this post was submitted on 11 Jun 2026
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Xena and Gabrielle were without a doubt my first "oh, I am a girl who likes girls" moment.
I remember my dad being so weird about me not liking the Hercules show that ran around that time and trying to be like, "Come on, he's so big and tough! Don't you wanna be that?" And all I could think about was whether or not I wanted to be Gabrielle or Xena more.
I'll also mention that today, Lucy Lawless is a badass and Sorbo is a whiney pissant.
Lucy wins. Then and now.
he held a grudge against her to this day. making shitty christian movies with other "nutty washed out actors isnt helping your image.
Meanwhile, all the manly straight men preferred Xena for the exact same reason you did.
Well, I preferred Gabrielle to Xena - but I still preferred the Xena show to the Hercules show.
I remember thinking Gabrielle was hotter, but after seeing this picture I can't imagine how
Gabrielle was a smoke show. To quantify it, I would say she was more classicly feminine.
I dunno if I agree once she had the short hair and abs popping, more tomboy
Because Xena has a more roundish face and Gabrielle looked more feminie by that times beauty standards and it takes some time for us to overcome the standards society has burdened us with and develop our own taste.
At least that's what it was for me. Today I think they're both absolutely stunning women. But at that time I was 14, living in a relatively conservative home and felt threatened by strong women.
Actually I think it's because Xena covers up more in later episodes and Gabrielle always showed more skin. And in some seasons had shorter hair than here. When was OPs picture from I wonder?
Xena is wearing a Katana, she only aquires one in Episode 133 of 134.
That's S6E21 "A Friend in Need Part I"
So OPs picture must be from the last or second to last episode.
Personality? Changing type? You don't have to choose if you go the femslash way.
Hercules show was so dedicated to being meat and potatoes it forgot that it needs to go somewhere to keep viewers engaged. Xena show simply had more going for it and better narrative structure that maintained engagement long-term. Compare Xena and Gabrielle to Hercules and Iolaus dynamics - simple as that.
I think we're the exact same person. Side question, Ive been thinking about rewatching this show. Does anyone know if it holds up or will i tarnish my fond memories?
Currently rewatching. It mostly fucking slaps. I mean, it's silly but it do be slappin.