Thinkvolts

Lucy Lawless wore Xena’s armor for the very last time in March 2001 on a hillside in New Zealand.

Those scenes became A Friend in Need, the two-part finale that concluded six seasons and 134 episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess. In the story, Xena and Gabrielle travel to ancient Japan to face samurai warriors and the supernatural enemy Yodoshi in one final adventure.

Behind the camera stood Rob Tapert—the show's co-creator and Lucy Lawless’ husband—who reportedly wanted to direct the final episode himself and personally call the final shot of Xena’s journey.

What began in 1995 as a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys grew into one of the most influential cult television series of its era. Xena became a groundbreaking character: powerful, flawed, resilient, and unforgettable. Her legacy continues through fan conventions, streaming audiences, and dedicated communities around the world.

More than two decades later, the Warrior Princess remains a symbol of strength, redemption, and courage for generations of fans.