Directed by Garth Maxwell
Written by RJ Stewart
Xena is summoned to the Underworld by the ghost of her beloved Marcus to help defeat the madman Atyminius, who has stolen Hades' Helmet of Invisibility.
Tropes
- Back from the Dead: Marcus gets a new lease on life to help Xena. Wearing the Helmet of Invisibility up to the surface also allows a dead soul to become alive again.
- Bittersweet Ending: The Underworld is returned to normal and Marcus gets to go to the Elysian Fields, but having to again say goodbye to him is hard for Xena.
- Brought Down to Normal: Hades.
- Disney Death: The show cuts to commercials with Atymynius standing over what appeared to be the body of Gabrielle with blood on his face. After Xena and Marcus fight him off, it's revealed that Gabrielle was only unconscious and the blood was Atymynius' when she broke his nose.
- Dropped a Bridge on Him: While in the Underworld, Xena lies about dying by way of Argo throwing her off.Toxeus: You didn't even get to go out like a hero.
- Everyone Hates Mimes: Atyminius punches out a juggler and then says, "Be glad you're not a mime."
- Eviler than Thou: Marcus refers to Atyminius as standing out among the worst of Tartarus. Toxeus is also freaked out by him.
- Friend-or-Idol Decision: Marcus is so tempted to keep the Helmet of Invisibility for himself in order to continue living, but he acknowledges the sense of right and wrong that Xena taught him just won't allow it. Xena points this out to Hades when arguing for Marcus to be granted a second chance.
- Gilligan Cut: Gabrielle says she's not planning to close her eyes all night. We then see her snoring at the campsite.
- Honor Before Reason: Marcus aides Xena in trying to restore Hades, despite knowing he'll be sent back to Tartarus with those he's betraying. He also opts to return the helmet, even though he could personally gain from it.
- Invisible Jerkass: Atyminius primarily uses the helmet just to mess with or prank people. He prefers to be visible when attempting to kill.
- It's All My Fault: Marcus tells Xena that his death was his own fault, not hers.
- Mutual Disadvantage: Xena doubts Atyminius will try to attack the group at night for this reason. They won't be able to see him, but he won't be able to see them, either.
- Nothing Personal: In the Elysian Fields, Toxeus says he has no hard feelings towards Xena for his death.
- Off with His Head!: During their fight, Atyminius disposes of Toxeus by cutting off his head.
- Our Ghosts Are Different: Those dead souls that get to the surface are just shades—completely intangible.
- Pet the Dog: Xena convinces Hades to let Marcus go to the Elysian Fields.
- Redemption Equals Death: Subverted. Marcus notes how performing a Heroic Sacrifice wasn't enough to undo years of misdeeds.
- Sadist: Atyminius could simply and easily kill people while invisible, but he prefers to be visible and drag it out because he enjoys the look of fear on his victims' faces.
- Serial Killer: Atyminius targeted brides before their weddings and cut their bodies into little pieces.
- Shrouded in Myth: According to Xena, Atyminius was treated as like a boogieman-type character in her home village.
