Michael

The Archangel Michael was a recurring character on Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. He was the commander of the Archangels. Michael released the Four Horsemen to end the Earth once, because of the sins of mankind. But they were stopped by Hercules, Iolaus and Ares.

Michael met Xena and Gabrielle when they were crucified by Julius Caesar and sent to Heaven. He helped Xena rescue Gabrielle from Hell and reunited a reformed Callisto with her family. Michael's more ruthless side began to show itself sometime after, which led to his relationship with Xena souring.

Story[]

Releasing the Four Horsemen[]

Michael, in a human form lacking wings, manifested on Earth with the intention of unleashing the Four Horsemen to destroy the world, as the light Michael served had determined that evil had grown too powerful, particularly in the wake of Dahak's near-success, which showed that humanity was all to willing to turn to the darkness. Disagreeing with this plan, Iolaus snuck out of Heaven to warn Hercules that the end was nigh. Hercules and Ares teamed up to prevent Michael from succeeding, realizing that this was much bigger than their rivalry. Although they were unable to prevent Michael from releasing all four Horsemen, Michael was impressed when Hercules confronted Death itself to save Iolaus's life yet again. Deciding that Hercules's actions proved humanity worthy of another chance, Michael re-sealed the Horsemen. He then "punished" Iolaus for helping Hercules by sending him back to Earth to continue being a hero at Herc's side.

Meeting Xena and Gabrielle[]

When Xena and Gabrielle died and were sent to Heaven, Callisto and the rest of the Archdemons caused Gabrielle to be cast into the Pits of Hell. Once in Heaven, Xena attempted to throw herself into the Pits of Hell to be with her soul-mate, but she was stopped by Michael. Reluctantly, he allows Xena to walk through the Fires of Purification and become an Archangel. Xena, Michael and the rest of the Archangels venture down to Heaven and the forces of Good and Evil wage a fierce battle. Michael rescues Gabrielle, whilst Xena redeems Callisto and takes her place in Hell. Michael then allows Gabrielle to walk through the Fires of Purification and prepares for an oncoming assault on Heaven. Meanwhile, Michael reunites Callisto with her Mother and Father. Gabrielle and Xena ascend to the skies and fight, until Xena gets the upper-hand knocks Gabrielle to the floor. Xena then grabs Gabrielle and attempts to fall in to Hell with her, which prompts Michael to follow them and save Gabrielle. The situation is resolved when Xena and Gabrielle are resurrected by Eli and Callisto. Michael returns to Heaven with Xena safely in the land of the living.

Lucifier's Sins[]

When Xena killed Mephistopheles and thus became the new rightful ruler of Hell, Michael and Rafael expressed concern, since Xena nearly conquered Heaven the last time she was down there. Michael allowed the Archangel Lucifer to go to Earth to ensure Xena assumed the throne and stopped spreading evil on Earth, while Michael and Rafael worked out how to defend Heaven from Xena.

Xena hatched a plan to send Lucifer himself into Hell instead, by making him secretly commit to the Seven Deadly Sins. When Michael found out, he intervened and fought her, with the help of Lucifer and fellow Archangel Raphael. Xena talked Lucifer around and he fought with her against Michael and Raphael. Once Xena's plan was complete and Lucifer was in Hell, Michael grew to dislike Xena and the two formed a more antagonistic relationship.

Xena's Abuse of Power[]

When Caligula, the ruler of Rome, begins to extract Aphrodite's godhood and use it for himself, Michael warns Xena that Caligula has become too powerful and has to be stopped. During an attempt by Xena on Caligula's life, Ares then also informs Xena that she would kill Aphrodite, too, if she kills Caligula, thereby forcing Xena to come up with an alternative. Michael decides that the alternative is taking too long and intervenes to force Xena's hand by convincing Eve to let Caligula martyr her and by trying to kill Aphrodite (although it should be noted that Xena initially thinks it is Gabrielle whom Michael is after since the two had been together at the time of the attack). These events combine to anger Xena to the point where a fight ensues and Xena tries to drown Michael after also having put the pinch on him (which is when she finds out that he had actually been after Aphrodite and not Gabrielle).

However, before Xena can succeed in killing Michael, a circle of light shines down on her during which she is stripped of her power to kill gods (assumed by Xena to have been done by Eli, though it could be presumed that it would be more logical to have been done by Michael's superior). Michael then leaves, but not before laughing at Xena for her loss and his rescue.

He is later interviewed by Nigel, where he says that Odin should fear Xena, as she is very dangerous and puts others before herself.

Personality[]

Michael was first portrayed as being very holy and powerful and formal in language and tone of voice. He was the head of the Archangel legions and was presumably one of the highest ranking and the most powerful of the Archangels. He did however quickly show another side to his personality, when he tried to kill Aphrodite. Despite his antagonistic relationship with Xena, he was very aware of her awesome ability, claiming that even Odin should fear the warrior princess.

Archangel Power []

Being the commander of all Archangels and Angels, Michael is one of the most powerful beings in creation. His Powers and Abilities are similar or equal to power of earthly gods. It is stronger than demons, demigods and have power enough to rival the power of earthly gods.

Background Information[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Charles Mesure also plays Johnny Pinto, Mercer and Darnelle.
Mesure was the only actor playing an archangel show who was able to hold up the wings on his own.