The
“Xena Warrior Princess One Against Army”
episode from the third season of the cult series outshines Zack Snyder’s 300 in its portrayal of a heroic last stand, blending intense action with emotional stakes. First aired in 1998, this episode features Xena confronting an entire Persian army to protect her friend Gabrielle, set against the backdrop of a desperate Greek village.
How Xena’s Legendary Episode Reimagines a Historic Stand
Before streaming dominated television, syndication was the key to a show’s success, offering lucrative deals and broad audiences. Among the series that thrived through syndication were “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” starring Kevin Sorbo, and its spinoff “Xena: Warrior Princess,” featuring Lucy Lawless. Xena became known for its bold storytelling and campy tone, culminating powerfully in one of its best episodes, “One Against An Army.”
This particular episode reinterprets the famous Spartan last stand from “300,” but with a smaller, more intense scale focusing on Xena’s grit and determination. Unlike the cinematic spectacle of Snyder’s film, which uses stylized slow-motion and grand battles, the Xena episode delivers emotional weight by zeroing in on individual bravery, human bonds, and sacrifice.
Emotional Stakes in the Battle for Tripolis
Central to the story is the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle, her loyal companion, played by Renee O’Connor. Throughout the series, their friendship provides emotional grounding, but here their connection drives the plot’s tension. Gabrielle is slowly succumbing to a poisoned arrow while the Persian army advances on the village of Tripolis. Despite the growing danger, Gabrielle insists her life has value beyond any tactical considerations, clashing with Xena’s willingness to risk Greece to keep her safe.
Gabrielle’s victory in their moral dispute sets the stage for the confrontation. Using deceptive misinformation, they trick the Persian forces into diverting to Tripolis, believing the Thermopylae Pass is impassable due to a rockslide. With this advantage, Xena prepares for a desperate defense, isolating Gabrielle to safety and standing alone against overwhelming odds.
Xena’s Unyielding Stand Against the Persian Army
The episode’s highlight is an intense seven-minute sequence in which Xena single-handedly battles the Persian army. Unlike many episodes, this showdown shows Xena visibly wounded and exhausted, absorbing brutal blows that leave clear scars and cuts, emphasizing her vulnerability and resilience. The confrontation even includes a surprise attack by a towering soldier who falls through a ceiling, attempting to ambush her, only to be thwarted through Gabrielle’s rare use of her Oracle powers.
Though action scenes have moments of campiness, the emotional buildup and stakes make this segment feel epic and memorable. Fans voted “One Against An Army” as one of the 17 episodes included in the 10th Anniversary DVD Collection, a testament to its iconic status within the series.
Why This Episode Defines Xena’s Heroism and Legacy
“One Against An Army” captures the essence of Xena as a character—her complex relationship with authority, moral conviction, and unwavering courage. Lucy Lawless’s performance elevates the episode, embodying the fierce determination and emotional depth that made Xena a standout heroine in television history.
While “300” remains a landmark film celebrated for its grand scale and stylized battle sequences, Xena’s episode achieves remarkable storytelling within the constraints of a television budget, filmed in New Zealand under Sam Raimi’s production. It distills the desperation and heroism of the legendary last stand into a compact, emotionally charged storyline, earning lasting admiration from viewers decades after its release.
After years of limited availability, “Xena: Warrior Princess” is now accessible to a new generation of fans through Amazon Prime Video, where members can watch the series free of charge. This renewed accessibility ensures that episodes like “One Against An Army” will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
