They say parting is such sweet sorrow, but when it comes to our beloved TV series, oftentimes it's more bitter than sweet. Showrunners face an insurmountable task when crafting a finale. There’s the creative urge to take big swings, try new stuff, take advantage of this final opportunity to explore something they always wanted. But they have a duty to the fans as well. People who developed strong attachment to the characters and their journey have their own, often loud, opinions about the right way to end things. Twenty-five years ago, the fans of Xena: Warrior Princess got their finale, and many still haven’t gotten over it.
When Xena: Warrior Princess ended in 2001 with the two-part finale “A Friend in Need,” it delivered one of the most divisive conclusions in television history. While some viewers appreciated its tragic themes and visual ambition, the dark themes, new characters, and an odd shift in setting delivered a deeply unsatisfying ending to a beloved six-season journey.
