Best episodes to introduce someone to Xena

I'd like to introduce a friend to watching Xena but she has very little time and no tv of her own. So I was trying to think of the best episodes in Season 1 to show her. I've come up with the folllowing, however, do any of you think there should be others included and if so, why?

* **Sins of the Past** (introduction to Xena *& Gabrielle* \- yes I know Xena was in the Hercules trilogy, but I never see that as the TRUE Xena as her personality there was a bit all over the place.) * **Dreamworker** \- because it delves into her dark side. * **The Reckoning** \- introduces Ares, a very important character in the series, plus also shows her slipping into her dark side when pushed * **Hooves and Harlots -** because it shows some of Gabrielle's growth and.....Amazons (need I say more?) * **Altared States** \- because Subtext!!!! * **The Greater Good** \- because of how Gabrielle reacts to Xena's death * **Callisto** \- because......Callisto - another important character in the series and a lovely campfire scene * **Is There a Doctor in the House** \- because of how Xena reacts to Gabrielle's death (fair's fair!)

I'm tossing up though whether I should consider **Ties that Bind** because it shows again how easy Xena gives in to her dark side, though I think **The Price** in season 2 is better.

And **Death Mask?** It's not a great episode and let's be honest the representation of Cortese is laughable - I could never really see him as a threat to Amphipolis, and Toris? Well the less we say about his character probably the better. But it does provide more background as to how she evolved after Cortese attacked Amphipolis.

So I'd appreciate your views.