COMBAT MAGAZINE January 2000 p 48-49 FLAWLESS LAWLESS The First Female Fighter! Women have always had to fight for certain rights and privileges that men take for granted, but it seems that the new Millennium will see dramatic changes, not least in the money making world of make believe - television and movies. Never before have women featured so prominently and so positively. Jodie Foster and Julia Roberts now command fees to rival their male counterparts, Michelle Yeoh and Carrie Anne Moss kicked butt (convincingly) in blockbuster movies and Sarah Michelle Gellar is the star of the teen smash television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", syndicated worldwide. Before them all, however, was Xena, played by the Amazonian and aptly named Lucy Lawless. Starting out as a guest star on Channel 5's "Hercules", Lucy's character was so memorable that fan response to her appearance demanded a spin off series. Once again, Channel 5 picked up the terrestrial rights and Saturday nights were never to be the same for fans of fantasy or action. In wider terms "Xena" became the first action series since "Charlie's Angels" to be dominated by female leads, with Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle, Xena's constant companion. Whereas the "Angels" were famous for their glamour factor, with fans more interested in their hairstyles, Xena delivers a strong woman in strong stories, a heroine who really gives the impression that she can look after herself, whatever the oppostition. Like "Hercules", the series is set in a past that bears a resemblance to real chapters in history, but is interwoven with mythological folklore, mainly Greek, to create an insular world that does not follow regular time lines. That the historical context should not be taken seriously is emphasised by the dialogue and subtext, rich in 90's slang, innuendo and phrasing. For the series to succeed we must simply accept that Xena can meet such diverse legendary figures as Helen of Troy, Boadicea, Aphrodite, Ares, Poscidon and many more, all in one lifetime. The "knowing" nature of the references and the tongue in cheek camp only adds to the entertainment value. If "Hercules" is totally wholesome family entertainment, "Xena" is its darker cousin, many of the episodes unsuitable for primary school children. This is what sets the two series apart, "Xena's" cutting edge. Originally an adversary of Hercules, Xena has a past that she cannot forget. Previously the leader of a ranpaging army and totally ruthless, she was a charismatic characterwithout necessarily being likeable. By the time her own series aired, Xena is on the side of the angels, but only just, her excesses kept in cheek by her constant companion Gabrielle, a stabilising influence. This is one of the strengths of the series, the complex nature of the heroine - Xena is not a one dimensional white knight but a true warrior, capable of killing without remorse and a firm believer in dispensing instant justice to the truly evil. Also pivotal is the relationship between the two leads. Lawless and O'Connor play off each other flawlessly, creating a bond that the audience can empathise with and characters that they can care about. Such was the subtle skill of the writing and the actresses playing of the roles, that reams have been written about the possible lesbian nature of the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle. With a masterful understanding of the publicity game, the producers neither encouraged nor dismissed the notion, the ambiguity only enhancing the dramatic tension. Some of the best episodes trade on this ambiguity as Xena is either forced to bare the sensitive side of her soul to her companion or is shamed by Gabrielle's purity when the "evil' in her is let loose. The chemistry and the contradictions inherent in these dilemmas makes for gripping viewing, especially the darker, morc violent episodes. At the heart of the series is Luey Lawless, who at just under six feet and athletically sexy, convinces us that Xena really can kick butt. Lawless sells the fight scenes with true machismo, she looks attractive but genuinely tough, and is one of the few women you really believe can beat up on the boys. The fight scenes alternate between the camp and the deadly serious but all are heavily influenced by the Hong Kong style of choreography. For Martial Arts fans there is much to enjoy, not least the consistent use of exotic weapons and wire work and the intricate choreography that both necessitate. Lawless does many of her own fights and stunts, cementing her characters credibility and proving once again that you don't have to be a Martial Artist to look good on camera but it helps to have them behind the scenes. If you haven't already caught up with "Xena" on Channel 5, I suggest you tune in to the next series for an almost perfect blend of fantasy, action, humour and drama.