What is subtext?

The term "subtext" itself is a literary term. Oxford dictionary defines it thusly: "An underlying theme in a piece of writing (esp. in a novel or play)." In other words, it's exactly what it sounds like: a theme beneath, or sub, the text. Unstated but still recognizable.

XWP itself has sort of bastardized the term somewhat, and it has come to refer to the relationships and interactions of the characters on the show rather than any actual "unstated theme". Arguably the true "subtext" of the show, at least during its beginning seasons, was the attitude of the strong female archetype versus the weaker male. Throughout much of the show's run, all truly positive and powerful characters were represented by women; any men appearing in the show were either villains (Ares, Borias, Caesar) or the "weaker sex" (Joxer). Thus the more established, but unstated, theme of the show was of a feminist slant.

For the purposes of this site, the bastardized definition of "subtext" will be used, although I am aware that it is ill-applied (and apologies to Dharma Bum, with whom I frankly agree *g*). As applied at this website, "subtext" will refer to the unresolved and/or undefinable interactions between characters. Yep - it's a copout. ;)