XENA MEDIA REVIEW (XMR) #22 (07-14-97) Part 1 of 5 ================ CUT HERE ========================== _____ ______ ._ `\`/>`\ /`/` /`__________,.'>___ _____ )~\ /<`\ `\ /`/` /``\ \./------> /|\./\ |\./| / | \ /< `\`\ `\ /`/` /` | | |----\ / | |\ \ | | |././^\ \ |\__{o}\--`\`\ `\/`/` /`-----| | |-----`------\`\`\--| | |----^ \ \----. [\\\\\\\{*}==`> <`=======| | ==============`\`\`\| | |=====\ \ \==--> |/~~{o}/-- /`/ /\ \ `\------| | |---------------`\`\\ | |------\ \ \--' \< /`/` /` `\`\ `\ | | |_____,.'>| | | `\`\| | /' \ \ \ \< /` /` `\`\ `\ ,/ /^\------> / |/^\| \ | |/ \/^\\. /`/\>/` `\`\ `\`~~~~~~~~~~~\ / ~~~~~ )^\,\, '~~~~~ `~~~~~` '~~~~~` ` ~~~~~~ ========================== XENA: THE MEDIA REVIEW #22 ========================== A Homicidal Insomniac Publication http://xenafan.com/xmr c/o RIF BBS, P.O. Box 81181, Bakersfield, CA 93308 RIF BBS (805) 588-9349 [24hrs, 14.4bps, free] Xena Media Review (XMR) is a periodic annotated world press review of reports regarding the internationally syndicated television show XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS (1995 - ) and the castmembers, Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor. For a free e-mail subscription send "subscribe XMR" to ktaborn@lightspeed.net. Copyright, legal, and editorial notices are found at the end of this newsletter. Issue No. 22 Release date: July 14, 1997 Covering 06/01/96 - 06/15/96 Annotations 311 to 335 FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: The Times They Are A- Changin ' FROM THE EDITOR: Who Am I, and Why Am Taking Up Kym's Space? A Housekeeping Note DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT: Report on XWP Activities in Australia by Mary Draganis ( kira @ zip.com.au ) USING XWP TO WARD OFF BILL COLLECTORS by Dyann Esparza (geekgrrl@ ix.netcom.com ) TIMELINE AMENDED ANNOTATIONS [43.6] 09-16-95. TV GUIDE. Fall Preview Issue. [ 305b ] 06-09-96. TAMPA TRIBUNE. Wonder Woman comparison [ 305c ] 06-05-96. THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT (Norfolk, VA). ANNOTATIONS [311] *** 06-01-96. CRACKED MONSTER PARTY. Parody [312] *** 06-01-96. SPECTRUM. Vol. 1 No. 6. Epguide [313] *** 06-02-96. SATELLITE TV WEEK. Tapert interview [314] *** 06-03-96. DEATH MASK aired. [315] 06-03-97. BROADCASTING & CABLE. Barbarella [316] ** 06-04-96. FEMINIST SF, FANTASY & UTOPIA. [317] 06-05-96. THE TIMES-PICAYUNE. Passing mention [318] 06-05-96 to 06-10-96. Schwab leaves MCA [319] 06-06-96 to 06-27-96. Production charts [320] * 06-06-96. THE EVENING POST. XWP on NZ TV [321] *** 06-07-96. XENA MEDIA REVIEW. No. 10. US!!! [322] * 06-07-96. THE TORONTO STAR. Interesting mention [323] 06-07-96 to 06-10-96. CALLISTO ratings. [324] 06-07-96 to 06-10-96. MCA's black Thursday. [325] 06-09-96. BUFFALO NEWS. Mention [326] * 06-09-96. TAMPA TRIBUNE. Dissing the Princess! [327] 06-10-96. VARIETY. MCA woes [328] 06-10-96. THE PRODIGAL aired [329] 06-12-96. INSIDE MEDIA. Baywatch Nights [330] 06-14-96. XENA MEDIA REVIEW. No. 11. US!!! [331] 06-14-96 to 06-17-96. FISTFUL OF DINARS ratings [332] ** 06-14-96. MOGUL website . Promo for XWP in NZ [333] 06-14-96. THE OTTAWA CITIZEN. Global TV schedule [334] * 06-14-96. ORLANDO SENTINEL. Website promotion [335] *** 06-15-96. MCA Xena Website . Joseph LoDuca THE BACK PAGE Xena Media Review Staff Back Issues This Week in Xena News Reprint Policy Solicitations for Future Newsletters Disclaimer ======================== FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ======================== The Times They Are A- Changin ' ---------------------------- XENA MEDIA REVIEW (XMR) #21 was released January 23, 1997. Almost six months later, lo and behold!, we have XMR #22. What can I say, other than "Oops?" Or how about, "My, my, time sure does fly!". Apparently the Burbank Convention in January 1997 sucked more out of me than I could have imagined at that time. But, like any bad cold, I am back and with a vengeance. I have given myself a promotion! I am now the editor-in-chief. Hopefully that means a larger expense account and longer vacations. I have taken on a staff of eager Xenaholics who hopefully will do a better job at punctuality than the previous staff (which were affectionately known as me, myself, and I). To replace "me", I have secured the time of Diane Silver and Maria Erb as co-editors. Diane will edit the even numbered issues and Maria will wrangle with the odd ones. To replace "myself", I have enlisted the help of Barbara, known affectionately in cyberspace as Xenatwo . I would NEVER think of commenting upon originality of aliases at a time like this, of course, especially when Xenatwo has volunteered