they help a caravan and save at least some of the travelers. In the process, Xena sacrifices herself for Gabrielle, taking a blow meant for the Bard. (Shades of "Destiny" perhaps?) As the scene ends, Gabrielle tries to revive Xena unsuccessfully; their line of communication broken even as a new one opens for Xena.

Act I develops the strands on two levels: in Limbo and in the Tuscadoran village. In the former, Xena runs into Lao Ma who is waiting for her. The Empress asks her student what troubles her. Getting no answer, she dips into the pool and brings up aspects of Xena's past. (This was very well done. I have to admit that I wondered what happened to Meleager, King Silvus, Diana and Lycal. Admittedly, I would have liked to have seen what happened to Salmoneus and Autolycus but still, well done.)

Lycal's instance showed Xena the value of her intervention; a device Lao Ma emphasizes repeatedly as she tries to get a message through to her friend. When she has intervened, prosperity follows. In the alternate universe where she did not, chaos ensues. Meanwhile, Gabrielle communicates with the Tuscadorans and their chief, Apemmon. There is something going on between the captured braves and their captors but we don't know what it is. Crazy Wolf threatens her as well. In laying out the plot, we see many lines of communication needing to be established here: between Xena and Lao Ma; between Gabrielle and the natives and even between the natives themselves.

Act II introduces more information and starts resolving issues. Once again, Gabrielle proves her ability to establish a link with others. After gaining Apemmon's trust, she visits with Crazy Wolf and discerns that revenge drives him. He spits on her but she continues to treat him kindly. After Crazy Wolf is led away from her, she meets Mingan, the medicine man, who can speak Greek. (Nice explanation by the writer about his skills.) A side note here: Mingan's revelation about Xena's internal battle and Gabrielle's request for Xena to return remind the audience again of "Destiny". Finally, the Bard tells Apemmon the reason for Crazy Wolf's revenge, clarifying the difference between settling matters between tribes and individuals. Meantime in limbo, Lao Ma shows Xena still more images of people she has helped in addition to the consequences of nonintervention. At this point, Xena begins to understand Lao Ma's argument and move toward a resolution of sorts for herself.

Act III resolves the key underlying issues. Gabrielle achieves direct links to the Tuscadorans through Mingan's translation and by becoming a tribal member. Meanwhile, the Mohawks (Crazy Wolf's tribe) come to the village. However, instead of attacking, they establish a dialogue.

It is here that the audience discovers that Crazy Wolf does not represent the main Mohawk point of view but rather, that of a splinter group. In the heat of battle, the Tuscadorans and Mohawks band together to fight Crazy Wolf's band with Gabrielle right in the middle of things. Meantime in limbo, Lao Ma helps Xena to resolve the latter's remaining self doubt about her continuing mission and gives her blessing for Xena to proceed. After this point, she will be free to combine Lao Ma's and M'Lila's philosophies and impart them to Gabrielle. With this discovery, she returns to our world. (The eyes opening reminding us of the hand twitch in "The Greater Good".) Through this weaving of strands, the writer has guided our heroines past the turning point and toward bringing the story to a successful conclusion.

Act IV ties up the remaining loose ends. In the course of the battle, Gabrielle holds her own but falls before Crazy Wolf's attack. However, Xena shows up in the nick of time and deals with him. Here, two important ties are established. First, the Tuscadoran-Mohawk connection is affirmed. Then Xena promises to teach Gabrielle about everything she had previously held back. With this event, the self doubt is resolved and everyone can move forward. In Xena and Gabrielle's case, they can continue their longer journey home even as they begin yet another trail of learning more about each other.

This episode was very well-done recalling previous episodes from the series and the XWPVS Season 7 premiere. As I watch these installments, I wonder what happened to the characters during Xena and Gabrielle's 25 year nap. I also like how Lao Ma is the guiding figure here. As in the "Debt," her presence gives Xena direction, moving her toward a resolution of various issues. Just as a quick note dealing with Acts I and II, wouldn't it have been interesting if Lao Ma had reminded Xena of how Gabrielle's sacrifice on her behalf in "Sacrifice" influenced things? (Think of the possibilities there!) Gabrielle's continued development is well documented here too. She continues to be the diplomat, providing an important role in the series.

All around, bravo!

Review: Episode 8.3 - Future Echoes
by: 41 Cyg

You'll notice my comments are somewhat shorter than usual this week. I wish I could say why. It's not because I think the episode is perfect (Perfection is a great goal, but if you expect to reach it, you'll only be frustrated.). In fact I'm giving it a 7.2 on a 1-10 scale, but I can't give specific examples to say why.

Maybe it's something that can't be expressed in words. I do have a few specific comments, though.

Teaser: The detail in the fight scenes (both here and in the Tuscarora-Mohawk battle further on) is very good. Everything is choreographed beautifully with no loose ends.

Act I: It's nice that the writer added translations of some of the Tuscarora names, but totally unnecessary. We don't need to know that Xena means `stranger' or `guest' or that Caesar means `head of hair' to appreciate their stories.

The portraits of the Indians fit very well those I have seen of the upper New York state area tribes.

The scenes Lao Ma shows Xena of what would have happened if Ikus had died are closer to actual history than those where Ikus lived. After the conquest of Egypt in 31 B.C., all the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, were under Roman rule, and Greek slaves were much sought after in Rome, though most Greeks were free.

Disclaimer: This one isn't the best, but it's definitely in the right spirit.