The Character Everyone Forgets Timothy Omundson Played On Xena: Warrior Princess
The passion, the danger, and the trademark ululating war cry of its main character are just a few of the memorable aspects of the classic fantasy TV series, "Xena: Warrior Princess." The '90s spin-off of the show "Hercules" stars New Zealand actor Lucy Lawless as the fearless warrior who faces off against some of the most notorious baddies of ancient mythology. Xena is joined by her loyal partner and best friend, Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor), a relationship that became the subject of speculation for viewers, with many fans hoping that their friendship would develop into something more. Sadly, Xena and Gabrielle never became a couple.
Throughout its six season run, "Xena: Warrior Princess" threw its characters into plenty of thrilling adventures — many of them inspired by stories from Greek myth and the Christian Bible. The show also featured numerous guest stars — some who, though unrecognizable at the time, have gone on to make a name for themselves in other big properties. Karl Urban ("Star Trek"), Selma Blair ("Cruel Intentions), and Craig Parker ("The Lord of the Rings") are just a handful of notable actors that have appeared in episodes of "Xena." But there is one star who played a pivotal role in the show's fifth and sixth seasons — someone who many fans may have forgotten about: Timothy Omundson.
Perhaps best known for his role as Cain in "Supernatural," Omundson appeared in six episodes of "Xena: Warrior Princess" long before becoming the Father of Murder. Coincidentally, the part Omundson played in "Xena" was nearly the exact opposite of the vengeful villain he portrayed in "Supernatural."
Timothy Omundson as Eli, the miracle worker
In seasons 5 and 6 of "Xena: Warrior Princess," Timothy Omundson portrayed Eli, a character who would go on to play an important role in the overall story arc of the series.
When Xena and Gabrielle first meet Eli, he is a performing illusionist on the streets of India. As it turns out, Eli is not simply a magician — he is a "Devi," a healer who can not only give sight to the blind but exorcise evil spirits from their human hosts. Xena and Gabrielle meet Eli again in a later episode to discover that he is now an Avatar — a deity in human form. He is modeled as a Christ or Buddha-like figure, who teaches love and peace over violence (a far cry from Omundson's vengeful character in "Supernatural").
In the show's later seasons, Xena and Gabrielle begin to question their destinies and their chosen roads. Xena reflects on her future and her role as a warrior, and Gabrielle starts to rethink her own path of violence. Omundson's Eli is a big part of their journey to enlightenment, and has the two women questioning everything they've come to know. Like the Jesus figure of the bible, Eli performs amazing miracles — such as raising Xena from the dead. And, like Jesus, Eli sacrifices his own life when he is killed by the god Ares (Kevin Smith) and becomes a martyr.
It's possible that many Xena fans may have missed Omundson's performance completely, as viewership for the series tapered off in later years. However, for those who have a chance to check out those episodes, Omundson's performance is a joy to watch.