WHEN IN ROME...

A legendary fighter named Vercinix is captured in a battle against the Romans in Gaul. Enter Caesar. He plans to have Vercinix executed for the people and, more importantly, Caesar's reputation. In Syria, Xena captures another man for herself. We learn that this man is not only a member of the triumvirate of Imperial Rome, but he is useful to Xena. "I'm gonna trade you for Vercinix." Back at Caesar's palace, Caesar is taken by surprise by Xena and Gabrielle's presence. He goes to see for himself that Xena has Crassus (alive) while Gabby stays behind as collateral. Xena then agrees to accompany Caesar at a "show off Vercinix" party he's already planned. Meanwhile, Gabrielle has concerns over both Xena's ability to NOT assassinate Caesar and for Crassus' safety in the trade off. (She's afraid he'll be executed in place of Vercinix.) Caesar allows Xena to visit Vercinix in prison where she makes a mold of his prison cell's key. We soon learn that Caesar's not going through with the trade after all! Xena guesses that, once Caesar realizes he's about to execute Crassus in place of Vercinix, it won't matter anymore. Crassus will die. Of course, Gabrielle can't stand the thought of sending a man to his death, so she plans to give him back his Imperial Ring (which identifies him as Crassus) to spare his life at the hands of the guards. Later, acting like a drunk, Gabrielle intentionally gets herself and Crassus thrown into the prison where Vercinix waits. Even later still, Caesar captures Xena and has her thrown in prison, too. With Crassus drugged and asleep, the gang unlock the doors and make the switch. Soon, Xena is brought out for a spectacle of combat. She's killing time. Meanwhile, as Gabrielle and Vercinix escape, Gabrielle is moved by Vercinix's story and decides that Crassus' death is something that need not be prevented. She doesn't give him his ring! Xena wins the fight and is taken back to her cell. (But we all know how well that holds her!) Crassus is unveiled and Caesar is shocked. But the people think it's Vercinix and want him dead. "Give the people what they want." And Crassus is executed shouting, "Tell them who I am!" Gabrielle wonders what is happening to her and Xena wonders how many more times she is going to hurt Gabrielle.