Comments/thoughts always welcome: cjamazon@yahoo.com

On Sunday afternoon, June 24, 2001, I watched the final episode of Xena: Warrior Princess. Sitting next to my soulmate, we both began to cry as the sun began to set on our two heroines.

During this past week, I've read what fans have written on the polls: Ban Xena, the producers lied to us, etc? Much opinion seemed to center around the killing of Xena, our beloved heroine. I, too, sympathize and regret our hero's demise, but, the show was called Xena: Warrior Princess and not Xena & Gabrielle: A Love Story. And after all, it was only a TV show albeit a very good one. Xena died a true hero in a befitting ending for a warrior princess who could never settle down or retire.

In her path for redemption, Xena knows the only thing she can do (for the greater good) is avenge 40,000 souls. And in doing so, the warrior princess becomes at peace with herself. No one ever said she stopped loving Gabrielle. They will always be together because they are soulmates. Just watch Déjà Vu or Soul Possession. Or one my personal favorites The Xena Scrolls. And yes, Gabrielle will definitely miss Xena, probably for the rest of her life. Death is hard whether it's your favorite TV character or someone in real life. The Battling Bard has grown so much in the last six years it's hard to believe that she's the same little girl that Xena saved from slavers in that first memorable episode. Xena has taught the Bard everything she knows. In the end, Gabrielle will be just fine. But, the story line of the final episode rings true to the characters of the last six years. It was an understandable, yet undesirable ending. This bard may not agree whole-heartedly, but it was Mr. Tapert's vision to the end. Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor played their parts with such grace and charm that they made their characters come to life in a reality called the magic of television. We embraced them, welcomed them into our homes, and called them friends. That's why it's so hard to let go. I congratulate the creators, producers, and actors of Xena: Warrior Princess who gave us outstanding performances and a great six seasons.

So, as one fan to another, how do we keep the memory alive? The answer is not in death threats, cries of betrayal or banning everything Xena. Try fighting for a righteous cause like aids research, breast cancer research, or women's rights-all for the greater good. And in time you'll know that your courage changed the world.

As one bard to another, don't let the memories of Xena and Gabrielle cease. I have read a variety of fan fiction over the years and have frequented the many sites. I've laughed and I've cried. But, most I all, I enjoyed the memory living on. I thank the gods (or whatever power you believe or don't believe in) that there are sites like The Anthenaeum to keep posting our stories.

I too will miss this show. (Sniff, sniff) It was something I looked forward to watching with my soulmate every week. The subtext was great, the battles were exciting, and the adventures were overwhelming. And life goes on.

Oh well. I hear Ellen has a show coming soon!

Battle On My Friends,

cj amazon