I'd just like to say that even though this wasn't the best episode I've ever seen, it did have some very endearing qualities!
I especially loved the way (and I hope I'm not the only one) that Darnelle and Glaphyra recognised Gabrielle. This is probably because they are the only people that Xena has ever teamed up with that didn't find her 'an annoying blonde'! Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't they the only ones since Petracles from "A Fist Full Of Dinars" in the first season? It was also nice the way that Gabrielle and Xena both recognised the impact that they have had on each other's lives.
And I loved that bit when Ares and Xena had their private chat!
(Oh and Macer, if your reading, thank you so much for your summary of "Quill" - I loved it!!)