to be in charge of the circulation department of XMR. To replace "I", Lydia Woods has graciously consented to be my "personal assistant." If Rob Tapert can have one, heck, WHY NOT ME? While these ladies are running amuck and working on their pre-ulcers every other Monday, I will be the editor-in-chief, who will sit back and read whatever magically appears in my mailbox. I think I am going to love this job! Kym Taborn Editor-in-Chief July 11, 1997 Bakersfield, CA =============== FROM THE EDITOR =============== Who Am I, and Why Am Taking Up Kym's Space? ------------------------------------------- I'll admit it. When Kym asked me to co-edit XMR, I was surprised. I could think of few things that qualified me for the job. I am a rabid Xenite. (Them's the dangerous kind. Don't let one bite you.) I have had a life-long fascination with media and have, I admit, even worked in the filthy profession as a reporter, editor and PR flack. However, I don't have Kym's wit. I'm not at all certain I'm as smart as she is, and I certainly do not have her encyclopedic knowledge of XWP and Xena media. Despite all that, I realized one important fact: Kym has created something quite wonderful in XMR. (You may blush now, Kym.) Something that wonderful has to continue even if its founder is a bit worn out. Not only does this little e-mail beastie keep us informed about Xena media, but perhaps more importantly, it allows us to examine the spread of a world-wide cultural phenomenon. Doubt that XWP is that important? Yes, I know I'm biased about this, but think about it for a moment. In creating the characters of Xena, and Gabrielle, Renaissance Pictures has given the world an archetype that people were anxious to see. (We can postpone until later debating whether this was RP 's intention. Another debate to put off is whether this is a new archetype or the resurrection of a long-buried one.) These strong and unapologetic characters have shattered the stereotype of the weak, vulnerable female. Even in the short time XMR has been following the story, XMR has documented the incredible speed with which this new archetype has permeated our culture. In a brief period, the show went from being an unknown, under-promoted syndicated show with an unknown star to being a part of our daily language. This appears to be true even for people who have never seen the show. For example, XMR has found references to the characters, particularly Xena, in the most unlikely places -- babies being named "Xena," sports announcers using the name "Xena" as shorthand to describe invincibility and toughness. I suppose you could argue that BIONIC WOMAN and WONDER WOMAN tread this path before, but as many fans have noted, these two characters never displayed the cockiness or the power of Xena or Gabrielle. The show does more than smash stereotypes about women. By focusing on Xena's quest for atonement and Gabrielle's code, XWP remakes the archetype of the hero in our culture. Can you imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone with tears running down their cheeks, confessing to a past massacre as Xena did in CALLISTO (#22)? Similarly, I cannot imagine either actor playing characters who suffered guilty about killing someone, particularly about killing the villain as Xena does in INTIMATE STRANGER (#31). Among the many other episodes that explore Xena's feelings of guilt are DESTINY (#36) and REMEMBER NOTHING (#26). Certainly, the old hero never displayed grief. For example, Keanu Reeves' character never grieves his friend who is murdered at the beginning of SPEED. To see raw grief in XWP, you only have to look to THE GREATER GOOD (#21), IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? (#24) and THE QUEST (#37). XMR also has another important role to play. So far we have not been able to cover this, but future issues will explore another new Xena-related phenomenon -- the online XWP community. We hope to run reviews of web sites and other online arenas. My personal area of interest is in examining life online. In the next year, I hope to bring you articles and editorials on a wide range of questions. How does being active in online Xenadom change people's attitudes? Does it change their attitudes? How has the involvement of XenaStaff affected the online experience? Do production staff have a place online, or do they disrupt the flow of fan communication? Are there recurring themes in the topics discussed and fan reactions online? If so, what are they, and why might they occur? Kym and I are also preparing a history of online Xenadom . We have decided to move this to WHOOSH. With any luck, the