Ep 7. Back in the Bottle

Xena: Warrior Princess season 5 episode 7 is titled Back in the Bottle and follows Xena and Gabrielle as they meet up with an old acquaintance, Alti, who has the power to send Xena's spirit back through time to inhabit the body of her younger self. Alti believes that by doing so, she can prevent Xena from becoming the warrior she is today.

In the past, Xena finds herself in the Middle East, where she is reunited with an old friend, Borias. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when she discovers that Alti is also in the area, trying to convince Borias to join her cause. Xena must navigate treacherous social and political landscapes while also trying to figure out how to stop Alti from altering her past.

Meanwhile, in the present day, Gabrielle and Joxer must deal with the consequences of Xena's time travel. They are tasked with protecting Xena's body while her spirit is in the past, but they quickly realize that their task is much more complex than they initially thought. As they try to keep Xena's body safe, they encounter a group of dangerous enemies who are also after Xena's body.

Back in the Bottle is a thrilling episode that explores Xena's past and examines the ways in which her experiences have shaped her into the warrior she is today. The episode features complex themes of time travel, destiny, and the power of choice, as Xena grapples with the idea of changing her past to alter her present.

Fans of the show will appreciate the return of some familiar characters and the introduction of new ones, as well as the exploration of different cultural and historical perspectives. The episode features the show's trademark action sequences and witty banter, but also delves into poignant emotional territory as Xena confronts the traumas of her past.

Overall, Back in the Bottle is a standout episode in the series, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved character while also delivering on the show's trademark adventure and humor.