Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.

This Week: Xena: Warrior Princess’ “The Bitter Suite”

Tread Perilously wanders to the wild world of Xena: Warrior Princess with the third season musical episode “The Bitter Suite.”

Following the death of Xena’s child, Xena and Gabrielle are at odds. Calisto and Ares use the situation to goad one into killing the other. Instead, they find themselves in a music-filled world of high emotions. Ted Raimi shows up to sing about Gabrielle’s nakedness, and Ares makes his case to Xena with a tango. Anubis also shows up to take a verse, and Mr. Pickles returns to lead Xena to Castle Grayskull. But is this just all in Xena and Gabrielle’s minds? Will the powers of love and song overcome their animosity?

Justin realizes he watched far less Xena than he thought. Erik hopes to learn when Xena recognized its large lesbian fanbase, but instead learns of the Sword of Swords. Justin supports the merits of women kicking ass and explains why some men are terrified of it. Erik suggests that some men really want to be Spartans. Justin notes the 1990s make-up and hairstyles, while Erik falls in love with the tone of Xena. He also learns that Xena and Gabrielle’s primary antagonist was a broadcast medium unwilling to recognize their love. The discussion leads to Dave Sim’s Cerebus the Aardvark and the revelation that men are dead inside.

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