first installment will appear within several months. I never did tell you who I am, did I? I am a plump, short, 45-year-old who lives in Kansas with my 11-year-old son. He thinks my Xena obsession is a sign of insanity. We have a black labrador /retriever mix named Midnight, who thinks it's her job to snuggle against whatever human body part is available. We have two cats named Charlie and Ernestine , who have far too much attitude. I have been active in Xena fandom since the end of the first season. I suppose my greatest claims to fan fame are attending the first Xena convention in Burbank and writing THE FAQ FOR SUBTEXT FANS AND THE LOYAL OPPOSITION. Like Kym, Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi , I grew up in Michigan, and I do believe there is a Michigan conspiracy to take over the world. I know I'm trying to do my part. A Housekeeping Note ------------------- As you might have noticed, neither Kym, Maria Erb, nor I are shy about our opinions. At times, we will all comment on an article being reviewed. To tell who's who, just look at the end of a paragraph for the [KT] for Kym's comments, [ME] for Maria's, and the [DS] for my comments. Diane Silver Co-editor Lawrence, Kansas July 11, 1997 ========================= DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT ========================= Report on XWP Activities in Australia by Correspondent Mary Draganis ( kira @ zip.com.au ) Australia - Xena Fandom - The Power, The Passion, The Ignored "The Power" "The Passion" "Able to Leap Tall Barbarians In a Single Bound" You haven't heard those words at the start of a Xena episode? No, you haven't missed anything. This is how an announcer tells us about the upcoming episode of Xena. It sounds so stupid I cringe every time I hear it. This show isn't taken seriously at all in Australia. XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS commenced here in the middle of December 1996 which traditionally is reserved for shows that don't rate. It's called our silly season. HERCULES had been on and getting average ratings and Xena replaced the show. Publicity for XWP was nearly non-existent. We had a cover shot on a TV magazine called NOW. The cover shot was good and inside the writer gave the show a four-star (excellent) rating. He described it as "a ripsnorter " Nine episodes of the show were screened. Out of order and edited. The reason I know they were edited is because I have a copy of the episode THE RECKONING from the US and a copy of the episode that screened here. The Aussie version had 10 minutes cut from it. The edited bits were Xena getting bashed by the farmer and close ups of Xena and Gabrielle going into a commercial break. There could be more but those were the ones I noticed. This isn't unusual for Australian television. In February 1997 the show was pulled off air. The reasons that were given were varied. We still don't know why the show was pulled. Lucy Lawless was to appear on a new show which started on the 18th January 1997 called HOLIDAY, an Australian version of a show she filmed in New Zealand before she did XWP. Apparently, Australian TV intended to use footage of Ms. Lawless from the old NZ show. Notice I used the term "was". The Lawless segments were pulled due to legal action by Ms. Lawless. The TV station was trying to cash in on her popularity as Xena to bolster their own show. That didn't work. Almost immediately afterward, XWP was pulled from the air in Australia. I'm not saying the dispute over the travel show had anything to do with it, but can this really be a coincidence? However, June 28, 1997 was a red letter day for Aussie Xenites. The show came back! All the letters, emails and calls to Channel 10 worked. Now all we have to do is wait for the ratings to arrive. There isn't any publicity, of note, but we are all hopeful that the Aussie Xenite population will grow. Regarding the usual Xena memorabilia, the books are very hard to find. The action figures are not available in local toy stores unless you go to a speciality SCI-FI shop that sells these at an inflated prices. Fans here get the rough end of the pineapple in regard to books, magazines and other stuff that is pretty inexpensive in the US. The publicity is hard to find. I think SEAQUEST DSV got more publicity that XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS, which is such a shame. I think that this show will develop a cult following because Australians like a show with spirit. Aussies like stories about heroes with dark pasts and struggling to defeat inner demons. Given time and publicity more people will know about it, but time will tell if XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS gets a faithful following in Australia. But for this Xenite, the lack of publicity doesn't matter. What matters is that the show stays on the air. Battle on Xenites. ===================================== USING XWP TO WARD OFF BILL COLLECTORS ===================================== By Dyann Esparza (geekgrrl@ix.netcom.com Creditors got you down? Try a few of these next time they call your house. "Your bill is late" 1. Xena used it to clean her sword. 