Ep 22. Motherhood

Xena: Warrior Princess season 5 episode 22, titled "Motherhood", follows the story of Xena as she experiences motherhood for the first time. The episode begins with Xena and Gabrielle traveling to the Amazon village where Xena's daughter, Eve, is being raised by the Amazons. Xena was forced to give up her daughter at birth to protect her from the gods who wanted to kill her. Now, Xena is ready to reclaim her daughter and start a new life with her family.

When Xena and Gabrielle arrive at the Amazon village, they are greeted by the Amazon Queen, Varia, who is skeptical about Xena's intentions. However, Xena is determined to prove that she can be a good mother and asks for a chance to spend time with her daughter. Varia agrees to let Xena see Eve, but she warns Xena that the Amazons will always be ready to defend their queen and their village.

As Xena spends time with her daughter, she realizes that being a mother is not easy. She struggles to connect with Eve, who has been raised without knowing her birth mother. Xena also has to deal with the guilt of having abandoned her daughter years ago. She knows that she cannot change the past, but she is determined to make a better future for Eve.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle is also dealing with her own struggles. She is worried about Xena and their future together. She fears that Xena's new role as a mother will change their friendship forever. Gabrielle also has to deal with her own past, as memories of her lost daughter haunt her.

As the episode progresses, Xena and Gabrielle get caught up in a battle between the Amazons and the Olympian gods. The gods want to destroy the Amazon village and kill Xena and her daughter. Xena and Gabrielle use all their skills and knowledge to protect the village and defeat the gods. Xena also realizes that being a warrior and being a mother are not mutually exclusive. She can still fight for what is right and protect her family at the same time.

In the end, Xena saves the Amazon village and her daughter. She also learns that being a mother is not just about blood relation, but also about the love and care that one provides for a child. Xena decides to stay with her daughter and start a new life as a family. Gabrielle supports her friend's decision and promises to be there for her in the future.

"Motherhood" is a powerful episode that explores the theme of family and the sacrifices that one has to make for the people they love. Xena's journey as a mother is both moving and inspiring, as she learns to let go of her past and embrace her future. Gabrielle's struggles also add depth to the episode, as she deals with her own demons while supporting her friend. Overall, "Motherhood" is a must-see episode for fans of Xena: Warrior Princess.