Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire

"Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire"

"Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire" is the tenth episode of the fifth season of the syndicated television series Xena: Warrior Princess. It was written by Adam Armus and Nora Kay Foster, directed by Mark Beesley, and first aired on January 17, 1999. Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire" also is the name of a CD, with the songs from this episode, released on June 13, 2000, by Varèse Sarabande.

In the episode, Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer head to Melodia, Greece's musical capital, to participate in a battle of the bands to retrieve the Golden Lyre. Meanwhile, Joxer is embarrassed by his camp brother, Jace.

The episode is the second musical episode of the series following The Bitter Suite, although unlike The Bitter Suite which featured original music, Lyre, Lyre uses existing songs including "War", "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves", "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me", "Kick Out the Jams" and "People Got to Be Free". It also includes the song "Getting Ready", with a tune and style based on the song "The Telephone Hour" from the musical Bye Bye Birdie.

Plot

Xena and Gabrielle break up an impending conflict between a band of Amazons and the warlord Draco and his gang. The two groups are clashing over a lyre, one of several secreted around Greece by the muse Terpsichore to encourage the development of music. Xena suggests holding a "battle of the bands" to determine ownership of the lyre and both sides agree.

Word of the contest spreads to the nearby city of Melodia and dozens of performers turn out to compete. Among them is Jace, the third identical triplet of Joxer. Jace is a flamboyant performer who displays stereotypically gay mannerisms and affects a fake Spanish accent and Joxer is ashamed of him. Xena tries to organize the contest while dodging her mother who, upon discovering that Xena is pregnant, sends a succession of suitors her way. Xena finally convinces her mother that she has a family already to raise her child and she doesn't need a husband.

Draco, who has long been in love with Gabrielle under a spell of Cupid's arrow, kidnaps Gabrielle just before the battle of the bands begins. Xena confronts Draco, frees Gabrielle and wins the battle of the bands. She donates the lyre back to the people of Melodia. During a stirring finale, Jace and Joxer reconcile.

External links

• Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire at Whoosh