2. Gabrielle used it for a scroll. 3. Xena used Gabrielle's scroll as... 4. Argo ate it. 5. It was sent via Joxer messenger service. 6. Callisto was supposed to mail it (was not) were too (was not) were too (was not) were too...I didn't do anything, she did it (did not) did too (did not) did too ----ear piercing shriek here------ 7. The gods are angry. 8. I lost it in the dreamscape when I was dead. 9. I'm waiting for the ambrosia to arrive because YOU CAN'T COLLECT FROM A GOD! Bwahahahahahaha I have found that any one of these will suffice to at least ending the conversation. The Callisto scream, if you can either imitate it really well or have a copy, tends to result in there being a dial tone before you finish. As with many other XWS inspired stuff -- this is not in any way an endorsement for irresponsible bill paying behavior. ======== TIMELINE ======== 06/03/96 23 Death Mask 06/10/96 18R The Prodigal =================== AMENDED ANNOTATIONS =================== [43.6] 09-16-95 TV GUIDE. Fall Preview Issue. 62 words. "Xena: Warrior Princess" By TV Guide Staff. COMMENTARY: Here it is, the historic first mention of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS in the hallowed pages of the TV GUIDE. Calling Xena "Her- cules ", the article jokingly welcomes Xena to regular broadcast TV. The article incorrectly refers to Xena as an Amazon. REPRINT: XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS (debuted Sept. 4) "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" is a syndicated success, so a spinoff series starring a *her*- cules must have seemed like a natural. Statuesque Lucy Lawless portrays Xena, who was introduced in several "Hercules" episodes last season. The amazin ' Amazon gets mixed up with monsters and mythology in this hour adventure filmed in the actress's native New Zealand. [ 305b ] 06-09-96 THE TAMPA TRIBUNE. Television. Page 7. 1037 words. "Some TV shows, movies don't deserve to be in reruns" By Larry Bonko COMMENTARY: In a May sweeps month review, Mr. Bonko gave his choices for "examples of the best, worst, least and most of the past season". He mentioned XWP with "Worst impression of Wonder Woman: Xena, the Warrior Princess." EXCERPT: The May sweeps have come and gone, bringing with them the end of the 1995-96 network prime time season. Hello, reruns. We saw the goofus trio on "Melrose Place" - Amanda, Peter and Michael - rescued from triple lobotomies planned by Kimberly when she was her evil alter ego, Betsy. We saw Carter on "ER" graduate from intern to doctor, but he missed getting his diploma because he was sitting with a sick kid. We saw Dan on " Roseanne " survive a coronary. There was much more. Summing up, here are some examples of the best, worst, least and most of the past season.... ...Worst impression of Wonder Woman: Xena, the Warrior Princess... [ 305c ] 06-05-96 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT (Norfolk, VA). Daily Break. Page E2 . 512 words. "'Homicide' Tops the List of TV Critics' Favorites: By Larry Bonko. COMMENTARY: Reporting on the ELECTRONIC MEDIA's poll of TV critics, Mr. Bonko stated that the critics voted XWP as the 2nd highest show "that people watch religiously but are shamed to admit it". A segment of the XWP audience is somewhat embarrassed when they admit that they watch the show religiously (a guilty pleasure, perhaps?). Why is this so? (1) Misperceptions of the non-watching audience (kids show, T&A show, etc); (2) Misperceptions of the producers ("knuckled-headed show"); or (3) Misperceptions of the audience (action, subtext, humor, costume -- the diversity of the audience and its inability to agree upon what they are watching). [KT] Text same as XMR305b . =========== ANNOTATIONS =========== [311] 06-01-96 CRACKED MONSTER PARTY. Page 44. --- words. "Eczema: Wearisome Princess" Written by Greg Grabianski . Art by Walter J Brogan. Commentary: Calling it puerile, scatological and offensive would be too light an indictment for the very first mainstream parody of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS. The primary joke was various characters attempting to look up