Xena curriculum, updated for 2020

Back in 2014 I posted my Xena curricula -- several lists of episodes I recommend watching for varying levels of commitment. I recently revised the curricula because of a VidUKon-inspired virtual* group watch of Xena. I've decided to update all the curricula and re-post them. I know the show much better now! Obviously some of this is subjective, especially the comedy episodes (I like gross body humor, as it happens). Feel free to ask me about any episodes.

I have included the extremely controversial Xena finale on some of these lists. I like the finale but also am sympathetic to why many fans felt deeply betrayed by it. If you have not watched Xena before and would like to know more then please message me.

I've put the following content warnings on:

*r -- racism of the following forms: extreme Orientalism; coding of characters as 'primitive' in a way that draws on images or stereotypes of Native Americans/Indigenous people (even though this is Ancient Greece and there are no Native Americans, this is totally a thing on Xena). Note that all episodes with Amazons have some of this as the Amazons are coded as indigenous, but I only use the warning for the more egregious examples.
*dv -- partner violence
*sv -- sexual violence -- this is always either a threat or is symbolic.

Please let me know if I've made any mistakes in my content warnings or if you think I should take a different approach. I have tried my best but my memory is imperfect and sometimes so is my judgement.

( The highlights )

( Low commitment )

 

( Medium commitment )

 
( High commitment )

( The comedies )

*via Discord -- let me know if you want to join! We watch Mondays at 19:00 UTC, and are following the high commitment list.