Logline:
The conflict between Xena and Gabrielle comes to a head in this lavish musical-fantasy episode set in a tarot-card dreamworld called Illusia. Why a musical? "It allowed us to express emotions that were best said in this way," co-executive producer Rob Tapert says. And those emotions are raw: in last week's episode, Gabrielle's evil daughter Hope killed Xena's son Solan, and Xena blames Gabrielle. "Xena really wants to kill Gabrielle," Tapert notes. Their parallel, phantasmagorical journeys dominate the storyline, which won't die completely as long as Hope is alive. (She'll turn up soon on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.)

Second Logline:
The conflict between Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle comes to a head in this lavish musical-fantasy episode set in a tarot-card dreamworld called Illusia. Why a musical? “It allowed us to express emotions that were best said in this way,” co-executive producer Rob Tapert says. And those emotions are raw: Gabrielle's evil daughter Hope killed Xena's son Solon, and Xena blames Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor). “Xena really wants to kill Gabrielle,” Tapert notes. Their parallel, phantasmagorical journeys dominate the storyline, which won't die completely as long as Hope is alive.

Guest Cast:
Callisto ... Hudson Leick
Joxer ... Ted Raimi
Ares ... Kevin Smith
Ephiny ... Danielle Cormack
Solan ... David Taylor

Production Information:
Written by: Chris Manheim & Steven L. Sears
Directed by: Oley Sassone
Edited by: Rob Field

Ratings Information:
Nielson Rating: 5.8
My Rating: 3/5

My Comments:
A unique take on to reconcile the friendship of Xena and Gabrielle--a musical episode. Kevin and Lucy have such fine chemistry together it's unbelievable.