With her new friend Gabrielle, Xena turns her skills into helping people. She stumbled on a village under attack by the warlord Cycnus and his son Spharieus. Whilst defending the villagers Xena is wounded and is nursed back to health by one of the grateful villagers. In search of peace the villagers arrange a town meeting with Cycnus, but Cycnus has other ideas. Tricking the villagers Cycnus set a trap using his son, but Spharieus hasn't the blackened heart of his father and can't slay the villagers. With Gabrielle and Spharieus help Xena stops Cycnus so that the villagers can live in peace again.
Another strong offering from the programme which again is very much charactor driven. A high 4/5.
I think this one can be really variable in rating depending on your definition of subtext. Personally i'd give it a fairly low rating, maybe 2/5 but i know others will disagree.