Eczema's (Xena's) skirt (7 separate jokes alone!). Blabriella (Gabrielle) was drawn wearing Xena's chakram as a hat, as Gabrielle did in THE BLACK WOLF (#11). Characterizing Eczema as solely motivated by the opportunity to chop up and skewer men, the satire was based primarily on the episode CRADLE OF HOPE (#04). It was revealed that Eczema's decision to become a warlord was based in part on her experience at a little boy's birthday party when she was 5 years old. "I ate my slice of birthday cake really fast. I wanted more. So I took away a little boy's piece. The wimp started crying and his parents yelled at me for being so greedy. I vowed never to be pushed around by anyone again -- ever! So I slaughtered everyone at the party and ate the whole cake myself!" I was struck in afterthought by how similar in sentiment this humorous flashback was to the later revealed scene in DESTINY (#36) where it is disclosed that Xena became the "Destroyer of Nations" over a disappointing encounter with Julius Caesar. "Xena! Hot Warrior Babe!" on the cover with a drawn likeness of Lucy Lawless as Xena. [KT] REPRINT: [sent out for transcription] [312] 06-01-96 SPECTRUM. Vol. 1 No. 6. Page 22. "Xena: Warrior Princess (Part 2)" Transcribed by Stacy Van Stipdonk . COMMENTARY: This is a continuation of the episode guide began in the previous issue ( XMR260 ), covering episodes 11 through 22 (but does not include DEATH MASK #23 and IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE #24; they are reviewed in SPECTRUM #8, August 1996). Part two of two parts (but in reality turned out to be three parts), it discussed each episode separately and included commentary about mythology and provided the disclaimers when used. [--KT] The mythology and history sections are absolutely superb. These sections provide the information needed without snowing the reader under with detail and even provide helpful footnotes. However, I felt like drawing my sword when I read this comment: "Should viewers be annoyed at the anachronisms and lack of a consistent time frame for Xena? Of course not. If the show were presenting itself as a serious, dramatic work of art, some explanations should be in order." In the strictest sense, I suppose these folks are right in that XWP does not present itself as serious art, yet I feel that it often transcends its genre and often gives us a hard look at the inside of the human soul. Perhaps the problem SPECTRUM is having is in realizing that a show with swords, monsters and jokes can be more than it seems on the surface. Even though I disagreed with some of their assessments of the episodes, I also found myself standing up and cheering for other comments. In discussing THE ATHENS CITY ACADEMY OF PERFORMING BARDS (#113), for example, the episode guide gives what is probably the best description I've ever seen of XWP's relationship to myth and history and it's impact on the show. The guide notes that "anachronism runs amuck in this goofy-yet highly entertaining episode." I also can't argue with their praise of Lucy Lawless' performance in WARRIOR...PRINCESS (#15). [DS] The article begins with a brief explanation that this is the second part of a season guide. As mentioned above, they did not realize that there were two more shows in the season. The usual season was 22 episodes but XWP stuck on two at the end of the season in the summer of '96. These last two shows were reviewed in the August issue of SPECTRUM. They then reminded the reader that their reviews were calculated not to be extensive or exhaustive (not like **some** journals or magazines) but "preliminary sketches to give the interested student a direction for further study". And did WE ever use it for further study! The SPECTRUM articles still represent the most extensive information available on XWP episodes to the public outside of the internet . 11. THE BLACK WOLF The synopsis picks up on the ninja influence of the Black Wolf followers. This was not a favorite of the reviewer, calling it "a boring mystery". He was taken, though, with Salmoneus (like, who isn't?). His favorite scene contains the embroidery and "many skills" dialogue. There were no mythological notes. 12. BEWARE GREEKS BEARING GIFTS The mythology notes give a brief summary of the Trojan War. The reviewer was delighted by the twists in the mythological narrative in this episode (which is a XWP technique used throughout the show's history) and was mildly shocked by the violence. He also realized that Perdicas had changed actors (very good!). ================ CUT HERE ========================== XENA MEDIA REVIEW (XMR) #22 (07-14-97) Part 1 of 5