There's a few reasons why this episode is so awesome. Firstly, it features a very magnificent villain in inception and design: Mephistopheles, the blue/green-skinned king of hell. As if having the demonic appearance and wonderful skin tone, design, mannerism, and actually vile tactics weren't enough, Mephistopheles goes to the depths of possessing Gabrielle and being a psychotic monster just to invoke Xena to battle him in Hell's domain. The entire Hell arc was extremely awesome in its conception, but this episode was a killer kick for Horror genre fans as well as fans of villains. For one, the fight against Mephistopheles was very well-orchestrated. He manages to kick Xena full throttle in the back, sending her sprawling, whilst using his double-edged trident-like spear weapon. And is ever-successful at saying some of the most brilliant lines: "I thought you were the God-killer, Xena! How were the mighty Olympians so easily taken!?" And, anyone who destroys the demonic king of hell must take his throne, a task Xena doesn't want to undertake. But when being forced into a position between choosing that and allowing the king of hell to be made flesh and cause havoc on Earth's plains, Xena must challenge him to the death. The atmosphere is also very unique; there's corpses and skeletons everywhere; lots of blood and lots of ghastly hallucinations to go along with the fear factor of the episode; the house they enter is completely a fear-inducing joint, with numerous demonic and ghostly incarnations. Firstly, the episode gets bonus points for featuring an adult-oriented atmosphere; Eve must spill the blood of Eli in order to allow Mephistopheles to walk the Earth and be made flesh. Once this happens, Mephistopheles comes out from hell in a demonic storm of chaotic viciousness; his veins pulsating and the blood rushing though his pores, including his brutish eyes, which are also filled with a brimstone of vile hate. This scene is on par with the evil villain power-up scenes seen only in anime legends like Dragon Ball Z. This results in Mephistopheles fighting Xena, who is forced into slaying him, piercing his stomach and stating "So be it," choosing to take him out and become the king of hell rather than allow him to reign hell on earth. This, coupled with the overall battle mechanisms and the evil schemes of Mephistopheles make this episode a very memorable and great one not only from a horror fan's perspective, but also that of a fighting-character lover.
Review of The Haunting of Amphipolis
