Written by Steven L Sears
Directed by John Laing
Xena and Gabrielle go up against the ruthless Caesar to rescue the mighty Gaul warrior, Vercinix.
Tropes
- Assassination Attempt: It appeared that Xena couldn't help but jump at the chance of getting revenge on Caesar. Unfortunately the ruler laid a trap on her, gloating on how her emotions got the better of her once again. It was actually all part of her plan.
- Batman Gambit: Xena fully intended to get captured by Caesar via a failed assassination attempt, knowing that he will relish the thought of killing two of his biggest thorns the same day. That allowed to get in touch with Vercinix on the plan to free him and switch places with Crassus.
- Can't Kill You, Still Need You: Defied. Caesar's only stake in helping Crassus was to keep Pompey in check, but that's still not enough when it comes to saving face in front of the people of Rome.
- Distressed Dude: Vercinix.
- Divide and Conquer: Caesar advises Crassus to do this, essentially laying the seeds for Gabrielle mistrusting Xena. It doesn't work.
- Caesar also convinces Pompey to talk to Xena, knowing that the two will conspire against him. After successfully trapping Xena, he planned to expose Pompey for the betrayal, potentially killing two birds with one stone. That ultimately fails.
- Gladiator Games: Xena faces two Roman soldiers in The Coliseum. It appears that Xena is in trouble at first, taking blows from their weapons. But once she is certain Vercinix was free, she fights for real and easily dispatches her foes.
- I Owe You My Life: Vercinix wanted to kill Crassus in the cell, but he was willing to back off for now as Gabrielle had just saved him.
- It's Personal: Vercinix hates Caesar for attacking his home, but he hates Crassus even more for the slaughter of Gardenis (where Vercinix's brother and that man's family were killed).
- Gabrielle tries to make sure that Xena's grudge against Caesar doesn't make her try anything too risky.
- My God, What Have I Done?: Gabrielle willingly lets Crassus get executed after learning the truth about Gardenis. She's disgusted with herself afterwards. In turn, Xena regrets putting her in that position.
- Pragmatic Villainy:
- Caesar is looking out for his own power base both when trying to save Crassus and then leaving him to die.
- Pompey makes his own appeal to Xena—saying their mutual dislike of Caesar could make them allies.
- The Reveal: Crassus had claimed that he had nothing to do with the slaughter of Gardenis. Vercinix reveals that Crassus personally ordered it—being told that by a crucified niece before she died.
- The Rival: The Triumvirate is described in these terms.Xena: Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus share control of Rome and its provinces. Each serves to balance the other. They hate each other, but they can't live without each other.
- Sadistic Choice: During the climax, Caesar has to decide if Crassus (thought by the public to be Vercinix) gets executed. If he does, then he loses his one big check against Pompey. If he doesn't, he loses face in front of the people and taints his recent victory in Gaul. Ultimately, he lets Crassus die.
- Xanatos Speed Chess: With Crassus rumored to be dead, Pompey was chomping at the bit to grab more power, including even trying to ally with Xena. During the execution, he can see that that's Crassus in place of Vercinix. He doesn't interfere, though, and even mockingly asks Caesar what he's going to do now. Whether or not Caesar reveals the truth, Pompey benefits: either one hated rival is effortlessly killed and frees him up to grab more power, or another hated rival is publicly embarrassed during a celebration of Caesar's victory in Gaul.
- You Have Failed Me: Caesar had earlier mocked Crassus for being captured by the woman he himself captured years ago. He still tries to save him despite this (as he really needs the balance against Pompey), but when the situation threatens to make him look foolish to the public, Caesar reluctantly lets Crassus die.
