What is Original Subtext?

In opposition to the "New" Subtext I present the term "Original" Subtext. On this site, that refers to the most widely-recognized subtext of the show, the lesbian subtext - ie, the relationship between Gabrielle and Xena. Technically, the lesbian subtext could refer to a sexual tension between any two women on the show, but in general it has come to refer to the two main characters, specifically. In fact, when it comes to XWP, the term "subtext" is near-synonymous with Xena and Gab as a romantic couple.

The actual form of the subtext can vary: in some contexts, it is any kind of closeness between them, in others, it's out and out sexual escapades. Normally it simply refers to a proof of romantic, requited love between the two women. To a number of those who watch specifically for these interactions, it is undeniable, and the Original Subtext has been one of the two sources of great debate between viewers of the show (the other being the presence of Joxer). The show's official stance on the subject is a "see what you want to see" mantra, repeating that the relationship is deliberately kept ambiguous to maintain the "fun" of it. However, many of the lesbian fans and other appreciators of the Original Subtext feel that it is unambiguous, and that to deny it is unreasonable, despite what the show's creators say.

It is not this site's intent to give an opinion on the validity of the X/G subtext one way or the other. However, I do feel that to call the subtext "undeniable" invalidates its stance as SUBtext, so as long as it's going to be called that, there has to be some element of "deniability". *G*