022899
"Nothing Ventured" introduces us to the multidimensional relationship between two restless spirits apparently destined to be together no matter what. One is giving and open, filled with stories of hope, a "gentle soul" who shuns killing, whose faith and tenderness bring peace to the woman she calls "friend." The other accepts spilling blood and shields herself from all but one, her wounds so deep she wonders why she is alive, let alone loved. Sound familiar? It should, except that the one trapped in her dark past is Gabrielle, and Xena is the village maiden determined to carry the light for them both.
You see, by venturing to stay in the pre-warlord life the Fates returned her to in the episode REMEMBER NOTHING, Xena has gained the chance to lead a "normal" life. All she has to do is make love a reality with a recently freed slave girl named Gabrielle, even though this one differs in many ways from the bard who now exits only in Xena's dreams. All she has to do is hold on to what she learned from the Gabrielle in that "other" existence. All she has to do is let go parts of herself which would kill in anger this new life. It is a balancing act that stretches and turns old roles inside out, requiring the many skills the former warrior has, as well as some she's never displayed before.
"Nothing Ventured" is a poignant, ironic study of two characters who get closer the farther they stray from their "familiar" selves. It focuses vividly on the little gestures, the mundane acts which create a world that isn't supposed to be. It magnifies each touch, each tear or smile into connections that surprise, yet somehow seem as natural as the sun breaking through a cloud. Loyalties blur as they clear. Promises seal as they break. And though in the end what was gained appears lost, we discover what really mattered was always there to be found again in time.
If you have questions or comments you can e-mail me at: prosper4@hotmail.com
Unkind Comments will be wasted.
(c)March 1998