The Seattle Times
Those that railed against an episode called "The Way" succeeded in getting the international distributors of the syndicated series, Universal and Studios USA, to remove it from worldwide distribution, never to air it again. But if fans have learned one thing from "Xena," it's not to give up without a fierce fight. So the swords are out: Petitions are circulating worldwide, Internet debates are raging and protests are being waged in the hopes of persuading the show's distributors to reverse their decision. Locally, the Seattle Xenites Against Censorship will show a tape of "The Way" at the University District Public Library, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E. tomorrow at 1 p.m. (Information: 206-467-1370.) "The Way" doesn't really present anything to get your chakrams in a twist about, though it is pretty darn cool as far as "Xena" episodes go. What's deplorable is how quickly "Xena's" producers and distributors bowed to the whims of a few protesters claiming to represent 800 million Hindus. Many don't even know about the episode's existence, according to articles by a professor of Asian studies on http://www.XenaMedia.com . "The Way" aired in some American cities earlier this spring despite protests, including here on KTWB-TV (formerly KTZZ-TV), before being pulled. It was one of three adventures that took the swashbuckling she-warrior to ancient India. When Xena's friend Gabrielle and a nonviolent avatar named Eli are captured by a demon called Indrajit, Xena allies herself with the Hindu monkey god Hanuman. With his help, Xena calls upon the supreme Hindu god Krishna to help her win the battle. To ensure an accurate portrayal of the Hindu gods, "Xena's" producers Sam Raimi (who is partly Indian) and Rob Tapert solicited the help of an expert. Even so, "Xena's" portrayal of Hanuman and Krishna aroused the ire of the World Vaishnava Association - namely Tusta Krishnadas, who has since become something of a spokesman on the "Xena" flap - and members of other Hindu organizations. As a result, Renaissance Pictures assured fans in a statement that they "have no plans to produce any further episodes involving Hindu deities or personas." You would think that "Xena's" distributors would be used to ribald discussion and mild controversy. Over its four seasons, the leather-bustiered heroine has clashed swords and bumped uglies with an assortment of historical figures, many from different centuries. Anything before, say, 1500 A.D. is fair game in the vast Xenaverse. Xena has also been associated with the feminist movement and lesbianism. Krishnadas' problem with the episode is that it portrays Lord Krishna as a fictional character and that by helping Xena, Krishna is shown as condoning lesbian relationships. I think I speak for many of us when I say, "HUH?" Krishnadas complains in an editorial that "some so-called devotees have claimed that there is no harm in having Krishna treated as a fictional character (because) . . . they think that this will somehow make people Krishna conscious. Of course, just the opposite is true." Au contraire, Xenites say. "Whenever something new comes up, (Xenites) will go and research the stuffing out of it," said SXAC member Linde Knighton. "There were a lot of people who knew nothing about Hinduism who probably learned quite a bit from watching that episode." And if you're looking for any girl-on-girl action, forget it. Xena and Gabby don't even take a bath together. Was Krishna accurately portrayed? Probably not completely, but as far as gods go on "Xena," Krishna and Hanuman come out on top; in "The Way" she gets as close as she ever does to getting religion. "You must not be hesitant to fight in a just cause," the supreme deity says. "It is better to die following your own way than to live following someone else's." Too bad Renaissance, Universal and Studios USA didn't take Krishna's advice to heart when they were in the process of making their decision. Melanie McFarland's courage will change the world! She can be reached at 206-464-2256 or by e-mail at mmcfarland@seatimes.com. |