Xena: Warrior Princess (TV Series) Who's Gurkhan? (2000) User Reviews

The danger of vengeance

[xenatorres · 7/10 · 22 September 2007]

Directed by the very talented Michael Hurst, "Who's Gurkhan?" dealt with some very dark subject material.

Revenge is not an uncommon theme on "Xena", it's not even an original concept for Gabrielle to be the one seeking it, but "Who's Gurkhan?" dares to take Gabrielle closer to the edge than "The Return of Callisto". It is the darkest Gabrielle ever is in the series.

While Gabrielle's character explores her dark side, Virgil finally shows his "Joxer" colour as he is sadly reduced to the comic relief. Not that Lee can't pull off the humour, but, until now, he's always been a much more dramatic character. Both Lee and Wilkinson were woefully underused.

Make-up, sets and costume outdid themselves again, which gave Hurst more to play with, which, with his cineographic eye, made for a very visually stunning episode.

Best Music, Best Plot, Best Savage Ending, and One of the Best Villains all in one package!

[Zabon · 10/10 · 13 March 2013]

Hands down one of the best episodes in the series run, not only for the storyline, dancing scenarios, and musical atmosphere, but also for the presence of the evil yet enjoyable Gurkhan. So basically, Gabrielle wants vengeance against Gurkhan and goes undercover to try and get to him. The best thing about this episode is the overall music selection as well as the matching of the BGM with the scenery. Particularly Gabrielle's belly-dancing sequence. It is phenomenal in terms of music choice; which in my opinion, is the absolute best musical piece in this entire series run. Of course, Gurkhan is later found out in his harem and Gabrielle wants to slice off his head but doesn't; instead, she covers his head and allows Gurkhan's own executioners to behead him. There is tremendous moral value and savage sexual drive while torture and sadistic pleasure go into play. The episode rolls through as an overall very serious one as well as extremely memorable due to Gurkhan's fate. The episode, as well as the character of Gurkhan, remain my second-favorite plot-line and character in the series. Coincidentally, the episode came only right after the brilliantly orchestrated Hell arc.