Ep 3. Dreamworker

Xena: Warrior Princess season 1 episode 3, titled "Dreamworker," follows the adventures of Xena and her trusted companion Gabrielle as they meet a young girl named Dia, who is destined to be the new virgin priestess at a temple. However, when Dia is kidnapped by a sinister warlord who has the ability to enter people's dreams, Xena and Gabrielle must enter Dia's dreams to rescue her and put a stop to the warlord's evil plan.

The episode begins with Xena and Gabrielle arriving in a village where they hear of a virgin priestess who is about to be appointed at the temple. However, they soon learn that the current priestess has died, and the next virgin priestess must be sacrificed in her place. The villagers are hesitant to let Dia, the chosen replacement, go to the temple, but her mother is convinced it is her daughter's destiny.

When Dia is taken by the warlord, Xena and Gabrielle discover that he has the power to enter people's dreams and control them. They also learn that the warlord's daughter had been the previous virgin priestess, and she had died during the sacrifice, leading him to seek revenge on the temple.

To save Dia, Xena and Gabrielle must enter her dreams and subdue the warlord's control. They meet a wise dreamworker named Tikapa who helps them navigate Dia's dreamscape and fight the warlord's minions. As they venture deeper into Dia's dreams, they learn more about her past and her fears, and must confront their own nightmares.

Eventually, Xena and Gabrielle reach the heart of Dia's dream and are tasked with defeating the warlord's monstrous form. With Tikapa's guidance and Dia's own strength, they are able to defeat him and free Dia from his control.

In the end, Dia is allowed to make her own choice regarding her fate, and Xena and Gabrielle continue on their journey, ever vigilant for danger and adventure.

"Dreamworker" is a thrilling and imaginative episode that explores the power of dreams and the strength of the human mind. Xena and Gabrielle's bond is tested as they confront their own fears and fight to save Dia from a dark fate. The episode showcases the series' unique blend of action, humor, and heart, and sets the stage for many more exciting adventures to come.