Rating: 
Summary: To be Xena is to battle on....
Review: I can't give this anything less than 5 stars but as Xena so eloquently put it in this one...it's "not exactly how I would've done it..."Like many other reviewers here, I've been a devoted Xena fan from day one- through thick and thin, the tumult & triumpths... It seems to me that are three types of Xena fans out there- those who absolutely HATE the ending, those who LOVE it and those who continually vacillate between loving it and hating it the more times they see it. I'm the latter one. When it first aired, I was infuriated how Xena ended with her trying to atone for her battered past, the seemingly thoughtless introduction of new characters, the artsy Japanese setting, the repeated use of the word "friend", the nagging feeling that everything was SO NOT Xena! Most of us fanatics wanted the lushness of ancient Greece in the backdrop, the traditional Xena & Gab costumes and demeanor, the sweltering emotional turmoil, the soul pinching dialogue, heartening bonds of love and loss, the complex struggles, the undaunting action sequences and every other great tool which helped define the INCREDIBLE 6th and final season. All of this was included in the finale but presented in such a way that was unfamiliar and unexpected...not very characteristic of the roughness and nobleness we've come to expect from the show and the show's writers. Sometimes I feel it was just downright bizarre- like it came from out of left field'; Other times, I respect Tapert's vision even though I don't necessarily agree with his tastes The whole idea of Xena scampering off to an exotic place with hopes of fulfilling the wishes of a foreign female companion from her dark past (this was news to Gab!) had already been done in season 3! I just try to view this episode all on its own (if you don't, you'll probably be disappointed) The acting was remarkable, the scenery was fitting and warm to the story, the chemistry between X & G acceptable, the heroics were up to standard, the dialogue (except for the use of the word "friend" a few too many times) was enjoyable and very much characteristic of Robert Tapert's strangeness and obsession with foreign cultures and ideas. I just finished viewing it with the audio commentary turned on (something I had put off doing on account that I felt it would take away from how I like to percieve Xena and Gabrielle on my own terms and how I simply value their characters so deeply.) Much to my disbelief, I was amazed! Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor are simply adorable- ragging on themselves, laughing, casually recollecting treasured moments and ideas, providing personal insight and glow, their takes on subtext (Lucy rocks when it comes to this! I have a totally new respect for her), reflecting on how they tried to view and portray their characters and why...they all really surprised me. Rob Tapert is more serious about it- explaining technical tidbits, overall regrets, the sources of his inspirations (mostly Chinese horror movies), how they pulled certain things off, his expectations, and voicing personal memories; It all seemed so rare; Most of my questions about the episode's intentions were eloquently answered. I know the point of commentaries are suppose to make you feel as if you're actually having a viewing with the director and actors...so often that's not the case yet this time, IT TRULY FELT THAT WAY! A very unique experience... For a summary of what actually transpires, the editor's review is pretty accurate.
Rating: 
Summary: A Friend Indeed! Some friend
Review: Friend in Need part I: In the tradition of The Debt, this episode featured a lush and lavish story having little to do with the actual television show, playing more like a movie. A wonderful love story, detailing Xena's growing attraction to the manipulative and conniving Akemi. I liked it, on its own, as a very good episode. Friend in Need part II: In the tradition of Who's Gurkhan (also written by Rob Tapert), Xena is sexually debased in several scenes, resulting in her being stripped naked both as a corpse and a ghost. Xena decides that remaining in the afterlife with 40,000 ghosts is easier than putting up with Gabrielle's need for physical affection, and stays dead. The End. Didn't like it, but wasn't as surprised as those who ignored the exact same themes of blood-soaked torture and prostration as seen in Who's Gurkhan. The show ended by celebrating one man's true vision, which was temporarily sidetracked in the first two seasons with tedious stories revolving around wit, human warmth, and female empowerment. As for the DVD itself, it's a mystery why this is called a "director's cut", considering the as-aired episodes were written, directed, and produced by the same person. Why did he cut them wrong in the first place? By the way, the picture on the back of the DVD showing Gabrielle kissing Xena's corpse is an insult to all who believed in their relationship.
Rating:
Summary: A Collectors Must
Review: If your a fan of Xena, you'll like this DVD. So stop reading this and go buy it! R.I.P. Kevin Smith...
Rating: 
Summary: Audio commentary makes it all worth while
Review: Whether you liked the episode or not, if you're a Xena fan, this is a must have. First, the making of featurette is excellent. It really gives you a detailed glimpse into what it takes to make one episode of the show. Then there's the audio track. It's worth it just to hear Lucy Lawless's original Kiwi accent, but you get so much more out of it. Listening to Lucy, Renee and Rob explain how they painstakingly created each set and each shot, the emotions going through the actor's minds and what Rob was thinking as he put it all together. The episode itself, I don't think is one of their better ones, but after listening to the commentary, I can't help but appreciate all of the work that went into it. So why not 5 stars? The episode felt very similar to Xena's trip to China with Lao Ma. I think that was a better episode, hence the 4 stars. By the way, Lucy and Renee both make fun of the plot holes.
Rating: 
Summary: Xena?
Review: For a fan who has watched this series since the beginning, after watching this final I doubt anyone will recognize the characters at all. It is not the Xena and Gabrielle we came to love. The plot is scattered; the script is just plain bad. Sure to be known as the worse finale ever.
Rating:
Summary: You'll cry after viewing this film
Review: ....but only for your wasted time and money. Be prepared to have more questions than answers after viewing this DVD, as the story line is incoherent. Character motivations seem to be either weak or absent, while the imagery ricochets randomly between the sublime, the horrific and the just plain ridiculous. Save your money or spend it elsewhere. You'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Completely Disappointing
Review: What a terrible way to end a 6 year show, it was absolutely awful, and not even original. I guess I should have expected such with Tapert writing and directing, but in my wildest dreams I never imagined anything this poor in story and quality, don't waste your time or money.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST OF XENA
Review: I am so luky to have this dvd. This is a last adventure of Xena and the best. Actually I'm very disappoint with the end of the show, but if you are fan you MUST buy it.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have
Review: If you're a hard core Xena fan like I am you'll absolutely love this. It has everything you could ask for in a xena episode. Great fight scenes (with behind the scenes footage) while the touching bond between Xena and Gabrielle is put to the test. As always Lucy and Renee come out on top. Makes me love the show all the more.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent finale for an excellente series!
Review: I have been a fan of XWP for years, and I almost died of anxiety waiting for the series finale. Even though I already knew the controversy around the resolution of Xena's character, I kept an open mind about it. Since I knew that Robert Tapert himself would direct the episode, there was a very good chance of the show closing with "the dignity of a warrior". So, all I have to say is... EXCELLENT! The episode is so good I can't believe is not a movie! The acting is superb, the level of the special effects is huge, and all the elements that made Xena one of the best action series of all time are there. I know some people may not agree with me, but I assure you that this finale makes justice to the character, to the show, and to us. Believe me, because I am a BIG FAN. Anyway, I absolutely recommend this DVD...
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